It’s very early and the scouting combine in Indianapolis hasn’t even begun, yet now is never too early for preliminary Cleveland Browns mock drafts. I have a better chance at being struck by lightning than guessing the correct picks of all ten draft picks the Browns hold in their holster. Anyways, it’s fun and here it goes. This mock draft does not include trades.
With the 4th Pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select…
Sammy Watkins, wide receiver from the Clemson Tigers
How can you not like this kid? The Browns could very well be down to one main receiver (Josh Gordon) when the season begins. Davone Bess has “Tweeted” his way out of Cleveland and Greg Little just wasn’t meant to be a receiver in the NFL. Little should have stuck to running back. That leaves Gordon, Travis Benjamin, Josh Cooper, and Brian Tyms. Watkins would be welcomed to the First Energy Stadium with open arms. Despite being a receiver, Watkins is the “safest” pick in this draft.
With the 26th Pick…
Zack Martin, offensive lineman from the Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Browns must bolster the front five. If the Browns are looking for a nasty guard/tackle, Martin is their guy. It doesn’t getting any tougher than this kid. At 6’4″ and 305 lbs, Martin is the perfect fit for the type of running game the Browns intend to install. Martin would instantly fit in on an offensive line that has a future Hall of Fame left tackle.
With the 35th Pick…
Carlos Hyde, running back from the Ohio State University
Cleveland has not had much luck with drafting Buckeyes in the recent past. But, Hyde could change all of that in a heartbeat. Due to a suspension, Hyde played in 11 games his senior year and rushed for 1,521 yards on 208 carries. Granted its college football, but that’s 7.3 yards per carry. That’s more than double what the Browns averaged on the ground in 2013. If Hyde is there in the second round, the Browns should be grinning.
With the 71st Pick…
Jimmy Garoppolo, quarterback from the Eastern Illinois Panthers
The last time the Browns drafted a quarterback in the third round was 2010. That pick was Colt McCoy. We all know how that turned out. In arguably the most important draft in franchise history, the Browns can ill-afford to miss at quarterback. The draft is deep with field general talent and the next Russell Wilson could be there. I like Garoppolo a ton and wouldn’t mind him being behind Brian Hoyer on the depth chart.
With the 83rd Pick…
Shayne Skov, inside linebacker from the Stanford Cardinal
It’s time for the Browns to find their mean and nasty middle linebacker. When is Cleveland going to get that physical, tough, high-flying, and fearless linebacker like their division foes have? Skov is the answer and will make everyone soon forget about Craig Robertson. His stock is rising fast and I love this pick.
With the 102nd Pick…
Jared Abbrederis, wide receiver from the Wisconsin Badgers
This is a guy that really opened my eyes in the Big Ten. At average height and weight for a receiver, Abbrederis caught over 200 passes for 3,140 yards in his college career. The Browns need weapons and Abbrederis would be an awesome piece.
With the 123rd Pick…
Victor Hampton, cornerback from the South Carolina Gamecocks
While I fully expect and want the Browns to go hard after Alterraun Verner in free agency, they will still be drafting a defensive back or two. Last year, I was super high on Dee Milliner and it broke my heart when I watched him become a New York Jet. Hampton is a physical corner that can be a game changer. I don’t expect him to last past the fourth round.
With the 133rd Pick…
Will Clarke, defensive end from the West Virginia Mountaineers
Lengthy and tall, Clarke gave Zack Martin trouble at the Senior Bowl. With a natural explosive first step that can be coached to perfection, Clarke would add even more depth to the young Cleveland defense.
With the 164th Pick…
Wesley Johnson, offensive guard/center from the Vanderbilt Commodores
Should Alex Mack decide to leave the orange-and-brown, Johnson may be the perfect replacement. With 50 consecutive starts, a Commodores record, Johnson is versatile and can play guard or center. He was a first team All-SEC selection in 2013.
With the 195th Pick…
Connor Shaw, quarterback from the South Carolina Gamecocks
With a another new front office, I could easily see the Browns taking another quarterback in this draft – much like the Washington Redskins did in 2012. Shaw may be a good project quarterback and threw just 16 interceptions in four years.
Ryan Ruiz is the Cleveland Browns Beat Writer for The Inscriber: Digital Magazine. You can follow him on Facebook: Ryan (BrownsWriter) Ruiz and Twitter @ryanpruiz24. Ryan is also a Browns correspondent for The Sportsfix. Tune in every Friday at noon on www.thesportsfix.net. Email Ryan at [email protected]
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