As a Browns fan, I know that our team has had a few rough seasons recently. Actually, to put it into perspective, we've only had FOUR winning seasons since coming back to Cleveland in 1999. I believe a lot of that has had to do with a lack of continuity (constant front office and coaching changes), bad drafts by [insert just about any GM name they've had here], and other bad moves (the $230 million dollar albatross still strangling Cleveland's salary cap, with nothing to show). With that being said, we have two higher probability picks this year to start correcting our frustrating franchise.
We have the 6th and the 24th picks in this years draft, with a couple of major holes on our team: offensive line and wide receiver. Although the Browns have made some great moves in free agency, offensive line is still a big question mark. Here are some of my thoughts if they don't trade out of the 6 and 24 positions.
Number 6
At number 6 overall, they have the chance to grab one of the top linemen in the draft. Only problem is, the highest ranked lineman are right tackles and the Browns need a LEFT tackle. Although they have Dawand Jones slated to play left tackle, he's a huge injury risk (see the last two years). They COULD take a right tackle and try to move them to left tackle, but that doesn't always work (see Jedrick Wills).
Also at number 6, they have a chance to grab the top receiver, Carnell Tate. Only problem with this is that Tate wasn't even the best receiver on his own team last year (Jeremiah Smith). Also, arguably, he's not elite in any one category, except maybe route running. Coming into a program with an established number one receiver would be one thing, but the Browns don't currently have that with Jerry Jeudy being their top option.
Francis Mauigoa out of Miami is another potential option at 6. He appears to be a dominant right tackle that could only get better. He excels in run blocking and has shown the ability to get better in pass protection.
Although he may seem like a reach at 6 by most draft analysts, Monroe Freeling out of Georgia could be another possibility. He lit it up at the combine and appears to be climbing draft boards pretty quickly.
A dark horse at 6 appears to be Caleb Downs. Although safety isn't an immediate need, Downs would be a HUGE upgrade on an already strong defense.
Best guestimate at 6 - Freeling
Number 24
At pick 24, that's a lot harder to guess. With so many other picks happening before this pick, so many different things can happen. I can see Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State falling to the Browns here. With all of his physical skills and intangibles, he could be the best wide receiver in the draft. He's also a huge injury risk as well with a colorful past injury history. Another possible receiver selection here could be Denzel Boston out of Washington. He's a big bodied receiver that has a knack for getting open and is amazing on jump balls.
If they don't go offensive line with their first selection, I can see that happening with this pick. One guy that's been predicted all over the board is Alabama's Kadyn Proctor. For a guy his size, he's amazingly athletic, but could be more of a project.
Best guestimate at 24 - Boston
I'm looking very forward to Thursday, April 23rd to see who the Browns end up selecting in the first round! Stay tuned...