Some thoughts on the Kareem Hunt signing: While We’re Waiting
February 12, 2019Looking Back While Moving Forward: The 2014 Draft
February 13, 2019Good morning and happy Wednesday, guys! Now that we’re almost halfway through the week, hope everyone is having a great week so far.
With the NFL Draft 71 days away, we give you our second WFNY Mock Draft Roundup of the year. Currently holding the No. 17 pick in the first round, the Cleveland Browns are in a great spot, especially considering they do not need to focus on finding a franchise quarterback seemingly for the first time since their return in 1999.
Obviously, with the NFL Scouting Combine and Pro Days still ahead, along with almost three months until the actual draft, plenty of mocks and predictions will change. Even though that’s the case, it’s still important to see what direction analysts believe the Browns will go in the first round, at least as of right now. In case you don’t see some big-name analysts’ mocks, it’s due to them not having an updated one since we did our first WFNY Mock Draft Roundup 1.0 last Wednesday.
Let’s take a look:
ESPN’s Todd McShay: DT Christian Wilkins, Clemson
Sure, the Browns have some other areas of need, but this value is too good to pass up, especially with Trevon Coley and Carl Davis headed toward free agency. Wilkins is one of the top 10-12 players in the draft class. He is scheme-versatile, and Cleveland would love his high awareness and motor in the middle of that defensive line.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler: DT Christian Wilkins, Clemson
From Clemson to Cleveland and a different shade of orange, Wilkins would give the Browns an interior disruptor with the talent and pedigree to upgrade the interior. Wilkins and Larry Ogunjobi inside, along with the edge rushers outside, would be a problem for opponents.
NFL.com’s Maurice Jones-Drew: OT Jonah Williams, Alabama
Williams is a stud lineman who will help solidify this offensive line — and protecting Baker Mayfield is a must.
NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah: OT Andre Dillard, Washington State
I believe Dillard is the top left tackle prospect in the draft and his pass-protecting prowess is just what Baker Mayfield needs.
NFL.com’s Chad Reuter: DT Christian Wilkins, Clemson
If the quarterbacks don’t go early in Round 1, Wilkins will probably be off the board before this pick. However, if there’s an early run on passers, there will be some bargains, like Wilkins at No. 17.
CBS Sports’ R.J. White: OT Andre Dillard, Washington State
The Browns might be happy re-signing Greg Robinson and moving forward with their current group on the offensive line, but with so few holes on their depth chart, they could also lock in a cheap, blindside blocker with this pick. Dillard dominated during Senior Bowl week and should be capable of settling at left tackle long-term.
CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson: CB Byron Murphy, Washington
Before it’s all said and done, Murphy could be the first cornerback drafted. He was that good last season for the Huskies. The Browns could be a player or two from being considered a legit playoff contender next season and adding Murphy solidifies that notion.
Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer: WR D.K. Metcalf, Ole Miss
While his college teammate A.J. Brown is the shorter, scrappier playmaker, Metcalf is the classic size-speed prospect (6-foot-4, 230 pounds). That’s the kind of outside No. 1 the Browns’ offense needs to push the ball better both downfield and in the red zone with Baker Mayfield, especially now that we know their new head coach, Freddie Kitchens, won’t be messing with the passing game.
In case you aren’t on Twitter or just might have missed it on Monday,1 a picture of Metcalf went viral on social media, simply because of the massive human being the wide receiver is. WFNY’s Michael Bode wants the Browns to take him because well, he and Myles Garrett on the same team needs to happen.
If this is not a photo-shop, then I absolutely want to see DK Metcalf on the same team as Myles Garrett & Larry Ogunjobi.
Not only will they be terrifying playing football, but ZERO teams would start an on-field brawl with the Browns. https://t.co/DhYsO678O3
— michael bode (@mgbode_WFNY) February 11, 2019
The Draft Network’s Trevor Sikkema: CB Greedy Williams, LSU
Trade: Browns send No. 17, No. 81, and No. 145 to move up three spots in the first round. Falcons send No. 14 and No. 111 to Cleveland.
Things are trending up for Cleveland in some big ways. In fact, their list of draft needs isn’t a mile long like it usually is. And that fact combined with their 11 draft picks (not including compensatory picks) makes them a prime candidate to move up a bit. I think that if Greedy Williams gets within striking distance for them, they’ll be willing to part ways with one or more of their many late round draft picks to go pair him with Denzel Ward.
Pro Football Focus’ Michael Renner: CB Deandre Baker, Georgia
Baker may not do any one thing, in particular, that could be described as ‘elite,’ but his collection of skills has led to elite production. Baker earned a 90.0 grade this past year and a 89.6 grade in 2017.
A few analysts had the Browns selecting Mississippi State defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons but after he tore his ACL during pre-draft workouts earlier this week, that is no longer the case, at least in the first round. Do you want them to potentially draft him in the second round if he is still on the board?
What say you, Dawg Pound? Do you have a certain position(s) that you want the Browns to focus on early in the draft, specifically in the first round? Do you have a can’t-miss guy(s) that if they drop to No. 17, you want Cleveland to take and it would be considered a steal?
With that said, if there is a certain mock draft(s) that you feel as though we should include in these, please let us know. The more mock drafts and predictions, the better.
Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!
- Editor’s note: Gee, I wonder what happened that day? [↩]