By orchestrating the second blockbuster trade of the 2016 NFL Draft the Cleveland Browns have set themselves up to not only rebuild their decimated team through this year’s draft, but in the next two drafts as their deal with the Philadelphia Eagles spreads across the next three drafts.
Add to that the sudden panic of other quarterback-needy teams like the San Francisco 49ers, possibly the New York Jets and even the Denver Broncos and their current pick at No. 8 could become more valuable as the day wears on.
The Browns hired the right coach in Hue Jackson and he comes from a team, the Cincinnati Bengals, that transformed themselves into a perennial contender with a single draft (the 2011 draft to be exact). With these picks, five in the first three rounds, Jackson and the Browns can do the same thing and all they have to do is follow exactly what the Bengals did back then. Here’s the Perfect Mock Draft for them to do it.
Round 1, Pick 8 – Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
The Browns have one starting caliber wideout left on the roster and it’s Brian Hartline. Hartline is a quality possession receiver, but they need to upgrade this position in a big way and Treadwell, regardless of whatever 40 time he puts up in any workout, is a super star and will be for the next decade in the NFL. That Bengals team started out that 2011 draft by picking A.J. Green. The Browns do the same with Treadwell here.
Round 2, Pick 32 – Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
I have Connor Cook as my third best quarterback prospect in this draft. Some people have him at fourth. Some people have even said he might turn out to be the best quarterback of the bunch. Regardless if he’s still on the board at the top of the second round, and he may not be, the Browns need to turn that card in face. This is Andy Dalton falling to the Bengals all over again. Just like 2011.
Round 3, Pick 65 – Nick Martin, Center, Notre Dame
The Browns have to address their need at center after losing Alex Mack to free agency. Martin is the No. 2-ranked center on most boards and is an easy call to make if he’s still there at 65.
Round 3, Pick 79 – Rashard Higgins, WR, Colorado State
We’re still building up that wide receiver corps and Higgins is another big body productive pass-catcher. Just two seasons ago he caught 1,750 yards worth of passes and 17 touchdowns.
Round 4, Pick 99 – Connor McGovern, OG, Missouri
The Browns cant go wrong picking any position, but McGovern makes sense here to bulk up the interior of the offensive line. They need guys at every spot, including tackle, but the Missouri standout is a value pick here in the fourth round.
Round 4, Pick 100 – Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA
Perkins is one of the most underrated players in this draft. He’s a mutlitalented back that can run inside, outside and catch the ball out of the backfield.
Round 4, Pick 138 – D.J. White, CB, Georgia Tech
Every team should really add a corner in every draft and luckily for the Browns, this is a deep defensive back group. Jackson and his coaches really need to work on salvaging Justin Gilbert, but White will add good depth and a solid third corner down the road.
Round 5, Pick 141 – Blake Martinez, ILB, Stanford
Cleveland has just three inside linebackers on the roster right now after adding Demario Davis in free agency. Martinez is a guy that can push for a spot on the field early. His size, athleticism and intelligence might make him an end of the season starter.
Round 5, Pick 172 – D.J. Reader, DT, Clemson
Reader adds a talented player from a winning program to a lackluster Browns line looking for anyone to compliment Danny Shelton.
Round 5, Pick 173 – Eric Striker, OLB, Oklahoma
The undersized Striker is one of my favorite players in this draft and will find a way to get on the field for the Browns, even as a special teamer, from the first game.
Round 6, Pick 176 – Tyvis Powell, Safety, Ohio State
Powell’s rankings in all the scouting boards I’ve seen is a mystery. He’s 6-foot-3, 211 pounds and runs a 4.44 40. He’ll push his way onto the field for the Browns immediately.
Round 7, Pick 226 – Derrick Kindred, Safety, TCU
We’re finishing out the draft in the defensive backfield too with Kindred. He’s another 4.46 guy with a physical presence on the field. Not as tall as Powell, he makes up for it in toughness, playing through a broken collarbone his senior year. His 37.5-inch vertical will more than make up for his 5-foot-10 inch height.
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