Cleveland Browns' NFL Draft Big Board: Position-by-Position Rankings
Cleveland Browns general manager Ray Farmer has a tough job in 2015 NFL draft.
The Browns have plenty of picks to work with, but they also have multiple needs that must be addressed—and it must be done with a draft class that is relatively light at the top.
The following big boards don't necessarily rank all of the best players at each position. Instead, the intent was to create a short list of prospects at each position of need who could reasonably be considered targets based on where the Browns are drafting or where they could conceivably maneuver to acquire the prospect.
The positions are roughly placed in order of importance.
Defensive Line
1 of 6
The Browns ranked dead last in rushing yards allowed last season and desperately need to find a way to bolster their defensive line.
While Phil Taylor returns at nose tackle, he has struggled to stay healthy during his time in Cleveland and is set to hit the free-agent market after the 2015 season. For these reasons, the Browns are expected to target a nose tackle in this draft, even if the incoming rookie is forced to split duties with Taylor.
1. Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
Shelton has been the consensus top available nose tackle in this class since exploding this past season at Washington.
Despite playing nose tackle and often taking on multiple blockers, Shelton recorded nine sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss.
There are some concerns about his conditioning, which may lead to a reduced load in the NFL. Despite the fact that he played nearly 900 snaps a season ago, per Pro Football Focus' Steve Palazzolo, he noticeable wore down late in games and appeared to take plays off on occasion:
"Washington DT Danny Shelton played the second-most snaps of any DT in the nation this year with 874 #CFF
— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) February 5, 2015"
2. Malcom Brown, NT, Texas
If the Browns miss out on Shelton, Brown may be their backup plan.
Brown isn't quite as disruptive as Shelton in terms of getting into the backfield, but Brown is built like a true nose tackle who can eat up space on the line.
With a nose tackle like Brown who lacks the ability to be a disruptive force, the ceiling for production is much lower. However, it's tough for a space-eater to be a bust unless injuries take control.
Farmer may view Brown as a safe option for the Browns to target with the second of their two first-round picks if they miss out on Shelton at No. 12.
3. Eddie Goldman, NT, Florida State
Goldman is simply a space-eater, which has value but limited upside.
Based purely on his size, Goldman is capable of playing the nose tackle role in a defense and occupying multiple blockers. However, he is far less consistent when compared to Shelton and Brown in terms of his ability to hold his ground.
Goldman noticeably struggled in Florida State's playoff game against Oregon, as the Ducks interior offensive line were able to double-team him and blow him off his spot consistently.
The Browns likely view Goldman as a second-round option.
4. Jordan Phillips, NT, Oklahoma
Phillips has many of the same positive and negative traits as Goldman.
He certainly fits the physical profile of a nose tackle, but his inconsistent ability to hold his ground raises some concern.
Additionally, Phillips effort has been a concern throughout his career at Oklahoma. One scout recently told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's Big McGinn: "He has the most upside of everybody in the group, but he just doesn't play hard all the time."
Given these concerns, it would be tough to justify selecting Phillips until Day 2.
5. Carl Davis, DT/DE, Iowa
Davis is a man of mystery.
He may have the most fascinating blend of size and athleticism of any prospect on this list, but the production simply never matched the physical tools.
Davis has the size to play nose tackle, but he's a much better athlete than the other prospects above him on this list. This blend would make him an interesting option for the Browns, as he could rotate in at nose tackle and as a 3-4 end as a rookie, before potentially taking over for Taylor in 2016.
Davis' draft stock likely hinges on whether or not he satisfied teams during the interview process. However, no predraft visit was reported between Davis and the Browns, so it's possible the team simply does not have an interest in his services.
6. Grady Jarrett, DT/DE, Clemson
Much like Davis, Jarrett offers versatility, with the ability to play anywhere on the defensive line in the Browns' 3-4 scheme.
He's much shorter than the typical nose tackle (6'0", 301 lbs), but the short, stocky build allows him to play with leverage and hold his ground exceptionally well.
Wide Receiver
2 of 6
The Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline acquisitions certainly help, but there remains a gap on the roster at wide receiver.
Right now, the Browns have one true outside receiver (Bowe) and a glut of guys who are best suited to play in the slot (Hartline, Taylor Gabriel, Andrew Hawkins).
The Browns should focus on wide receiver prospects capable of lining up on the outside and stretching the field, which would complement Bowe, who is more of a possession receiver at this stage of his career.
1a. Amari Cooper, Alabama
Landing one of the top receivers will almost certainly require a trade up, but given the Browns need for a receiver and the number of picks at their disposal, it's worth throwing options on this list as possible targets.
Cooper lacks elite measurables, but his exceptional route-running ability makes him a safe bet to make a smooth transition to the NFL.
He'll excel on short and intermediate routes at the next level more than on the deep routes, but he is clearly the complete package who should start immediately.
1b. Kevin White, West Virginia
White is taller, much more physical and maybe even a little more explosive than Cooper. For these reasons he is a more dangerous deep threat and a better fit to fill the void left by Josh Gordon.
However, White is still developing as a route-runner and will likely have less of a well-rounded game as he transitions to the NFL when compared to Cooper.
It's tough to distinguish between the two, and the Browns would certainly be happy to have either receiver starting opposite Bowe.
3. DeVante Parker, Louisville
Based on where the Browns are drafting, Parker is the most realistic option for them in the first round. There's a strong possibility that Parker will be on the board at No. 12, but he's unlikely to last until No. 19.
Realistically Parker won't match this comparison based on production, but his style of play is reminiscent of Randy Moss. Like the legendary, yet controversial, receiver, Parker is tall and lanky but possesses the smooth acceleration and speed to stretch the field.
He doesn't necessarily have the strength to battle for contested catches like a Calvin Johnson-type receiver, but Parker's ability to create separation, coupled with his height and leaping ability, makes him an intriguing combination of deep-threat and possession receiver.
4. Breshad Perriman, Central Florida
Perriman is still extremely raw, and Browns fans should brace themselves for some bad drops and other rookie mistakes should he land in Cleveland.
That said, he offers a special blend of size, speed and athleticism that gives him the potential to develop into a future No. 1.
Farmer recently paid a visit to Perriman in Orlando, Florida, and late visits often indicate some genuine interest. The Browns may view Perriman as a fall-back option if they miss out on the consensus top-three receivers. Pro Football Talk noted Perriman's visit to Orlando:
"WR Breshad Perriman dined last night in Orlando with G.M. Ray Farmer and other Browns executives, per league source.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 27, 2015"
5. Jaelen Strong, Arizona State
Strong is another prospect who needs some development, but he also has enough raw tools to make an impact as a possession receiver immediately.
In terms of tools and NFL-readiness, Strong is similar to Chicago Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery when he entered the league out of South Carolina.
Like Jeffery as a rookie, Strong lacks the route-running skills to create consistent separation but does have the physical strength and hands to win the battle for 50-50 balls.
Strong would likely be a second-round target of the Browns should he fall, rather than an option at No. 12 or No. 19.
Offensive Line
3 of 6
The Browns are seemingly ready to be done with right tackle Mitchell Schwartz and will likely use a first- or second-round selection to find his replacement.
The team may be interested in favoring a prospect who has some versatility, due to the fact that veteran John Greco is getting up there in age and may not have a long-term future with the team.
Drafting a prospect with the hopes of him playing right tackle, but having the option of shifting him to guard as a backup plan, may be a safe route for the Browns to take.
1. Ereck Flowers, OT/OG, Miami (FL)
Flowers is a mauler in the run game, which makes him an ideal candidate for the Browns who have two fairly powerful, downhill runners in Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell.
While he played left tackle at Miami, he's better suited to play on the right side or guard in the pros due to somewhat limited athleticism.
In terms of a recent player comparison, he could be considered a poor man's Greg Robinson. Like the St. Louis Rams' first-round selection a year ago, he is ready to excel as a run-blocker immediately but has some room for growth in pass protection.
2. La'el Collins, OT/OG, LSU
Collins is probably interchangeable with Flowers on this list.
Like Flowers, Collins is a right tackle or guard in the pros who will excel immediate as a run-blocker. Some teams may view Collins strictly as a guard, so it's possible the Browns aren't as interested. However, he appears to have the versatility to play either position.
3. Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Peat is more of a traditional left tackle, although there's certainly no reason why he can't shift over to the right side in Cleveland.
In terms of pass-protection ability, Peat is the most valuable prospect on this list. However, he lacks the mean streak that the other less athletic linemen seem to possess in the running game.
It's tough to overlook a player with Peat's upside, so he makes the cut for this list, but it's worth noting that he doesn't quite fit the profile of the run-blocking right tackle the Browns are in the market for this year.
4. T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh
Clemmings is sort of a blend between Peat and Flowers. He's an even better athlete than Peat and has the potential to play left tackle in the NFL, but he also has more of a mean streak and has flashed the ability to dominate as a run blocker as well.
Clemmings comes from a power-running game in Pittsburgh where he blocked for James Conner, a potential top pick in the 2016 draft.
Despite moments of dominance in the run game, Clemmings does have a leaner frame than most run-blocking tackles and may not be the Browns' ideal choice.
5. Donovan Smith, OT/OG, Penn State
Smith lacks the hype that some of the other prospects on this list have received, but he may actually represent the perfect blend of fit and value for the Browns on Day 2 of the draft.
While he played left tackle at Penn State, Smith is certain to make a position change in the pros, either to guard or tackle.
He's a physical player, whom many Browns fans likely saw match up with Joey Bosa when Penn State took on Ohio State this past season. Smith's ability to handle Bosa on the edge was a significant feather in his cap.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Inside Linebacker
4 of 6
Karlos Dansby is holding down one starting job, but as of right now a competition between Craig Robertson and Christian Kirksey is likely for the other spot.
While both Robertson and Kirksey did an adequate job a season ago, neither excelled against the run, which remains a serious area of concern for the Browns.
The team is likely to address the position at some point within the first two rounds, putting an emphasis on someone capable of bolstering its run defense.
1. Eric Kendricks, UCLA
Some teams may view Kendricks as a two-down linebacker due to some limitations in coverage—and the Browns may actually be one of those teams. Despite his limitations, however, he won't be asked to handle the more difficult assignments due to Dansby's abilities in coverage.
Additionally, both Robertson and Kirksey fared well in coverage a season ago, giving the Browns some flexibility at the position.
Kendricks range and physical style of play against the run is what will interest the Browns, even as a two-down player.
2. Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State
McKinney is bigger and more physical than Kendricks, so he may actually be more valuable as a run-stuffer at the line of scrimmage. However, he lacks Kendricks' change-of-direction ability and speed, which limits his range.
There's a tradeoff to be made, and who is atop their board at this position will depend on which traits the team values most.
3. Denzel Perryman, Miami (FL)
Perryman could be a great fit for the Browns for the same reasons as Kendricks.
He is almost certainly a two-down lineman, as he is limited by a lack of athleticism in coverage. For this reason, he likely slides to the third round or further on draft day, at which point Perryman could be a steal for the Browns.
As a team who has a need for a two-down lineman who can step up and make an immediate impact against the run, Perryman could be an ideal value pick in the third round.
Running Back
5 of 6
The rankings at running back are nice and simple because the Browns should only take one if an elite prospect was their best available player in the first round.
Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West deserve another shot to carry the load, but the Browns shouldn't be foolish and ignore an opportunity to land a game-changer.
1. Todd Gurley, Georgia
Gurley is widely viewed as a top-10 overall talent, but a slide outside the top 10 is possible due to his history of injuries and the position plays.
It's hard to find more than a handful of first-round prospects who absolutely must be at the top of the Browns' draft board, so it's conceivable they find themselves in a position where value and need simply don't mesh—especially at No. 19.
While West and Crowell are nice backs, neither one is comparable to a healthy Gurley.
If the Browns aren't able to address a glaring area of need and Gurley is on the board, he has to be considered.
2. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
All the same things can be said of Gordon, who could also be the best available player sitting on the board at No. 19.
Gordon isn't as powerful as Gurley and has some concerns in terms of fumbling issues and his lack of production as a receiver out of the backfield. However, he is a dangerous one-cut runner with a nice blend of size and speed.
Adding him to their stable of running backs would solidify the group for 2015 and potentially turn one of the others into trade bait next offseason.
Tight End
6 of 6
Tight end may be considered a luxury pick for the Browns since they have many other needs.
However, young quarterbacks are often most comfortable with a reliable tight end in the fold, so if they plan on going back to Johnny Manziel or selecting Marcus Mariota, the team may view this as a position worth addressing on the second day of the draft.
1. Maxx Williams, Minnesota
Williams is clearly the top prospect at the position and should immediately make an impact as a Jason Witten-type possession receiver.
His modest speed limits his ability to break free downfield, but Williams consistently works the short and intermediate routes to create windows of separation and then has the excellent hands to haul in the pass.
He may slide to the second day due to the fact that he doesn't have the freakish athleticism that teams covet from the position, but there's no doubting his ability to contribute as a possession receiver.
2. Clive Walford, Miami (FL)
Walford doesn't have the measurables or the athleticism to excite teams, but he is a steady possession receiver who projects as a reliable backup tight end at worst.
Early in his career, Walford struggled with drops, but he made significant strides as a senior and likely solidified himself as a Day 2 selection.
Like Williams, Walford doesn't stretch the field, but he is a reliable weapon on the short and intermediate routes and a decent red-zone target as well.
3. Tyler Kroft, Rutgers
Kroft is a tough player to judge, because he was used in two very different roles in 2013 and 2014 under different coaching staffs.
As a senior, he was a fairly minor piece of the offense, used mostly as an in-line tight end which didn't highlight his strengths.
In 2013, however, Kroft frequently lined up in the slot and was an emerging weapon in the passing game. He has the size and athleticism to warrant a Rob Gronkowski comparison based on their style of play.
Don't expect his production to match Gronk's, but he can win battles in the middle of the field in much the same way as the New England Patriots star tight end.
4. Jeff Heuerman, Ohio State
Heuerman is a baffling prospect, because the size, speed and athleticism all point to a future star. However, he was a non-factor in Urban Meyer's offense—an offense that has been known for featuring athletic tight ends such as Aaron Hernandez.
It's hard not to wonder what was going on that lead to Heuerman's disappearance at Ohio State. Perhaps it was the foot surgery he had prior to the 2014 season, or maybe it's something more.
As long as NFL teams get an acceptable explanation from Heuerman and the Buckeyes' coaching staff, Heuerman should be considered a strong developmental prospect with the upside to develop into a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
5. Ben Koyack, Notre Dame
The talent starts to drop off right about here, but there are still some options for the Browns on Day 3.
Koyack is a notch below other recent Notre Dame tight ends such as Tyler Eifert and Troy Niklas, but he offers some value late in the draft.
He was rarely used as a receiver at Notre Dame, but he showed flashes of ability and may be considered a candidate to elevate his game significantly once he lands in a system that suits his ability better.
One plus with Koyack is the fact that he has experience lining up all over the place. With so many tight ends on the roster throughout his career, Notre Dame got creative in finding ways to get him on the field until he took over as the starting tight end as a senior.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
