Cleveland Browns Mock Draft: Updated Day 2 Predictions
The 2015 NFL draft got off to a fairly predictable start for the Cleveland Browns with the selection of Washington's Danny Shelton at No. 12 (see full pick analysis here). But general manager Ray Farmer shook things up at No. 19 by going with Florida State's Cameron Erving, who was announced by the team as an offensive guard (full pick analysis here).
The Browns own the 43rd and 77th overall selections on Day 2 of the draft, but they have the ability to move around if there is a particular prospect Farmer has his eyes on. The team owns two of the first 16 selections on Day 3, which could be used as ammunition to trade up to ensure the team lands impact players on Friday.
With the defensive and offensive line already addressed, here are a few positions the team could target on Day 2:
- A wide receiver. Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline were signed this offseason, but the team could use another young receiver to groom as a long-term replacement for Josh Gordon.
- A right tackle. Erving likely fills Alex Mack's spot at center after the 2015 season, but Mitchell Schwartz is also set to become a free agent, which would open up another glaring hole on the offensive line.
- An inside linebacker. Craig Robertson and Christian Kirksey did an adequate job next to Karlos Dansby a season ago, but the team may be interested in adding another young linebacker to start immediately and be groomed as Dansby's long-term replacement.
Round 2
1 of 6No. 43: Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State
According to Pro Football Focus, Travis Benjamin was targeted by Browns quarterbacks on 25 percent of their throws beyond 20 yards from the line of scrimmage. But with the offseason acquisitions of Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline, Benjamin will be battling for a roster spot in training camp.
Bowe and Hartline combined for just 13 deep targets a season ago, which would leave the Browns with a glaring hole in their receiving corps if Benjamin fails to make the final cut.
Adding a young deep threat such as Ohio State's Devin Smith would give the Browns a nice upgrade over Benjamin and someone to groom for a larger role over the next few seasons.
Round 3
2 of 6
No. 77: Tyler Kroft, TE, Rutgers
The Browns could get by in 2015 with Rob Housler and Gary Barnidge, but Rutgers' Tyler Kroft offers them the potential for a significant upgrade.
In 2014, Kroft was primarily used as a traditional in-line tight end by offensive coordinator Ralph Friedgen, and his production was underwhelming. However, in 2013, he was frequently used from the slot, where he flashed potential as a possession receiver with intriguing size.
While this is an unrealistic comparison based on expected production, his style of play compares favorably to the New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski.
Like Gronkowski, Kroft isn't an elite athlete like a Jimmy Graham-type tight end, but he has the size to box out defenders and the straight-line speed to pick up chunks of yardage when given a running lane.
Since the Browns will likely go after a quarterback in the draft once again in the coming years, it would be nice to have a reliable possession receiver at the tight end position already in place when he arrives.
Round 4
3 of 6
No. 111: Anthony Chickillo, LB, Miami (Fla.)
Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo are locked in as the starters, but the Browns lost Jabaal Sheard and didn't add anyone in free agency.
Armonty Bryant is likely the in-house option to replace Sheard, but he is coming off of a season-ending knee injury and has limited experience playing the 3-4 outside linebacker position.
It was Sheard's run defense that made him most valuable to the Browns, so Miami's Anthony Chickillo is a solid option as a replacement. Chickillo isn't the most explosive edge-rusher, but he's a decent athlete and has the size and strength to hold up against the run at the point of attack.
No. 115: Corey Robinson, OT, South Carolina
Despite adding Erving in the first round, right tackle remains a long-term question mark for the franchise.
The Browns are built like a power-running team right now with Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell, so it would make sense to target a lineman who is a mauler in the run game like South Carolina's Corey Robinson.
Robinson can offer depth at guard and tackle initially, before competing to be Schwartz's replacement in 2016.
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Round 5
4 of 6
No. 147: Brandon Bridge, QB, South Alabama
If the Browns use all 10 picks, it would be a mild surprise if one of them wasn't spent on a quarterback.
South Alabama's Brandon Bridge has absolutely no business playing in the NFL in 2015, as he is among the most raw prospects in this entire class. But his upside is fascinating and worthy of comparison to the San Francisco 49ers' Colin Kaepernick.
He's a tall, lanky quarterback (6'4", 229 lbs) with a cannon for an arm and excellent mobility.
While Bridge would be nothing more than a developmental prospect, the Browns have the picks to afford to take a gamble like this on Day 3.
Round 6
5 of 6
No. 189: J.J. Nelson, WR/RS, UAB
Benjamin and Marlon Moore were the Browns' primary return specialists a season ago, but both will be fighting for jobs during training camp among a crowded group of receivers.
Due to his size (5'10", 156 lbs) UAB's J.J. Nelson likely won't be a factor at receiver, but his electric ability as a return specialist should interest a team like the Browns, who need to find creative ways to move the ball down the field.
No. 202: John Crockett, RB, North Dakota State
Glenn Winston and Shaun Draughn are currently the Browns' third- and fourth-string running backs, and neither took a single carry for the team in 2014.
The team needs an insurance policy behind their two workhorse second-year backs, and North Dakota State's John Crockett offers the team good value in the sixth round due to his running style that compares favorably to West's.
Round 7
6 of 6
No. 229: Josh Lambo, K, Texas A&M
With 10 picks, the Browns can afford to target a couple specialists.
Garrett Hartley's job is far from secure, and it's a safe bet to assume the Browns will have some competition for him in training camp.
In the seventh round, it would make sense to target a kicker to ensure some quality competition pushes Hartley for the position.
Texas A&M's Josh Lambo is ranked by NFL.com's Lance Zierlein as the top kicker in this class.
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