How the Cleveland Browns Draft Is Lining Up: Focus on Offense or Defense?

Considering the deficiencies of personnel for the 3-4 defense, which is in place already, and the effort underway to convert to the West Coast Offense (WCO) that will require additional specialized position players, where will the draft focus be for Cleveland?

If Holmgren is Rebuilding for the West Coast Offense

Round One, Pick Seven

Trade down.  There isn’t anything worth paying that much money for at the top of the draft to build the WCO.

Does Philadelphia want to move up for C.J. Spiller to replace Brian Westbrook?

OG Mike Iupati, Idaho to replace retiring Ryan Tucker

Round Two, Pick 38

TE Germaine Greshham, Oklahoma

A solid pass catching tight end would be key.  Signing of Ben Watson probably negates the need for this pick.

WR Brandon LaFell, LSU

Tall, physical, and decent quickness, effective in the slant and post routes, which is perfect for WCO.

Round Three, Pick 70 (trade from Round One)

RB Joe McKnight, USC

Good pass catcher out of the backfield.

Round Three, Pick 71

WR Taylor Price, Ohio U

Sharp and precise route runner with great speed (4.41).

Round Three, Pick 92

QB Tony Pike, Cincinnati

Accurate passer with good reads could be the QB of the future Holmgren is looking for

OR...If Holmgren is Rebuilding for the 3-4 Defense

Round One, Pick 7

Obviously, if an Eric Berry is still on the board at No. 7, you grab him.  Otherwise, the 3-4 needs populated with front seven guys:

DE Jason Pierre-Paul, USF or Everson Griffen, USC

Both have the size to be on the front line in the 3-4 and are impossibly fast for linemen of their size.

or

ILB Rolando McClain, Alabama

Match up this rookie impact player with new addition Scott Fujita on the inside.

Round Two, Pick 38

DT Terrence Cody, Alabama

A big body to plug the middle to learn from Shawn Rogers, who has maybe one or two good years left.

or

ILB Brandon Spikes, Florida (If McClain was not taken in Round One)

A definite impact player to be had in the second round.

Round Three, Pick 71

CB Chris Cook, Virginia

Secondary help and Cook's stock is on the rise with his size and speed (6'2", 212 lbs., 4.46-40).

Round Three, Pick 92

OLB Jason Worilds, Virginia Tech

Underrated, high-effort guy who specializes on the edge rush. Would convert to OLB like Wimbley.

Or Build Both Simultaneously

Round One, Pick Seven

DE Jason Pierre-Paul, USF

Round Two, Pick 38

ILB Brandon Spikes, Florida

Round Three, Pick 71

WR Taylor Price, Ohio U

Round Three, Pick 92

QB Tony Pike Cincinnati