Justin Blackmon or Michael Floyd a Better Fit for Cleveland Browns?

Is Justin Blackmon or Michael Floyd the unanimous No. 1 wide receiver in the 2012 NFL Draft class?

Whatever your opinions on the matter may be, there is little doubt that both players would ultimately upgrade the Cleveland Browns aerial attack.  The selection is critical for the Browns, who employ the pass-intensive West Coast Offense.

In addition to the original question posed, there are other scenarios in which the Browns would forego selecting a WR until later in the draft.  For now, I’ll leave those discussions for a different arena and hone the discussion to one simple question:

Blackmon or Floyd?

Who would you rather have lining up for your Browns next September opposite of Greg Little?

First, let’s take a look at Justin Blackmon and what makes him special:

Blackmon has solid hands, but does make an occasional drop.  Despite this, I would rate him the best pass-catcher in this draft class.  By watching him in action, it is hard to disagree with that sentiment.  Not only can he catch, but he creates space through crisp route running and deceptive quickness in his cuts.  He is not a burner by any means but has the speed and strength to create separation.

Concerns about his height (6’1”) are unwarranted given his physical ability to play at a higher (literally) level.  As an estimate, I’d say the average NFL cornerback is about 5’11”.  Blackmon’s physical ability makes up for this perceived weakness. 

Not only is this not a concern, but this is actually one of Blackmon’s stronger points.  Colt McCoy could sure use a player like Blackmon who can go up and make a play to snag the ball away from defenders, especially in the red zone where the Browns have struggled to punch it in.

He has the size and strength to be an effective run blocker, although he is not known for this part of his game.

Injuries have not been a concern for Blackmon. 

He has contributed solidly for his entire college career at Oklahoma State.  He missed one game over the past two seasons as a penalty after a DUI arrest.

Lastly, Blackmon has the fire and love for the game that has earned him the label as a practice warrior.  This desire will have to continue on at the pro level if he is to rise to the challenge awaiting him.

Then, there is Michael Floyd and what he brings to the table:

Michael Floyd is also capable of making some incredible plays on the football field.  He has great hands, a strong build, excellent size (6’3”) and great athletic ability.

Perhaps Floyd’s biggest strength is his strength.  He uses his strong build to create separation off the line.  Like Blackmon he is very athletic and capable of making the big play, a trait the Browns are severely lacking in.

Floyd has similar game speed to Blackmon and is excellent creating after the catch. 

He seems to run crisp routes the majority of the time, but sometimes looks sloppy and like he is taking advantage of his athletic and size advantage at the college level.  This will not be in the case in the NFL.  This is perhaps the biggest problem I have with Floyd.  While he is strong enough to beat bump-and-run coverage off the line, his route running will need to be strengthened at the pro level.

Injuries during his freshman and sophomore seasons disappeared over the last two years as Floyd started all games during that period.  Character concerns, though, are somewhat of a detractor to the great player Floyd is.  A DUI and repeated alcohol related offenses are a red flag whereas Blackmon only has one offense against him.

Verdict:

It is very hard to decipher through all of the film and stats on both of these excellent WR prospects.  I have been well documented as being in the camp for Justin Blackmon being the pick for the Browns with the No. 4 overall selection.  On the other hand, I am a huge Notre Dame supporter and have followed Michael Floyd his entire college career.

While I am committed to and hoping the Browns select Blackmon, I am open to the possibility of the Browns selecting Michael Floyd if a trade-down or trade-up scenario were to occur.

Floyd is certainly a great prospect, and I would not hesitate on making a run at him in any scenario where the Browns do not select Blackmon.

However if it were between the two, I would give the slight edge to Blackmon.  There is not a big drop-off in talent between the two, however Blackmon looks like a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver.  His big body, impressive athleticism, crisp route running, great hands and fluidity on the field are the perfect combination for a WR in the Browns' offense.  His presence will force opposing defenses to respect the pass which will open up other options underneath and in the rushing game.

Too many times opposing defenses stacked the line-of-scrimmage without fear from being attacked on the outside. Blackmon will put the fear in the back of defensive coordinators' minds.

He'll have to be accounted for.

Either way, you should pray one of these two are in Brown and Orange after April 26.

Follow Mike on Twitter @BigHoagowski