Re-Drafting Cleveland Browns' 2013 Draft

The Cleveland Browns had a respectable draft class in 2013. It contained five players of varying talent and positions, but only a few look like they'll become integral pieces of the teams' offense or defense.

Barkevious Mingo was the Browns' first choice in last year's event and proved to be a good pick, but one could argue that he wasn't the best player available at the time.

It's easy to see who should've been drafted after the fact, but even at that time there were questions about the Mingo selection. Even so, when you rethink Cleveland's 2013 class, it's clear some players would've been better choices.

When it came down to deciding which prospects were even in play for any of these spots, there were a few things to consider.

The re-drafted player must have been selected after the drafted player is the main stipulation. Another point of emphasis in making these choices was to pick players that would have not only benefited them last season, but also going into the 2014 season and beyond.

All of the players on this list fit a different need and role within the Browns' system and would surely be important pieces had they been drafted by Cleveland.

Round 1, 6th Overall

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Original selection: Barkevious Mingo, DE

Re-draft selection: Kiko Alonso, LB

The Browns made a beneficial choice when they drafted Barkevious Mingo as he's proven that he has a bright future in the NFL. Mingo showed flashes of being great last season, but, looking back, the Browns could've nabbed another defender that may have been more helpful.

Kiko Alonso was one of the most dominant rookies in the league last season, and exploded for 159 tackles as well as a pair of sacks and four interceptions. No one knew that he would be as good as he was (hence why he was taken in the second), but hindsight is 20/20 and Alonso played like a top-five pick last season.

If he were on the Browns' squad, Alonso would've spent last year starting next to D'Qwell Jackson in the middle of Cleveland's base 3-4 defense, and undoubtedly would've had a big impact.

Now that Jackson's gone, Alonso would've been a tremendous replacement (or upgrade, rather) and would make for a nice pair with the newly-acquired Karlos Dansby. 

While Mingo was a fine choice, Alonso would've paid much bigger dividends, though we'll see how Mingo develops from here.

Round 3, 68th Overall

Stephan Savoia

Original selection: Leon McFadden, CB

Re-draft selection: Logan Ryan, CB

Cleveland made a solid move in the third round last year when they drafted Leon McFadden. He played a number of snaps at safety and moved into a more prominent role as the season progressed. While he was a dependable player, New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan would've been a better choice.

Ryan quickly caught onto Bill Belichick's complex defensive system in 2013 and became an integral part of the secondary. He tallied five interceptions in 2013 to go along with his 35 tackles, 10 passes defended and 1.5 sacks.

Ryan is likely going to be the Patriots' starter opposite Darrelle Revis at cornerback, while Cleveland is left without a solid player to pair with Joe Haden.

If the Browns had in fact drafted Ryan instead of McFadden, then they would be entering the draft and 2014 NFL season much better off defensively. Their talented pass-rush would certainly benefit from having a firm group of defensive backs behind them.

They'd also only be paying Ryan around half a million a year, which is about what they're paying their No. 2 corner now, except he's not nearly as good.

While things aren't bad with McFadden, they'd certainly be better with Ryan.

Round 6, 175th Overall

Mark Duncan

Original selection: Jamoris Slaughter, SS

Re-draft selection: Jamoris Slaughter, SS

Last year, the Browns spent their sixth-round pick on Jamoris Slaughter, a talented safety from Notre Dame who has yet to get a chance to truly show what he can do. Before being drafted and ultimately placed on the team's practice squad, Slaughter missed the final season of his college career with a torn Achilles tendon.

That downtime was a large reason why he didn't make the 53-man roster. We've yet to see what he can do in an actual NFL game, and that prohibits anyone from making a proper judgement on whether Cleveland should've drafted him.

He had a good career in college and would have surely been drafted higher had he not torn his Achilles. Because of these things, this selection stays the same. 

Round 7, 217th Overall

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Original selection: Armonty Bryant, DE

Re-draft selection: Joe Vellano, DL

Armonty Bryant put up pedestrian numbers in 2013 after being selected in the seventh round of the 2013 draft, and also has a history of off-field issues. He not only struggled with academics in college, but also had run-ins with the law and a history with drugs.

While he could very well never get in trouble again, it may have been a safer bet to draft Joe Vellano of Maryland. Vellano ended up a Patriot and proved to be a quality starter after taking over the defensive tackle spot after Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly went down with injuries.

If he were drafted by Cleveland, Vellano likely would've been kicked to defensive end in their 3-4 scheme, a position he could excel in. Vellano is a big-bodied guy with natural athleticism that would make him a solid edge rusher in Cleveland's 3-4. 

Overall, there's just less risk and more value with Vellano.

Round 7, 227th Overall

Mark Duncan

Original selection: Garrett Gilkey, OL

Re-draft selection: Garrett Gilkey, OL

Garrett Gilkey was a small-school gem coming out of college last year, but he didn't really get a chance to show what he can do; he played in just five games with one start. He was relegated to a backup role for the most part but may be getting a chance at some more snaps in Kyle Shanahan's offense, considering he would fit well in that scheme.

At worst, Gilkey is a reliable backup and a good guy to have in the locker room. The Browns got some good value in the seventh round when they selected him, and he could continue to develop and eventually take over a starting spot along their offensive line.