Browns' Mock Draft: Instant Contributors Cleveland Can Find in Every Round
With 10 picks in next month's NFL draft, the Cleveland Browns can certainly find a group of rookie players who can contribute immediately as well as depth-quality players worth developing into the starters of the future. In fact, that's every team's goal in the draft.
However, it's possible for teams to get a full complement of new players who can all see significant playing time in their first season in the NFL, as long as they draft intelligently and get lucky in a few rounds. With that in mind, here's a full, seven-round Browns mock draft featuring players who could all be year-one contributors.
Round 1
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Round 1, Pick No. 12: WR DeVante Parker, Louisville
Though the Browns added two veteran wideouts in free agency—Brian Hartline and Dwayne Bowe—both men aren't part of the team's long-term plans. The Browns boast a young receiving corps that only promises to get even younger this year, with a No. 1-type receiver likely in their draft plans. Louisville's DeVante Parker would meet this need with their first of two Round 1 picks.
Parker totaled 156 collegiate receptions for 2,775 yards and 33 touchdowns and averaged 17.8 yards per reception over the course of his career and 19.9 in 2014.
With the Browns' quarterback situation still in flux, a receiver such as Parker, who "[s]hows some shake in the open field with quick cuts to deceive after the catch and the vision to collect [yards after the catch]; [t]racks the football and extends well to attack with a large wingspan and natural body control" and has "[a]bove average vertical with the leaping ability to hang in the air," according to CBSSports.com's Dane Brugler, can make things easier on whoever may be throwing him the ball.
Parker scored a touchdown every 4.7 catches he had in college. That kind of production potential means that, learning curve or not, Parker would be on the field for most of the Browns' passing downs in his rookie year. That is, if they can draft him.
Round 1, Pick No. 19: TE Maxx Williams, Minnesota
Wide receiver isn't the only offensive skill position the Browns need to address with an early-round pick—tight end is also a priority, given that there are but two on the roster at present.
In order to replace the production of the departed Jordan Cameron, the Browns must find a receiving tight end. And given that there are so few in this year's draft, they'll have to make a move for Minnesota's Maxx Williams if they are serious about adding a playmaker.
Williams is relatively inexperienced, with just 61 receptions for 986 yards and 13 touchdowns over the course of two years. However, he is "[d]angerous after the catch with springs in his lower body to leap and hurdle defenders," and possesses "[l]arge, soft hands and focus to make natural adjustments on the ball without slowing his momentum, extending and snaring grabs in traffic," according to Brugler.
He certainly has the skill set to be a game-changer in his rookie year even if he is a bit raw overall.
Round 2
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Round 2, Pick No. 11: DT Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma
Though the Cleveland Browns seem to have their nose tackle situation sorted, with Phil Taylor moving from defensive end, where he played last year, to nose tackle for the 2015 season and backed up by Ishmaa'ily Kitchen, that doesn't mean the Browns are done making changes or additions to their defensive line this year.
Oklahoma defensive tackle Jordan Phillips could easily find himself in the Browns' defensive line rotation should they select him this year.
Phillips is, "[s]urprisingly athletic for a player of his size, exhibiting good initial quickness, lateral agility and impressive straight-line speed," according to CBSSports.com's Rob Rang. However, Rang says that Phillips, "[a]ppears to be just scratching the surface of his potential, and is "[n]ot yet the sum of his parts."
However, he's a good fit for the Browns. They can maximize Phillips' strengths by rotating him in and out of the line while helping him develop the areas in which he is weaker. Phillips does not have to be an every-down player for Cleveland's defensive line in order to make an on-field impact in his rookie year.
Round 3
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Round 3, Pick No. 13: G Ali Marpet, Hobart
The Browns are not in a bad situation on offensive line at all, especially with the expected healthy return of center Alex Mack for opening day. They're doing even better at guard, where last year's second-round pick, Joel Bitonio, along with John Greco ended their 2014 seasons as Pro Football Focus' fifth- and 11th-ranked players at their position, respectively.
However, if the Browns want to shuffle their line, add high-quality depth or even rotate players in and out, then picking up Hobart's Ali Marpet in Round 3 would be a smart move. Marpet, a Division III player, was impressive both at the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine, coming off as both talented and athletic.
Granted, Marpet's learning curve will be steeper than most given his collegiate pedigree. However, cutting his chops with a few hundred snaps as a rookie will help his development more than him just sitting on the bench.
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Round 4
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Round 4, Pick No. 12: OLB Hau'oli Kikaha, Washington
Another area of the Browns' defense that needs help is the pass rush. Though Washington's Hau'oli Kikaha may not have the right combination of size and technique to be a three-down linebacker, he can certainly provide situational help for the Browns' linebacking corps on passing downs.
Kikaha was college football's sack leader with 19 in 2014—at least one sack in every game. He also had 66 combined tackles, 25 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles and two batted passes. Perhaps with added size and experience he could someday be a full-time starter for Cleveland, having his pass-rushing skills on the field on a part-time basis in 2015 should help fortify the Browns' ability to pressure quarterbacks.
Round 4, Pick No. 16: SS Jaquiski Tartt, Samford
The Browns, at least presently, are set at the safety position, with Donte Whitner and the restricted-free-agent-tagged Tashaun Gipson clearly the team's starters. However, it wouldn't hurt to boost the ranks, especially with a run-specialized safety such as Samford's Jaquiski Tartt.
Tartt totaled 62 tackles in 2014, along with a pass breakup and an interception. CBSSports.com's Rob Rang describes Tartt as a "[h]ighly aggressive defender, who attacks the line of scrimmage in run support and in defending the middle against crossing routes," who is "[a]n intimidating hitter who likes to lower his shoulder into ball-carriers, often resulting in explosive collisions."
Tartt could be use in the Browns' sub-packages as a rookie to support the run defense. And his athleticism and predilection for making big hits could also result in a high level of special teams value.
Round 5
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Round 5, Pick No. 11: WR Josh Harper, Fresno State
The Browns have a number of receiving options for 2015 and beyond; however, few of their current players project to be full-time slot receivers. And Round 5 is a good place to find one in this year's deep draft. One option is Fresno State's Josh Harper.
Harper totaled 90 receptions for 1,097 yards and seven touchdowns in 2014 and has a career total of 228 catches for 2,938 yards and 29 scores. Dane Brugler and Rob Rang of CBSSports.com see Harper as a slot receiver in the NFL, noting he "was most effective with crossers and flat targets within a few yards of the line of scrimmage where he can create as a catch-and-go pass catcher."
The Browns could add Harper to work the slot on a part-time basis in his rookie year. It's also possible, given his speed and elusiveness, he could also get work as a punt or kick returner.
Round 6
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Round 6, Pick No. 13: DL Kristjan Sokoli, Buffalo
Defensive front sevens are becoming more specialized and situational. While some teams are still comfortable keeping the same seven players on the field for most downs, defenses such as Cleveland's take a more rotational approach, based on whether they are anticipating a run or a pass or based on the down and distance.
The Browns need help stopping the run, and they will likely turn to any combination of players they have on hand to make that happen. That's why Buffalo's Kristjan Sokoli could see considerable playing time as a rookie, even if the Browns draft him in Round 6.
Sokoli totaled 32 tackles, including three tackles for a loss, in 2014 and has a career total of 95 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks. A nose tackle in college, he could be moved elsewhere on the Browns' defensive line to support their run defense. Add in special teams coverage skills and Sokoli has a great deal of rookie-year upside.
Round 6, Pick No. 26: RB Dee Hart, Colorado State
Colorado State running back Dee Hart transferred from Alabama after off-field issues marred the one-time, per Rivals.com, 5-star recruit's tenure. Because of these issues, he's likely to be a Day 3 pick in this year's draft. However, given his talent, he should be able to get touches in his rookie season.
Hart rushed 194 times for 1,275 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2014 after totaling just 43 carries for 166 yards and a score in his two previous seasons at Alabama. He also caught 18 passes last season, for 189 yards and two additional scores.
The Browns have two lead running backs in Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell. However, Hart would prove not just a good change-of-pace back but also a third-down receiving back. That latter trait is something the Browns need to add to their running backs room, and they can get it at a relative steal should they land Hart in Round 6.
Round 7
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Round 7, Pick No. 12: FB Tyler Varga, Yale
The Browns have running backs. They have wide receivers. They have a very solid offensive line. They need a tight end, yes, and they need to sort out their quarterback situation. But one position they don't have on offense, one they need in order to keep the run game productive, is a fullback.
Yale's Tyler Varga was impressive as a running back in 2014, totaling 22 rushing touchdowns and 1,423 rushing yards. He had five touchdowns in Yale's victory over Army. He also had four receiving touchdowns. However, in the NFL, Varga—all 5'11" and 222 pounds of him—looks destined to be a fullback and special teams contributor. This is certainly enough, however, to warrant the Browns' consideration in Round 7.
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