2011 NFL Mock Draft: First Round Prospects for the Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns' first round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft will likely come from a pool of 10 top prospects. This slide show identifies the players likely to be available when the Browns make their selection, the sixth overall pick in the first round. Some things to keep in mind:

First, don't expect Browns' G.M. Tom Heckert to trade up into the top five. The Browns need help in multiple positions and cannot afford to give up draft choices. Therefore, some of the top players will be off the board when the Browns make their first selection.

Second, the Browns lack depth and elite talent at several key positions. Taking those factors into consideration, the positions of highest need include wide receiver, cornerback, defensive end, linebacker and the right side of the offensive line.

Third, historically speaking, few linebackers and virtually no right tackles or right guards have been taken in the top 10 of the draft. That leaves three positions for the Browns to focus on with their first pick: wide receiver, cornerback and defensive end.

Fourth, Mike Holmgren must decide who will replace Eric Mangini. The early contenders include Mike Holmgren, Jon Gruden, John Fox and Marty Mornhinweg. The change in staff could lead to a shift in philosophy. Moving from the 3-4 defense to a 4-3 defense, for example, would cause the Browns to target smaller, faster linebackers and better pass rushing defensive lineman throughout the draft.

Fifth, the deadline for college juniors to declare for the NFL Draft is Jan. 15. This article assumes most of the top juniors will follow historical patterns and declare for the draft. However, considering the pending labor dispute and possibility of a lockout, uncertainty may cause more underclassmen than usual to remain in school.

Sixth, the NFL Combine will be conducted in late February in Indianapolis. Like all teams, the Browns will have staff on hand to further evaluate players on their draft board. The results of the NFL Combine could lead the Browns to alter their draft preferences.

Finally, the 2011 free agency period begins in March. If the labor dispute is not resolved, teams could spend less money than normal on free agents. However, Browns owner Randy Lerner is not afraid to spend, and the Browns are likely to address some of their draft needs through the free agent market, regardless of the labor situation.

Considering these variables, here are 10 realistic prospects for the Browns to target with their first pick in the 2011 draft.

1. Patrick Peterson, CB — LSU

Somewhere, Rick James is singing "Super Freak" and LSU fans know he's referring to one of their own: sensational junior cornerback and return man, Patrick Peterson. He is the top-rated defensive back on draft boards and only a need for quarterbacks or defensive tackles could drop him down the draft board to the Browns.

At 6'1" and 2l0 lbs. with elite speed, he is a rare breed—a cornerback in a safety's body. Peterson is also the perfect complement to Joe Haden in the Browns defensive backfield. He would give the Browns two excellent cornerbacks with varying sizes and skills to mix and match against opposing receivers.

LSU is known for aggressive man-to-man defenses, and Peterson thrives on shutting down the best receiver on opposing offenses. In addition, LSU competes in the SEC, where Peterson faced the best college receivers in America.

While there aren't enough superlatives to describe his natural physical ability, he has little experience or discipline in the zone defense and relies upon athletic ability at all times. In the NFL, he will have to develop his mental discipline and technique. Still, he is the closest thing to former Michigan Heisman Trophy defensive back and perennial All-Pro Charles Woodson since, well, Charles Woodson. Cross your fingers, Browns fans.

2. Da'Quan Bowers, DE — Clemson

Clemson junior defensive end Da'Quan Bowers has it all. In addition to possessing incomparable physical tools, Bowers produced remarkable numbers for the Tigers in 2010. He led the nation in sacks this college football season (15), while his 24 tackles for a loss ranked second.

Bowers is a physical presence at 6'4" and 280 lbs., making him tough against the run. On passing downs, his speed off the edge is an unstoppable force. With his rare combination of size and speed, Bowers is the prototypical defensive end of the future because he could excel in either a 3-4 or a 4-3 NFL defense.

There is considerable sentiment that Bowers won't be available when the Browns pick in the first round. However, should he slide a few spots, the Browns would not pass on a guy most scouts deem the best all-around defensive end in the draft.

3. A.J. Green, WR — Georgia

According to nfl.com, the Cleveland Browns rank 30th out of 32 teams in receptions during the 2010 season. Take away the Browns' top two pass catchers, tight end Ben Watson (61 catches) and running back Peyton Hillis (60 catches), and the Browns' receiving corps has the fewest receptions in the league.The Browns need immediate help and they have options.

Before the draft, the Browns could go the free agent route for receiving help. Any new collective bargaining agreement would likely allow players with four or five years experience to be unrestricted free agents. A quick scan of potential free agency reveals a list of players with injury history such as Minnesota's Sidney Rice or disciplinary / legal problems like the New York Jets' Santonio Holmes, San Diego's Vincent Jackson and the New York Giants' Plaxico Burress.

That leaves Steve Smith of the New York Giants or Arizona's Steve Breaston as possible Browns' targets. Wide receiver salvation is more likely to come from the draft than free agency. Enter A.J. Green, the most complete wide receiver in college football.

The Georgia junior is expected to forgo his senior season and declare for the NFL Draft, where he is likely a top five pick. NFL quarterbacks in every city would love to have A.J. Green as a target. Without a doubt, the Cleveland Browns are keeping an eye on Green.

At 6'4" and 212 lbs. with blazing speed, Jones is a rare combination of size, speed and strength. Scouts love his ability to beat defenders deep and his knack for making catches in traffic. Despite missing a month this season due to improper benefit allegations, Green played at a high level throughout the SEC this season and during his college career.

With Massaquoi, Robiskie and Stuckey, the Browns have an adequate supply of possession receivers. But possession receivers have a difficult time separating from defensive backs unless there is a receiver on the field that draws the attention of the defense. A.J. Green is that guy.

It is highly questionable whether or not Green will be available when the Browns draft. If he is, the Browns' front office will have a hard time passing on A.J. Green, especially with Colt McCoy screaming in their ears.

4. Robert Quinn, DE — North Carolina

Robert Quinn didn't play a single snap for North Carolina during the 2010 season, following a suspension for allegations of improper benefits. Still, Quinn is an athletic freak with tremendous size and pass rushing skills.

In 2009, Quinn recorded 11 sacks in 13 games.

Standing 6'5" and weighing 260 lbs., Quinn's size is ideal for the defensive end position in the NFL. What separates Quinn from others is his unbelievable quickness and speed coming off the edge of the line and to the quarterback.

Only a junior, Quinn is likely to enter the NFL Draft as a top 15 pick. Had he played for North Carolina this season, Quinn would almost certainly have been chosen in the top five. Because of his relatively light weight, some scouts feel Quinn is best suited for a 4-3 defense at the pro level.

The NFL drafts more on measurables and potential than it does college production. NFL scouts see Quinn in a similar light as they saw Jevon Kearse. That is high praise for a young man who hasn't played a down in over a year.

The Browns lack a defensive end with the speed Quinn possesses. Adding him would help the Browns' pass rush and overall team speed. There's no question the Browns need to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks to help the secondary. Robert Quinn could help in this capacity like few others.

5. Julio Jones, WR — Alabama

At 6'4" and 210 lbs., Alabama junior Julio Jones has a rare combination of physicality, size and speed. Groomed in a Nick Saban pro-style offense for three years, Jones has demonstrated great hands, excellent blocking and sound route-running technique. He is a bigger, faster version of former USC star and NFL standout Keyshawn Johnson, a receiver who can create separation, especially on short crossing routes and in traffic.

Jones is the second- or third-rated receiver on most draft charts and creates separation from defenses with his size, strength and tight route running. Although he does not possess top-end speed, he has good quickness and would be an excellent target for Colt McCoy. And his size makes him an ideal receiver in the physical AFC North.

The only question remains whether or not the Browns would prefer selecting a receiver in later rounds or moving up to obtain Green's speed. Regardless, Julio Jones possesses rare size and ability and would look great in brown and orange.

6. Prince Amukamara, CB — Nebraska

This isn't the movie, "Coming to America," but perhaps the Cleveland Browns could use a Prince on defense, one from Nebraska. Prince Amukamara, a senior for the Huskers, is rated by many as the number two cornerback in the draft.

Amukamara is known as a terrific all-around defender and demonstrates the consistency and craft that comes with playing four years at the college level. Scouts love his physical run support. Amukamara is also solid in pass coverage, despite some struggles with Oklahoma State wide receiver and Biletnikoff award-winner Justin Blackmon this season.

The only potential knock on Amukamara may be that other than Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles and Oklahoma State's Blackmon, the caliber of receivers Amukamara faced in the Big 12 doesn't stack up to those faced by SEC cornerbacks like Florida's Janoris Jenkins.

Several years ago, the Browns took two defensive backs from Oklahoma, neither of whom panned out. By contrast, the Browns are ecstatic about their selection of Florida cornerback Joe Haden, who appears to be a star in the making. Will history repeat itself on draft day or will a Prince be on his way to Cleveland?

7. Janoris Jenkins, CB — Florida

The Cleveland Browns are learning to love cornerbacks from the Florida Gator program. Last year's first round pick, Joe Haden, is developing into a top-flight corner. Despite his modest size, Haden is also excellent in run support and tackles well in the open field. Most importantly, Haden displays enthusiasm and confidence on the defensive side of the ball.

Enter Janoris Jenkins, a junior cornerback from Florida. He played well in the SEC against wide receiver talents like A.J. Green, Julio Jones and Alshon Jeffery, displaying cover skills and quality run support. Standing 5'11" and weighing 185 lbs., Jenkins is not a large cornerback but is a physical clone of Haden. That certainly won't hurt him in his evaluation by the Browns.

Jenkins recently underwent season-ending shoulder surgery, missing the Florida Gators bowl game against Penn State. In fact, Jenkins played most of this season with a torn labrum, managing to play through pain while compiling a reputation for gritty performances against elite competition.

Although nobody outside of the Browns' scouting department knows for sure how highly Tom Heckert rates Jenkins, he is a projected first round pick despite the surgery. The fact that he hails from the same program as Haden may tip the scales in his favor due to familiarity with the program.

Depending on his shoulder recovery and ability to compete in the NFL Combine in February, the Browns may be able to trade down a few spots and still select Jenkins. With Sheldon Brown reaching the twilight of his career and Eric Wright likely heading out of town, a cornerback is needed to continue the talent upgrade of the Browns' defense. Janoris Jenkins certainly has the pedigree to become a productive starting cornerback for the Browns.

8. Brandon Harris, CB — Miami

By now, you may be getting the feeling that cornerback is a position of need for the Browns. It is. The final cornerback the Browns may pursue in the first round of the draft is Miami junior Brandon Harris. Although his size at 5'11" and 195 lbs. is average for an NFL cornerback, everything else about Brandon Harris is exceptional.

At first glance, scouts notice that Harris' stout frame helps him excel in run support, a key ingredient to success in the run-oriented AFC North. However, Harris also plays with such confidence and ball instincts in the passing game that Miami's opponents rarely threw his way this season.

Although the ACC isn't the best, it is solid, and Miami played good competition during Harris' tenure. With the change of head coaches at Miami, most observers expect Harris to take his talents to "the league."

On paper, Harris, Jenkins and Amukamara all look like exceptional options for the Browns at the cornerback position, despite playing in different conferences and possessing different skill sets. Amukamara is the most physical and experienced corner of the three. Jenkins is the fastest and played against the best competition on a weekly basis. Harris has the best nose for the ball.

Like Jenkins, the Browns may be able to trade down a few spots to collect an additional late-round pick and get Harris. It would be fascinating to see how the Browns rank these cornerbacks on their draft board and whether the NFL Combine changes the Browns' preference among these three similar talents.

9. Adrian Clayborn, DE — Iowa

Adrian Clayborn is one scary sight for offensive tackles. Quarterbacks in the Big Ten are also familiar with the devastating bull rush he uses to push himself into opponents' backfields.

Clayborn stayed all four years at Iowa. As a result, he enters the draft a polished defensive end with solid hand technique, consistent gap integrity and a top-flight motor. The only thing Clayborn lacks is high-end speed, which he compensates for with a quick first step and unusual power.

Critics point to fewer highlight plays this season as proof Clayborn should have entered the draft last year when his stock was at an all-time high. What they don't tell you is Clayborn faced double-teams most of this season. His decision to return to Iowa helped him become a more well-rounded defensive end and should pay dividends down the road in the NFL.

From a strength perspective, Clayborn is the most NFL-ready defensive end in the draft and could produce immediate results as a rookie. In addition to Clayborn's pass rushing ability, his size (6'4" and 285 lbs.) makes him stout against the run.

The Browns are aging on the defensive line. Robaire Smith, Shaun Rogers and Kenyon Coleman have played 12, 11 and 10 seasons respectively in the NFL. Adding Clayborn would infuse some young and dynamic talent into a defensive line rotation that also features Brian Schaefering and standout nose-tackle, Ahtyba Rubin.

10. Michael Floyd, WR — Notre Dame

It can't be said enough; wide receiver is a glaring weakness for the Cleveland Browns. They need a receiver with speed and size who can stretch defenses and help Colt McCoy improve the deep passing game. Michael Floyd, the standout junior wide receiver from Notre Dame has excellent size (6'3" and 215 lbs.), great hands and very good speed.

During his tenure at Notre Dame, Floyd has missed considerable time with injuries and general managers will have to decide if they believe Floyd is injury-prone or just the victim of bad luck. However, nobody denies his talent. In a league of big receivers who run well, Floyd projects as a solid number one receiver in the NFL.

Like many prospects, Floyd's numbers at the NFL Combine will determine whether he is an early, middle or late first-round pick. However, most experts agree that Floyd will not survive the first round of selections. The Cleveland Browns are more than aware of him and may be able to trade down a few spots to obtain his services.