2011 Browns Mock Draft: Cleveland To Target Defense Early?

With the CBA talks going the way they are, the FA market in the NFL is becoming more and more cloudy. The only sure-fire way teams will be able to acquire players is through the 2011 NFL Draft. This makes this draft particularly important, as free agency is going to have to wait until after the draft.

This is critical for teams like the Cleveland Browns because they will have to go into the draft and look to target players at key starting positions. With the new regime switching to the West Coast Offense and the 4-3, it's looking like it's going to be difficult

However, the Browns have an advantage in that they have Tom Heckert, a true "draft expert" as their GM. Mike Holmgren and Pat Shurmur, as well, know what kind of players they need for both the new offensive and defensive styles.

This mock draft is only a few scenarios, as the possibilities in this draft, as well as many others, is nearly limitless.

What follows is not my prediction. Rather, likely scenarios and situations that address both depth and needs of the team. Since 90 percent of mock drafts are hogwash at best, please do not judge me too harshly. However, I feel like realistically, most of these guys will be available in the rounds mentioned.

Hopefully, I'm not completely wrong.

First Round

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LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 26: Prince Amukamara #21 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers misses a chance at an interception from Scotty McKnight #21 of the Colorado Buffaloes during the second half of their game at Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Lincoln, Neb

Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska

Explanation: Without a doubt, if A.J. Green, Da'Quan Bowers and Patrick Peterson are all taken (and they more than likely will) Amukamara should be the choice. At 6'1", 205 pounds, Amukamara is an absolutely huge corner. The only size comparison in the NFL is Oakland Raider CB Nnamdi Asomugha (6'2", 210 pounds). The main knock against the guy is that he was in the Big 12 and didn't have very good "competition".

Be that as it may, he managed to give some great QB's hell this year (Blaine Gabbert, Jake Locker). Even though Amukamara had zero picks this year, it had more to do with quarterbacks avoiding him than lack of production, as he had five INT's in 2009. Amukamara also finished with 59 tackles and a sack. Amukamara would be an absolutely beast on the opposite side of Joe Haden, who has shown his great potential.

Step aside Revis/Cromartie, you have some competition.

Other Options:

• Trade Down to Middle of First Round
• Von Miller, OLB Texas A&M
• Robert Quinn, DE North Carolina
• Marcell Dareus, DT Alabama

Second Round

Steven Paea, DT Oregon State

Explanation: If the Browns haven't already taken care of the defensive tackle spot, I think they will do so here. The 4-3 is going to require two good defensive tackles, and Ahtyba Rubin looks to be a good guy to build on. Paea could step in from day one and fill the other spot. He was named the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the year and had a solid year totaling 45 tackles (ten for loss) and six sacks.

Although Paea only has limited football knowledge (he played rugby until his senior year in high school), he would be invaluable in either the 3-4 or the 4-3. He's not a breath-taking player, but he's young and looks like he could help build the front seven. He has tremendous upside, and would be a welcome addition to the largely ineffective front seven.

Other Options:

• Leonard Hankerson, WR Miami
• Phil Taylor, DT Baylor
• Martez Williams, ILB Illinois

Third Round

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HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 04: Quarterback Taylor McHargue #16 of the Rice Owls loses the ball after he is sacked by defensive end Sam Acho #81 of the Texas Longhorns at Reliant Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Houston, Texas. Texas recovered the fumble and scor

Sam Acho, DE Texas

Explanation: This guy has received very little attention with the awful season Texas had this year. Be that as it may, he has had a great career at the University of Texas. In his three years starting, he has racked up 89 tackles (20 for loss) and 14.5 sacks. He is widely considered the most underrated player at his position, and though there are plenty of other DEs the Browns could and should be targeting, Acho would be a steal in the third, if he lasts that long.

Other Options:

• Mark Herzlich, OLB Boston College
• Jarvis Jenkins, DT Clemson
• Parnell McPhee, DE Mississippi State
• Niles Paul, WR Nebraska
• Titus Young, WR Boise State

Fourth Round

http://www.sikids.com/photos/27621/ncaa-football-preview-all-sec-team/5

James Carpenter, OT Alabama

Explanation: It's very well known that the right tackle spot has been a frustrating one for the Cleveland Browns to fill in recent years. Shawn Lauvao seems to be a pretty good option at right guard, Carpenter would be able to compete for the starting job right away and would fill-in the otherwise outstanding Browns offensive line. Not a lot of explanation needed for this pick.

Other Options:

• James Brewer, OT Indiana
• Mason Foster, OLB Washington
• Austin Pettis, WR Boise State
• Cecil Shorts III, WR Mt. Union

Fifth Round

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CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 04: Dion Lewis #28 of the Pittsburgh Panthers runs for a touchdown during the Big East Conference game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pittsburgh won 28-10. (Photo by

Dion Lewis, RB Pitt

Explanation: If there is a God, I pray that he lets Lewis fall this far. He is by far the most impressive, mid-to-late-round back out there. He's a bit undersized, but he runs like Maurice Jones-Drew, and he has good hands too. Can you imagine this tiny little guy wearing down defenses at the beginning of the game and watching Hillis come in and knock over the already tired defense?

Even vice-versa would work, with Hillis' bruising style wearing 'em down and Lewis using his agility and great hands to rack up yards against a gassed defense. The possibilities, as they say, are endless. He had a drop-off in 2010 after a tremendous freshman campaign in 2009. However, in 2010, he also received 100+ less carries.

Did I mention he has a juke move that would make Bo Jackson jealous? Yeah, must've slipped my mind.

That's right, we're looking at a 21-year-old speedster who would give the Browns a one-two punch for years to come. Watch highlights of him on YouTube, you'll see what I mean. A man can hope, right?

Other Options:

• Casey Matthews, ILB Oregon
• Noel Devine, RB West Virginia
• Marcus Gilbert, OT Florida
• John Clay, RB Wisconsin

Sixth Round, Part 1

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COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 27: Brian Rolle #36 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after a tackle for a loss against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Brian Rolle, OLB Ohio State

Explanation: Yeah, okay, I put a Buckeye here, but Rolle would actually be a great pickup here. This season alone he had 76 total tackles and three interceptions. But wait, he was also a captain and one of the great leaders of the Buckeye defense this season. A defense that finished 10th overall. I can see Rolle serving as a special-teamer/spot starter for the next couple seasons, when he can take over for Scott Fujita.

Other Options:

• Ryan Winterswyk, DE Boise State
• Chris Nield, DT West Virginia
• Da'Norris Searcy, SS North Carolina

Sixth Round, Part 2

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IOWA CITY, IA - NOVEMBER 20: Defenisve back Micah Hyde #18 of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes trips up wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher #12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes as he drove the ball down field during the first half of play at Kinnick Stadium on Nove

Dane Sanzenbacher, WR Ohio State

Explanation: What do you know, another Buckeye. At least I'm picking them in later rounds, for those of you that hate picks out of OSU. Sanzenbacher has the potential to be the dangerous slot receiver the Browns desperately need. He has shown time after time that he can get yards after the catch, the biggest need of a typical WCO receiver. He was a favorite of QB Tyrelle Pryor's targets.

He finished with 55 catches and 11 touchdowns (he had a touchdown every five receptions, in case you can't divide.) I think he could be molded into a poor man's Hines Ward. I will not be comparing him to Wes Welker, as many of you would like to see me do.

Other Options:

(Surprisingly Few)

• Andrew Jackson, OG Fresno State
• Josh Thomas, CB Buffalo