2011 Revised Cleveland Mock Draft: My First Attempt at Redemption

My first Mock draft for the Cleveland Browns was not a very popular one (as I expected). There are a lot of different opinions as to where the Browns need the most help, to say the least. Obvious needs seem to be on the defensive line, but it doesn't stop there.

Many have said that the secondary needs improvement, and others think that Colt McCoy needs more weapons. Add that on top of Mike Holmgren stating that he will definitely take a quarterback from this year's draft, and you've got one mind-boggling dilemma.

So many areas of need and so few picks. What to do, what to do? However, I don't mind a challenge and thought I'd give it one more shot. I've taken some advice from the fans and came up with this.

I tried to address each need throughout the draft, but I think some issues just might have to be fixed through free agency. And here we go.

1. CB, Patrick Peterson, LSU, 6'0'' 219 Lbs

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 1: Defensive back Patrick Peterson of LSU looks on during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Everyone knows who Patrick Peterson is. Some have called him the cleanest player in the draft, whatever that means. Some seem to think that the Browns need help in the secondary and Peterson is known as a possible shut-down corner.

 
Placed across from Joe Haden, it should provide the Browns with one of the best corner back tandems for some time to come.

2. DE, Jabaal Sheard, Pitt., 6'3" 264 Lbs

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 04: Jabaal Sheard #97 of the Pittsburgh Panthers tackles Zach Collaros #12 of the Cincinnati Bearcats during the Big East Conference game against at Nippert Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pittsburgh won 28-10.

Switching to the 4-3 could put the Browns short a few impacting defensive ends. Jabaal Sheard had nine sacks as a Senior and would provide the defense with a great pass rush.

3. DE, Allen Bailey, Miami, 6'3" 285 Lbs

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes gets off a pass as Allen Bailey #57 of the Miami Hurricanes applies pressure at Ohio Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Image

With the two starting defensive ends on the roster most likely getting kicked inside to play defensive tackle, the Browns could target two defensive ends in the draft. 

Allen Bailey compiled seven sacks last year and 11 tackles for a loss. Paired with Sheard, getting into the backfield of opponents shouldn't pose a problem.

4. OT, Joseph Barksdale, LSU, 6'5" 325 Lbs

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 11: Offensive lineman Joseph Barksdale #78 of the LSU Tigers sets to block against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 11, 2008 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

If fans want to know what Colt McCoy can do for sure, they must give him some protection at Right Tackle. Joseph Barksdale is a very athletic guy that is flying under the radar.

He and Joe Thomas would hold that offensive line firm enough for McCoy to make plays down the field.

5. QB, Pat Devlin, Deleware, 6'3" 225 Lbs

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 25: Quarterback Pat Devlin #7 of the Penn State Nittany Lions hands off the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 25, 2008 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Mike Holmgren says he's taking another quarterback in this year's draft. However, fans don't want to create a quarterback controversy. Devlin is good enough to hold things down if McCoy were to face an injury but not quite good enough that he would threaten McCoy's job.

6. DT, Terrell McClain, South Florida, 6'2" 297 Lbs

I don't really agree with the Browns needing a defensive tackle as they have a few 6'5" 300-pound guys on the roster already. I'm sure the current players at defensive end will find themselves being shifted to the middle. 

However, the fans want a defensive tackle and McClain provides great value at this point in the draft. He would compete with current guys on the roster for a starting job. He compiled 24 tackles, three sacks, and four-and-a-half tackles for loss as a Senior.

6. WR, Jeff Maehl, Oregon, 6'1" 190 Lbs

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Jeff Maehl #23 of the Oregon Ducks catches a two-point conversion to tie the game late in the fourth quarter against Zac Etheridge #4 of the Auburn Tigers during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoe

I've heard a lot of people say that the Browns don't have any good wide receivers. I find that very hard to wrap my head around as Robiskie and Massaquoi were both second-round picks, were very productive in college, and both have decent size. 

On the other hand, Jeff Maehl is very underrated, was also very productive in college, and provides a new face and a shifty target for McCoy. Maehl is great after the catch and would be a great fit for the West Coast style offense. He finished last year with over 1,000 yards receiving on 77 catches and 12 touchdowns.