2011 NFL Mock Draft: Cleveland Browns 7-Round Projection

The Cleveland Browns enter year two of the Mike Holmgren regime with a few reasons to be hopeful.

Colt McCoy came along near the back end of the season and showed some flashes of potential. The running game was shockingly good, as well as Peyton Hillis run to being one of the best backs in football. This year they will have Montario Hardesty back from injury and it should only help the Brown’s running attack. The team had solid contribution from Ben Watson at tight end, however, he is aging and the Browns will certainly need to find someone to replace him with.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Browns are very hit-or-miss. The secondary is stronger than it has been, as Joe Haden should only get better. They will need to find some help at the safety position to go along with T.J. Ward, who is emerging as a great NFL safety. The biggest concern on defense is the defensive line. The Browns need a new tackle to replace Shaun Rogers and could use some quality pass rushers on the outside of the line.

The Browns have a pick in every round, and two in the sixth. Look for the Browns to address the defensive line early in the first three rounds, while still finding a receiving threat to give Colt McCoy.

NFL Draft Coverage: Cleveland Browns Round 1 Results

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 19: Robert Quinn #42 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates after a sack with teammate Marvin Austin #9 against the East Carolina Pirates at Kenan Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by St

1.6 (6) Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

The best defensive end in the entire draft won’t make it past the sixth pick. The Browns need help on the defensive line in every position. They can’t afford to pass up on an athlete like Quinn, who at worst could be a starting linebacker for the Browns.

If there is one knock on Quinn, it’s that he lacks great instincts. The Browns will make it easy on him though, letting him chase the QB every down.         

NFL Draft Coverage: Cleveland Browns Round 2 Results

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CLEVELAND - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

2.5 (37) Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

The Browns could use a clear cut number one receiver, but will pass on A.J. Green and Julio Jones in the first round and have their choice of the second tier receivers.

Smith has the speed the offense lacks, providing that deep threat the Browns are missing.

NFL Draft Coverage: Cleveland Browns Round 3 Results

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Jarvis Jenkins #99 of the Clemson Tigers against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

3.6 (70) Jarvis Jenkins, DT, Clemson

Jenkins is great value with a third round pick. Jenkins is bigger than your average defensive tackle, but uses it well against the run.

The knock on Jenkins is his pass rushing ability, but that's why the Browns went with Robert Quinn. The Browns will realize no other player possesses the ability and upside of Jenkins at this position.

NFL Draft Coverage: Cleveland Browns Round 4 Results

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Chris Hairston #61 of the Clemson Tigers against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

4.5 (102) Chris Hairston, OT, Clemson

Hairston is one of the strongest offensive tackles in the draft and plays with a chip on his shoulder, always having something to prove. That work ethic should only come out more when he is playing from behind in Cleveland. Pretty average in both run and pass protection, but Hairston has all the intangibles to be the Browns’ future right tackle.

NFL Draft Coverage: Cleveland Browns Round 5 Results

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 1: Defensive back Robert Sands #41 of West Virginia runs with the football during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

5.6 (137) Robert Sands, S, West Virginia

Sands had his issues producing on a regular basis while at WVU, but no one will argue his intangibles. Sands possesses great speed and has zero health concerns. Sands was a leader in the locker room and should bring a spark to a defense in need.

NFL Draft Coverage: Cleveland Browns Round 6 Results

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 04: Ryan Winterswyk #98 of the Boise State Broncos tackles quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs on a quarterback keeper in the third quarter during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on Ja

6.3 (168) Nicholas Bellore, ILB, Central Michigan

Bellore has great instincts, and if he wasn’t a bit slow, he could have gone much higher than the sixth round. Bellore will certainly start his career on the bench, but playing behind an aging linebacking corps means he has a chance to make the team and be a real contributor.

6.5 (170) Ryan Winterswyk, DE, Boise St.

Another smart and hard working player that drops because he lacks the physical abilities to be a higher tier defensive end. Winterswyk earned his scholarship as a walk-on with Boise St., and he will have to posses the same work ethic to make this team as well.

NFL Draft Coverage: Cleveland Browns Round 7 Results

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LUBBOCK, TX - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Taylor Potts #12 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders against the Texas Longhorns at Jones AT&T Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

7.45 (248) Taylor Potts, QB, Texas Tech

The Browns will have to add a quarterback as insurance for Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace.

Nick Sero is a contributor for TheSportsCannon.com, a fantasy sports website specializing in football and baseball. Quit sitting at the bottom of your league’s leaderboard and load up with information from the Sports Cannon.