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CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 07:  Leon Wright #7 of the Duke Blue Devils tries to tackle Greg Little #8 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Kenan Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.  (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Im
CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 07: Leon Wright #7 of the Duke Blue Devils tries to tackle Greg Little #8 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Kenan Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty ImStreeter Lecka/Getty Images

NFL Draft 2011: Who Cleveland Browns Should Look at on Day 2

Dan TylickiJun 7, 2018

The Cleveland Browns made two surprising moves in the 2011 NFL Draft yesterday. Most years, they would be the most surprising picks, but Christian Ponder and others took that crown away. Nonetheless, the Browns getting five picks from the Falcons and trading up to get Phil Taylor solidifies their interior line.

While the defensive tackle spot is fine now that they have Taylor and Rubin, a pass rusher at defensive end is still needed badly, and a diamond in the rough at wide receiver needs to be found as well. Should a great cornerback fall down the draft, that would be beneficial as well.

Based on the needs of the Cleveland Browns, here are some players that they should be targeting.

Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18:  Da'Quan Bowers #93 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)
AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Da'Quan Bowers #93 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)

Originally considered a number one overall pick, Bowers has since fallen rapidly due to injury concerns, a terrible workout, concerns of him being a one season wonder, the list goes on.

Since he could be available for the Browns at 37, he has to at least be considered by Cleveland, since he's worth a second round pick with the kind of upside he has. He won't have a long career, but he could be great in bursts.

Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh

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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.
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.

Casual Browns fans might hear the name and wonder who he is, like they did with Phil Taylor. Those who have been following the draft, however, know that a lot of teams consider him a first-round talent, and he would fit right in with the Browns at the 37th pick.

Sheard is not the most athletic defensive lineman out there, but he's a very good pass rusher and has a motor that won't quit. The Browns need players like that going forward, and with him on the line, suddenly it's looking a lot better.

Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

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PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 06:  Akeem Ayers #10 of the UCLA Bruins attempts to break free from James Dockery #4 of the Oregon State Beavers at the Rose Bowl on November 6, 2010 in Pasadena, California.  (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Akeem Ayers #10 of the UCLA Bruins attempts to break free from James Dockery #4 of the Oregon State Beavers at the Rose Bowl on November 6, 2010 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

If the Browns are focused on game tape rather than workout numbers (which they were last year when they selected Joe Haden) than Ayers at least has to be under consideration. He may end up being a 4-3 linebacker rather than an end, which is not ideal but could work.

Ayers is a very athletic player, and Dick Jauron would definitely be able to find a use for him, even if it's just as a pass rusher. This one is much more of a long shot than Bowers or Sheard, but he could very well be on the Browns' radar.

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Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

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A guy who could feasibly be selected with either of the Browns' second-round picks, Torrey Smith is the most complete wide receiver on the board. He has great speed and would have no trouble getting open.

It's tough to say whether he could evolve into a number one receiver or how well he fits the West Coast offense, but the Browns know he has a lot of talent, and will at least be giving him a look in the draft.

Greg Little, WR, North Carolina

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 26:  Aaron Berry #17 of the Pittsburgh Panthers tackles Greg Little #8 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game on December 26, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 26: Aaron Berry #17 of the Pittsburgh Panthers tackles Greg Little #8 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game on December 26, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

The wide receiver that is far more likely to go to the Browns, however, is Greg Little of North Carolina. He is a well-rounded receiver who is not afraid to get physical, which is exactly the type of receiver the Browns need.

Little should be available for the Browns with their 58th pick, and many 2nd round mocks actually have this happening. It's obvious why, since it just fits all too well. If it's not obvious, I'm pulling for this as the Browns' second pick.

Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

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AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 25:  Cornerback Aaron Williams #4 of the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Austin, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 25: Cornerback Aaron Williams #4 of the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

This is another long shot, but if Williams is available when the Browns make their pick, then he's someone who could be considered. He could be brought in to play alongside Haden, and if Eric Wright bounces back from a bad year, then he can move to safety alongside T.J. Ward.

While the Browns could use a cornerback, there are more pressing needs, so this is not likely to happen unless the Browns are entirely sold on him.

Ben Ijalana, OT, Villanova

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The best offensive tackle left on the board is Ben Ijalana, and if the Browns want to add a right tackle, the 37th pick may be the time to do so with Ijalana. He did not play against tough competition at Villanova, but he's a big guy with raw power.

I don't see this happening, but if the Browns believe battles are won in the trenches, then they may continue to pad the offensive line.

Marcus Gilbert, OT, Florida

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GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 25:  Offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert #76 of the Florida Gators takes a breather during a stoppage in play against the Kentucky Wildcats at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Gainesville, Florida. Florida defeate
GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 25: Offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert #76 of the Florida Gators takes a breather during a stoppage in play against the Kentucky Wildcats at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Gainesville, Florida. Florida defeate

This is a very long shot despite his rapidly rising draft stock, but I'm sure Joe Haden would like this pick, so I'll at least take a look.

Gilbert should be available with the Browns' later second-round pick. He's a huge guy at 330 pounds, and he could probably play right tackle or right guard for Cleveland. He should be good at the next level, and this would take the Browns' line from one of the weaksest a few years ago to one of the strongest in the league.

Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona

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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 05:  Defensive ends Brooks Reed #42 and Ricky Elmore #44 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrate after stopping the USC Trojans on the final play on December 5, 2009 at the Los Angeles Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. Arizona won
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 05: Defensive ends Brooks Reed #42 and Ricky Elmore #44 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrate after stopping the USC Trojans on the final play on December 5, 2009 at the Los Angeles Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. Arizona won

Anybody who gets comparisons to Clay Matthews has to at least be considered. Brooks Reed is a relentless pass rusher who would be a great 4-3 defensive end for the Browns.

Reed is another player with a relentless motor, which is the type of player the Browns need. If the Patriots pass on him with the 33rd pick, then he could easily fall down, and would be a great pickup.

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