2011 NFL Draft Results: 5 Predictions for the Cleveland Browns' Top Draftees

What should Cleveland expect from its 2011 draft class? The Browns didn't get a five-star player like they could have in Julio Jones, but you should expect several of these guys to hold starting positions.

Chances are, since the Browns couldn't even field four down lineman in the new 4-3 defense, that both DT Phil Taylor and DE Jabaal Sheard will start. With that in mind, how productive can we expect them to be? Taylor won't stuff the stat sheet, but his presence will be evident. Sheard, on the other hand, can have himself quite a season—especially when considering the weaker right tackles in the division.

How about Greg Little? Is he this team's new No. 1 receiver or will his attitude get the best of him again? The Browns need every ounce of production possible from their receivers simply because the jury is still out on quarterback Colt McCoy.

We should consider Cleveland's new fullback situation, too. With Lawrence Vickers being arguably the best fullback in the NFL, will he or Owen Marecic switch to linebacker? That would be remarkable, yet risky.

Luckily for the Browns, the sky is the limit in 2011. The city and its fans couldn't be more excited for this season to begin. So, without further ado, here's five predictions for the new guys wearing orange and brown.

Phil Taylor Begins the Season as a Starter

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Phil Taylor, #21 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns, holds up a jersey on stage during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

It's not anything crazy, but DT Phil Taylor will most likely be inserted into the starting lineup immediately for the Browns.

He has the prototypical NFL size to be successful as a run stopper, and with the addition of some new techniques, he'll be able to rush the quarterback. Taylor weighs around 335 pounds and he has the look of Ted Washington or Shaun Rogers—two former Cleveland defensive tackles who experienced success with the team.

Luckily, Taylor has experience as both a 4-3 and a 3-4 lineman since he played at Penn State and Baylor. His size will open up the rushing lanes, as both Taylor and Ahtyba Rubin weigh a combined 660 pounds.

Taylor will go through the learning curve as a rookie tackle, but it won't take long for him to see success as a starter. Experience is key in the NFL.

Phil Taylor Will Allow Ahtyba Rubin to Triple His 2010 Sack Total

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CLEVELAND - NOVEMBER 07: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots is sacked by defensive lineman Ahtyba Rubin #71 of the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Imag

It sounds crazy, the fact that I think Ahtyba Rubin's production skyrockets to another level, but it's completely possible. The fact that Cleveland now plays a 4-3 defense will automatically require Rubin to blitz more since he's no longer a nose tackle. 

Phil Taylor and Rubin have nearly identical builds, which spells disaster for opposing guards and centers. Size isn't a problem for Cleveland's new defensive line; the only question is how quickly Taylor begins to wreak havoc.

Rubin recorded only two sacks in 2010, but his 82 tackles signify his mobility. With a major force blocking next to him, Rubin won't be occupied by two blockers. He'll have more freedom to pursue the quarterback, and when considering the problems up front for Cleveland's division rivals, six sacks is almost likely for Rubin.

Be patient with Taylor, but even if he's playing his hardest and pushing blockers around, Rubin will be reaping all the benefits. This new 4-3 scheme will let the rest of the league know how dangerous Rubin really is. He played behind Shaun Rogers until the middle of 2010 and then took over as the permanent starter.

Rubin is only 24 years old. He'll begin making his reputation in 2011, with Taylor by his side.

Jabaal Sheard Begins the Season as a Starter

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PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 23: Jacory Harris #12 of the Miami Hurricanes is tackled by Jabaal Sheard #97 of the Pittsburgh Panthers on September 23, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Like Phil Taylor, Cleveland's second-round pick Jabaal Sheard might be asked to start beginning Week 1 of his rookie campaign. 

Current Browns defensive ends Kenyon Coleman and Brian Schaefering weren't effective in 2010, but Cleveland would probably bench Schaefering for Sheard. Coleman, on the other hand, is 32 years old, so he can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

For Sheard, quickness will be extremely important since he's only 6'3" and 265 pounds. As mentioned earlier, the offensive lines among the AFC North aren't marquee by any means, so Sheard might have a bigger impact than expected as a rookie. It wouldn't be surprising to see him get five to eight sacks, which is more than Cleveland's defensive ends racked up combined in 2010.

Coaches voted Sheard Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 2010, which means he's obviously doing something right. He'll join a defense that's already very young, and Sheard will blend together with the rest of the defense to hopefully form a balanced attack.

Pass rush was a huge area of concern for the Browns in 2010, but Sheard will show noticeable improvements on the defensive line right away.

Greg Little Begins the Season as the No. 2 Starter

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BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 29: Running back Greg Little #8 of the North Carolina Tar Heels runs with the ball against the Virginia Tech University Hokies during the game at Lane Stadium on October 29, 2009 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Halleran

Realistically, Mohamed Massaquoi will be the No. 1 wideout to begin the season for the Browns. At this point, wide receiver remains a position of need for Cleveland though.

With that said, the lack of depth at receiver allows Greg Little to move in as the starter opposite Massaquoi. In addition, with the lockout now in effect again, the Browns can't pursue any receivers through free agency either.

Little has an advantage because of his size, and in a West Coast Offense, he'll be more successful running shorter routes in the middle of the field. Colt McCoy's accuracy coupled with Little's ability to gain yards after the catch can be great for the Browns.

Receiver is the most difficult position to succeed at as a rookie, and Little's 2010 suspension only hurts him, but the Browns selected him in the second round for a reason. 

He will see the field as much as Braylon Edwards did as a rookie for the Browns, except Colt McCoy will make Little more successful. 

Greg Little Will Help Colt McCoy Double His Passing Output from 2010

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - OCTOBER 22: Greg Little #8 of the North Carolina Tar Heels dives past Florida State Seminole defenders for a first quarter touchdown at Kenan Stadium on October 22, 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Im

Obviously, since it's expected that Colt McCoy plays a full season in 2010, he'll have more offensive production. The twist, though, is that the introduction of Greg Little gives McCoy a chance to throw for 3,000-plus yards.

I truly believe that, if Little is used the right way and is given routes that allow him to turn up field after the catch, McCoy will thrive. He showed in 2010 that accuracy is his specialty, and he's not afraid to throw the football in the middle of the field.

In eight games, McCoy had 1,576 yards in 2010. But with more weapons around him, I expect him to have at least 3,300 yards. McCoy doesn't have a rocket arm, but his ability to stay consistently accurate even outside the pocket says a lot.

Still, McCoy and the young receiving corps could be even better with the addition of a veteran wideout in free agency. 

Expect McCoy to exude confidence both inside and outside the pocket, and hopefully confirm his status as the permanent starter for years to come. At the same time, Little will be by his side.