Browns are on the clock
We’re confident the Browns know what they want to do with their first pick in tonight’s opening round of the NFL Draft – what’s less clear is what they will do.
With no way of knowing for sure what the five teams – Carolina, Denver, Buffalo, Cincinnati and Arizona – picking ahead of them are up to, it’s hard to guess which players will be available when the Browns pick.
But we know who we would like to see them pick, in order:
- Patrick Peterson
- Marcell Dareus
- Von Miller
- A.J. Green
- Julio Jones
- Prince Amukamara
- Robert Quinn
- Tyron Smith
- Mike Pouncey
- Anthony Castonzo
- Da’Quan Bowers
- Nick Fairley
We like the thought of Peterson joining a secondary with Joe Haden, T.J. Ward and Sheldon Brown. Despite having the reputation of being a smashmouth division, the AFC North is a passing division and the stronger the Browns secondary is the better it makes the rest of the defense.
If Peterson isn’t there, just keep moving down the list. Dareus and Miller will probably be gone, but the good thing is one of these players will be there when the Browns pick and they all fill a need on the team.
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While we’re doubtful that U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson’s latest ruling will end the NFL’s labor situation, it does open the door for the Browns to get in some valuable work with the players.
We know the Browns want to be a company team and follow the lead of the league office. But it’s time to start looking out for No. 1.
As long as Nelson’s ruling stays in effect, the Browns should get as many players as they can into meetings with the new coaching staff and start going over the playbook and watching film. We understand if the team is reluctant to let any of the players do anything that could result in an injury, but that’s not going to happen in a classroom.
And even if the ruling is overturned on appeal and the players are locked out again, any work the coaches and players can put in now will only payoff when this thing finally gets settled.
Red Right 88 