Last year I played the GM for the SF 49ers, I didn’t do a bad job in my opinion so I’m back to do the same with the Browns. In their 2011 campaign the Browns finished with a record of 4-12, it would be easy to say the Browns suck but to be quite honest they are not as bad is their record would state, there were many games they had a shot to win. With that said this is why I wanted to be their GM for the draft. This Browns team are a good draft away from making some noise in the AFC North.
Currently the Browns have 13 picks in this years draft. Let’s check the Browns draft position in each round: 1st(4)(22), 2nd(37), 3rd(67), 4th(100)(118), 5th(139,160), 6th(204)(205) and 7th(211)(245)(247).
The Browns have a lot of holes, mainly playmakers on offense need the biggest plug, let’s go through there main needs:
1.) Running Back– With former Madden 12 cover boy Peyton Hillis in Kansas City, not much more I need to say. I know Hardesty has potential but he isn’t good enough to not make a draft or two at the position.
2.) Wide Receiver– Last year they drafted Greg Little which was a move in the right direction but you need more than him on the outside. At least two picks should be used for this position.
3.) Offensive Line– With Tackle Joe Thomas and C Alex Mack being the only lineman that are above par, all other lineman positions should be addressed hopefully the other tackle within the 1st 2 rounds.
4.)Quarterback– A lot of people don’t like Colt but I think you can’t judge him with the team of playmakers he had around him. Browns higher-ups don’t touch Tannehill in the 1st round, wait until the 4th or 5th round to make that move because you have other needs greater than the QB position.
5.) Safety– T.J. Ward was hurt a lot last year, he is a solid player but they need somebody to build with him on the other side of the field. Safety isn’t loaded this year but they might can find somebody who can make a difference.
Let’s go over how I would attack the Browns needs if I was in the war room:
Round 1:(2 picks) I have been flip-flopping on the 1st pick but I would go for a running back if Trent Richardson is available, if not I take the best WR available if Blackmon is still available. At worst the USC Tackle falls to them at this pick. The 2nd pick I would grab the best tackle available if any I have graded high enough were still able at worst I’d take the best WR available. So after my ramble I’d go RB then OT in a perfect world.
Round 2: I’m picking the best WR available.
Round 3: The best offensive lineman available. If no lineman fits your needs go with the best safety.
Round 4: (2 picks) A QB to add depth and potential at the position. 2nd pick I would go with another WR. The more playmakers the better.
Round 5: (2 picks) The best offensive lineman available(if a guard is picked earlier then we will roll with a tackle for this pick). The 2nd pick I’d roll with a safety.
Round 6: (2 picks) I’d roll with a OLB and CB to add depth to an already solid defense.
Round 7: (3 picks) I’d take a guard , tackle and another Safety. The lineman will help with depth and the safety at worse may improve special teams.
The Browns play in the AFC North arguably the toughest division in the AFC Conference, so nothing is a guarantee but a good draft here will allow them to make some noise. Playmakers on offense are a must because their defense is already good enough to win games. Browns fans keep your fingers crossed April 26th might be the start of a positive future.
Let us know where you think the Browns need help.
*rubs hands together* Everyone that knows me, knows I’m a HUGE Browns fan, so I thank you for this post JT. Being a Browns fan, I’m also a realist and realize that we are still a few years away from consistently competing. That said this draft is huge because we need to hit on these early picks (4 picks in the top 100). I wavered for awhile about what to do at 4 and 22, but agree with you Richardson if he’s available at 4 and an OT at 22. Our line was shitty to say the least last year, after waving Steinbeck we have a huge hole. Pairing a quality Right Tackle with Thomas at Left, and Mack at Center and we should be set for years which give the QB more to throw, RB bigger lanes to run, etc. This year the wideouts are 1 of the deepest positions in awhile, so as a value you can get quality WR in say Round 2. From there we fill in with the best player available according to need, since we have so many holes to address. Whatever we do, DO NOT draft Tannehill! Flat out.
Lol, overall the browns didn’t do too bad maybe should have taken a WR in the 3rd or 2nd rd but everything rides on Weeden if he balls everything will be smooth sailing