Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Could Browns Build Playoff Team For Next Season?

My heart is a cold dark place and I still feel bad for Cleveland fans.There is almost nothing to like about the Cleveland Browns right now. The way the organization has been run, you would think the Milwaukee Bucks are running the team. They continue to make stupid decisions like draft a quarterback that is almost 30 over a quarterback that is “too short.” They also fire coaches after one season even though they have almost no talent and the front office still thinks Brian Hoyer will lead them to a Super Bowl. Not to also mention their jerseys are crap and no big time athlete will want to come to that city, ask Lebron. With all that being said, there are some core players they can build around. They have five players returning to the team that went to the pro bowl last season (Jordan Cameron, Alex Mack, Josh Gordon, Joe Thomas, and Joe Haden), compared to a playoff team like the Packers who had only one. They have the parts, all they need is a quarterback and someone who can put the parts together. If you're wondering why I didn’t put any defensive targets on here, I think they shouldn’t take one. Mike Pettine has never ranked outside the top ten in yards allowed as a defensive coordinator with the Jets and Bills so their defense will be fine.


Early Draft Targets for the Browns!
1st round ( 4th overall )
Johnny Manziel QB Texas A&M

Johnny Football would bring instant excitement to a dull Browns team. He has extreme play making ability and can make all the throws. Throwing 562 yards and 5 touchdowns against a Nick Saban defense is very impressive. He has superstar written all over him.                                                                                                                              



Blake Bortles QB UCF


Bortles has the prototypical frame of a NFL quarterback and 6’5” and 230 pounds. There is mostly likely going to be at least 2 quarterbacks left on the board when the Browns pick because it is unknown whether the Texans and Jaguars are going defense with Jadeveon Clowney or Khalil Mack, or a quarterback. If they want a prototypical quarterback with a big arm, Bortles is their man.



Teddy Bridgewater QB Louisville

Bridgewater is the most pro-ready and best quarterback in this class. He has all the intangibles you want in a franchise quarterback and has incredible mental and physical toughness. Watch film of how he shredded a SEC defense after getting LAID OUT by Jon Bostic in the Sugar bowl. That defines him as a quarterback.



26th Overall Pick (from Colts)
Kelvin Benjamin WR Florida State
After taking a franchise signal caller, many teams draft an offensive weapon with their next pick to help build around the young quarterback (ex: Andrew Luck and Coby Fleener). At 6’5” 240 pounds, Benjamin has elite length and is a mismatch on smaller defensive backs. He would help take the pressure off of Josh Gordon as the only threat on the field for the Browns




Marquise Lee WR USC

I could make an argument that Lee is the the 2nd most talented receiver in this draft class. Injuries could make him slide on draft day but he has very good athletic ability. If he would fall to the Browns, he could be a huge steal.







Brandin Cooks WR Oregon State
Cooks is a very quick and fast slot receiver. He has significant interest from teams like the Dolphins and Jets so he might not be there when the Browns have to pick. If he is there, he would be an outstanding complement to Josh Gordon.





DO NOT DRAFT IN 1ST ROUND!
Sammy Watkins WR Clemson
Let me make this clear, Sammy Watkins WILL NOT be a bust. He is the best receiver in this class and will turn out to be an outstanding receiver in the NFL. In the interest of Sammy’s career and the Browns future, the browns shouldn’t draft him with the 4th pick.  Watkins will never be the player he could be without at least a mediocre quarterback and won’t turn around the Browns all by himself.



Derek Carr Fresno State
Unlike Watkins, Derek Carr will be a bust. 60 percent of his throws are within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage which won’t cut it in the NFL. Carr had a chance to prove himself against real competition in his bowl game against USC but failed.  He only completed 53% of his passes and horribly overthrew many balls. This would be a Browns like pick.





Any OL in first round

Jake Matthews and Greg Robinson are very good prospects but the Browns drafting them wouldn’t make any sense. They already have Joe Thomas and Alex Mack to solidify the O-Line. Plus, an O-Lineman isn’t going to bring fans to the game or turn this team into a playoff contender.



2nd Round

Jeremy Hill RB LSU
The Browns need a compliment to Ben Tate and Hill could be the guy. HIll played in a pro style, power running game at LSU and it will easily translate to the NFL. The only issue is his off the field issues but he wrote a letter to all 32 teams about his mistakes so these issues seem to be behind him.






Ka’Deem Carey RB Arizona
The reason Carey is going to be picked so high is because of his production. Gaining 3,814 yards on the ground last season, Carey has been a running machine. He is also a very good pass catcher and will be a solid running back at the next level.






Carlos Hyde RB Ohio State
I don’t think i have ever seen a running back break as many tackles as I saw Hyde break last season. Hyde is easily the best running back in this draft and is incredibly tough to bring down. Watching Chris Borland from Wisconsin and him trying to level each other was great to watch and I can’t wait to watch him going up against some of the best linebackers in the league next season.

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