The Cleveland Browns are just 36 days from a draft that could change the course of their history. The time is now for Cleveland to capitalize on the draft picks they have acquired in the last few years. Two first round picks, including the number one overall selection, will determine the future of the organization. Years and years of failed draft picks and botched coaching hires have come down to this draft in 2017. Many writers, coaches, and broadcasters believe that the Browns have the head coach this time. There are absolutely no questions about whether Hue Jackson is the man to lead them into the light. This draft will determine if Coach Jackson will be successful in Cleveland.
Many believe that the Browns will select Myles Garrett with the first overall pick. A talented and versatile player, Garrett will look to become the key piece in the turnaround of this defense. This selection may be a given, but the number 12 overall pick could be the biggest piece of the puzzle. The Browns need a quarterback and have since 1999. The drought has to end somehow right? Deshaun Watson, Mitchell Trubisky, and Patrick Mahomes are all names that have been discussed in the media. Brock Osweiler and Cody Kessler certainly don’t appear to be the answer right now. Will the Browns risk their second first round pick on one of these quarterbacks? History tells us that the number 12 overall pick has rarely been used to select a QB. In fact, since 2000, the number 12 pick has been used on a quarterback on one occasion. The Vikings selected Christian Ponder in 2011 with the 12th pick.
That doesn’t mean the Browns won’t find their franchise quarterback at number 12, but it is very unlikely. If it were up to me, I would use this pick to select the best available player that they have on their board. If that happens to be a quarterback, so be it. I believe that building a defense is the number one step in returning to contention in the NFL. This draft is very rich in pass rushing and secondary talent. One player who I have my eye on is Derek Barnett from Tennessee. I believe he would be a great candidate to go along with Myles Garrett and really improve this defense. Jabrill Peppers also brings leadership and toughness that Cleveland has lacked in the secondary. Peppers is a versatile player who can line up basically anywhere on defense, and will also play a huge factor on special teams.
The first two picks are absolutely essential for this team to improve and get back to playing winning football. Hue Jackson is trying to bring a winning culture back to Cleveland. In order to do so, he must hit on the first two picks, and also have success later in the draft. Risking one of their first round picks on a quarterback is too risky for a team who has so many needs on both sides of the ball. The Browns seem to be following the Raiders blueprint of the last few years. Like Oakland, Cleveland raided free agency to help build an established offensive line. They could take Garrett to simulate Khalil Mack with their first pick. Finding a quarterback would be next on the checklist in the second round, much like the Raiders did with Derek Carr (36th overall selection in 2014). If Trubisky, Watson, or Mahomes fall to the second round, Cleveland could have the guy they want.
At the end of the day, this draft will determine the Browns future in the next 5-10 years. This could be the beginning of a complete rebuild, or another regime failure. What will the story be when we discuss this draft in 5 years? As we know in Cleveland all too well, anything can happen on draft night.
The 216 by Brandon Sweet 