Mock Draft 1.0 - 1/4 Poll Edition:
Just want to use this as an opportunity to put some names on your radar as I did last year. I'll try and do another through every quarter of the season as the draft board and this team's likely destination become clearer.
IMO, the Browns will be entering a make-or-break season as an organization. The third year of a regime has historically been that, and with Haslam in the FO we're likely to see that trend continue.
Until I hear otherwise, or begin to see the writing on the wall, I'll approach these with the assumption that everyone in the FO is returning.
Given that, I say pray to the tank Gods the Browns end up with a top three pick and the various other teams ahead of them are established at QB.
So without further rambling, here is how I'd approach this off-season.
Free Agency:
Mitchell Schwartz - Must be resigned, continuity on the OL and he's developed into a solid, consistent precense.
Tashaun Gipson - Must be resigned, Pro-Bowl caliber safety.
Craig Robertson - I'd love to resign him, and I think they may end up releasing Dansby to keep Robertson long-term.
Gary Barnidge - Must resign. End of fucking story, bitches.
Travis Benjamin - Would like to have him back, not sure how likely it is given the names above him
Alex Mack (player option) - Will almost certainly opt-out/leave
Additional FA wish list:
Veteran RB - There are a plethora available this off-season, would love to see someone brought in behind Crowell/Duke
Veteran swing G/T - Takes the place vacated by Erving, who moves into the starting role
MLB - One of Robertson or Dansby is likely gone, would like to see a veteran presence added as depth.
Draft:
1 - Jared Goff* - QB - California - Likely the best QB prospect since Andrew Luck. He's got all parts of the game in the plus column, with the exception of Pro-Style collegiate offense. The best in this class by a wide margin.
*Browns trade back in the second round to acquire an additional 3rd rounder
2 - Jordan Jenkins - OLB - Georgia - The Browns still aren't getting pressure like you'd want them to, Kruger will be another year older and Mingo could find himself on his way out. Jenkins knows how to set the edge and get to the QB. He's exactly what you're looking for in a pass rusher and would fill the void left by Sheard, who has been missed.
3 - Jake Butt - TE - Michigan - This guy has excellent body control and superb hands. He'll make plays for you as a weapon in the passing game and is a capable blocker. The Barnidge Butt tight end combo will be an elite one.
3b - Nelson Spruce - WR - Colorado - The definition of consistent, this guy is going to catch a ton of passes and move the chains. Operating under the assumption Josh Gordon will play again, Spruce provides an excellent asset who will be moved all over the field for mismatches.
4 - De'Runnya Wilson - WR - Miss St. - Bigger, physical WR the unit has lacked without Gordon. Wilson has excellent hands, but lacks the speed and agility to make him a higher ranked prospect. A matchup weapon and excellent red zone target to be a matchup issue.
5 - Jaime Byrd - S - South Florida - A bit undersized, but flies to the football every play and makes things happen defensively. Would be an absolute missile on special teams, and would eventually provide depth behind Gipson/Poyer/Campbell.
6 - Roberto Aguayo - K - Florida State - Been on this dude for a while, he's the best kicking prospect in quite some time.
7 - Kolton Houston - OT/OG - Georgia - Versatile and technically sound, adds depth to the offensive line.
