CBS Sports Dual 2014 NFL Mock Drafts
Dec 7, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; UCF Knights quarterback Blake Bortles (5) sets to pass against Southern Methodist Mustangs defensive end Zelt Minor (92) during the first half of an NCAA football game at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier we looked at Matt Miller’s 7 Round Mock Draft for the Browns. Now we take a look at the 2 dual Mock Drafts presented by the guys at CBS Sports. Remember that these drafts could change drastically based on Juniors returning, and for the Browns based on who is their Head Coach. Rumors are out that Josh McDaniels is set to take the job in the near future.
Dane Bugler
"5. CLEVELAND BROWNS(4-12)Blake Bortles, QB, UCF: Brandon Weeden won’t be back in Cleveland, Jason Campbell is a stopgap and while Brian Hoyer is still in the team’s long-term plans, he’s coming off an ACL injury and Cleveland needs to add a young arm to the mix. Bortles is very reminiscent of Ben Roethlisberger when he was coming out of Miami (Ohio) and has intriguing pro potential"
For some reason Bugler has the Browns drafting 5, but that could be an editor issue. Either way in his draft Teddy Bridgewater is gone at #1 and Johnny Manziel is taken by the Jags at #3 leaving Bortles on the board. The Browns also have the option of Derek Carr at QB or either Jake Matthews the offensive tackle or the speedy Sammy Watkins at receiver, in Bugler’s draft.
"26. CLEVELAND BROWNS (FROM INDIANAPOLIS)(4-12)Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M: The right tackle position has been a trouble spot for the Browns offense this season and Cleveland should toy with the idea of adding a right tackle and moving Mitchell Schwartz inside to guard. Ogbuehi isn’t quite as well-known as his teammate Jake Matthews, but he is almost as talented with a high ceiling himself."
Here Bugler has the Browns filling their need on the offensive line to protect new QB Bortles and to open up running lanes for the future running back. A few defensive backs as well as Allen Robinson from Penn State are still available in his draft at this point.
Rob Rang
"4. CLEVELAND BROWNS(4-12)Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M: After starting out the season 3-2, the Browns lost 10 of their final 11 games, costing head coach Rob Chudzinski his job after just one year. With two first round picks due to the Trent Richardson trade, the Browns have the ammunition to move up should they fall in love with a quarterback. Otherwise, adding the ultra-safe Matthews and moving Mitchell Schwartz inside to guard might be the first step towards bringing back some credibility in Cleveland."
In Rang’s draft Bortles and Bridgewater are gone, but instead of going with Manziel he goes with the solid tackle in Matthews. Matthews gives the Browns a solid pair of tackles and a future replacement for Joe Thomas as he ages. The improved line should make things easier on Brian Hoyer and whoever the future QB is.
"26. CLEVELAND BROWNS (FROM INDIANAPOLIS)(4-12)Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State: Josh Gordon has emerged as one of the NFL’s best young receivers in just his second season but he remains one failed drug test away from a year-long suspension. Teammate Greg Little is just as unreliable on the field with his untimely drops. Adding competition at receiver isn’t necessarily a first round priority but should Robinson be available, the lanky athlete could prove an intriguing fit in Cleveland."
Looks like Rang has confidence in Hoyer or the Browns picking up a young QB later in the draft. Here Robinson, who Rang has had to the Browns for months, comes to work across from Gordon. Robinson has the size to compete on the outside but will need a QB to get the ball to him. Rookie receivers also struggle to be impact players their first year and need time to develop. Justin Gilbert, a DB from Oklahoma State, was available for the Browns with this pick.
Whose draft do you like better? Is the risk of not taking a QB too great? Who would you pick instead of their picks?