Pat Kirwan’s NFL Mock Draft: Hope for Browns Fans
Nov 23, 2013; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Sammy Watkins (2) carries the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Citadel Bulldogs at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
CBS Sports has a group of guys who do a great job of providing variety to the NFL Mock Draft world. We covered Rob Rang, Dane Brugler and Pete Prisco earlier in the week. Now we hit on Pat Kirwan’s Mock which may provide optimism for Cleveland Browns fans, many of which are highly demanding when it comes to Mock Drafts. There are camps that want a QB no matter what. There are others who want the Buckeye killer Sammy Watkins. Others want the best player available.
Still others don’t want any of the QBs in this draft, either due to belief in Brian Hoyer or information from draft analysts who are not sold on any of this class of QBs. We covered earlier today the Opportunity Cost related to QBs in the draft, and highly recommend you taking a look at it. Now on to Kirwan’s Mock that may create Hope for Browns fans:
"4. CLEVELAND BROWNS(4-12)Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson: Later in the first round Cleveland will get their quarterback but for now it’s a game breaker WR opposite Josh Gordon. The Browns get a quarterback later in this round."
- Boom the impact receiver many want. What is interesting is that Watkins doesn’t fit the normal type of receiver that is generally drafted high: Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson, Julio Jones and A.J. Green. He isn’t overall tall. He isn’t physically the big guy who can resist injury. He isn’t the physical freak matchup that those guys are. He is however a dynamic player with speed, aggression and quickness that makes him a unique prospect. With the big strong Josh Gordon and big tight end Jordan Cameron the Browns have that type of receiver covered. Watkins could be a bigger, far more dynamic version of Andrew Hawkins, again much better but could be used stylistically similar. Mike Evans physical profile fits more along the lines of those other receivers.
| 26. CLEVELAND BROWNS (FROM INDIANAPOLIS) | |
(4-12) | Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville: Cleveland knew either Bridgewater or Carr would fall to this spot and they would have their QB. The Browns may feel Carr has a better arm for their winter woes on the lake, but Bridgewater is a bargain at this point to some. I might wait and take Mettenberger in the second round. |
- Here is where the Browns hope goes way up. Adding Watkins gives the wow factor, adding Bridgewater adds the solid factor. Bridgewater may not be a Andrew Luck type but could he develop into Aaron Rodgers type? Rodgers has never been the biggest guy and his arm has increased in power over his time in the league. He has won games with his accuracy, knowledge, feel in the pocket and ability to extend plays when they break down. Bridgewater has the ability to do that. Having Hoyer start next year would be best for Bridgewater. Have him learn the speed of the game, develop his body and work on his mechanics and the following year he could light the league up. A few teams above the Browns, Arizona being one, could take a shot at Teddy. Other teams, including the Browns could look to trade up and take him as he starts to fall. Derek Carr would also be an option here if Teddy, Johnny Manziel or Blake Bortles doesn’t fall.
What do you think? Odds that Teddy or another QB falls? Would you be okay with Carr at 26 if Watkins is the pick at 4? What about Evans at 4 if Watkins is off the board?