Cleveland Browns: Why Not An Offensive Lineman In Rd. 1?

With so many holes on the Cleveland Browns roster, while having multiple options to choose from, drafting an offensive lineman should not be out of the question.

Every time a new regime takes over a NFL franchise, those people typically wants to bring in their own types of players. That is the case with the Cleveland Browns, but the team also has plenty of key needs.

There is no question that the Cleveland Browns need to draft a quarterback, but what is questionable is when will the Browns make such a selection? Cleveland could draft California’s Jared Goff or North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz second overall.

Immediately one of those players would have the expectation to be the Browns’ face of the franchise. That is great, but neither of those players could turn out to be the future for Cleveland. If Cleveland decides to postpone the selection of a quarterback, then selecting an offensive lineman would be the next key need.

Due to player projections, there is not an offensive play-maker (non-quarterback) who should be drafted as early as the Cleveland Browns are drafting. With that said, Ole Miss’ offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil would fit in nicely. Notre Dame’s offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley also makes sense.

Pending Cleveland’s preference, they may feel more comfortable trading down a couple of spots and then selecting Stanley. Should a trade occur, the Browns would put themselves in a risky position because the San Diego Chargers (third overall pick) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (fifth overall pick) could also look to upgrade their respective offensive line.

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Let’s say the Cleveland Browns want to select a position before drafting a quarterback for whatever reason. Tunsil would be the ideal preference, but he is the favorite to be selected with the first overall pick by the Tennessee Titans.

Since it will be hard for the Browns to retain both Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz, replacements are needed. Both Tunsil and Stanley could start from day one (at right tackle) and be the eventual replacement for Joe Thomas when he decides to retire.

Drafting an offensive lineman in the first round is not the glamorous or popular pick. On the other hand, if the Cleveland Browns can draft their quarterback and a wide receiver within the first three rounds, then it would be difficult to argue that approach.

With 10 picks, the Cleveland Browns easily could trade back into the first or second round. A trade is more than a possibility.

A lot can happen from now until the draft. If nothing significant happens with the Cleveland Browns offensive line, then the team should be seriously considering an offensive lineman (especially if Cleveland feels that they could draft a QB better suited for the offense later).

Next: Browns 2016 Mock Draft 1.0

There is much more variety and talent along the offensive line than there is at quarterback. About eight offensive lineman would be a great fit for Cleveland within the first three rounds, while there is only four or five quarterbacks within that same projection. With that said, drafting an offensive lineman would be very tempting, but the Cleveland Browns have to go the quarterback route.