Grading Todd McShay 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Cleveland Browns Picks

Grading the recently published Todd McShay 2018 NFL mock draft, and how this “way-too-early” addition affects the Cleveland Browns.

Yes it’s way too early, but if Todd McShay is going to publish a 2018 NFL mock draft without admittedly watching film on anyone, and without any clue as to how the 2017 season actually plays out, the Factory of Sadness can assign it a grade.

Love or hate the Carson Wentz trade down from 2016, you can’t deny how the trade keeps producing new fruit. The Browns used the 12th pick in 2017 NFL Draft to trade down, but picked up a 2018 first rounder in the process.

With two picks in the 2018 NFL Draft, here’s how McShay sees the season playing out, using records projected by Football Outsiders.

Round 1, Pick 1, Sam Darnold, USC, Grade: A+

Most pundits have Sam Darnold as their top ranked quarterback, and McShay echoes their beliefs by having the USC product go No. 1.

"Watching WR JuJu Smith-Schuster in preparation for the 2017 draft, it was hard not to notice Darnold. He has the mental makeup, poise and arm strength you look for in an NFL quarterback."

Think the quarterback talk leading up to the 2017 draft was crazy? Get ready to hit DEFCON-5. McShay believes Wyoming’s Josh Allen and UCLA’s Josh Rosen will go second and third, respectively, with the 49ers tapping Allen and the Jets choosing Rosen.

Three quarterbacks in the first three picks? It hasn’t happened since 1999 when the Browns picked Tim Couch No. 1, the Eagles took Donovan McNabb at No. 2, and the Bengals picked Akili Smith third.

In 13 starts as a redshirt freshman, Darnold completed 67.2 percent of his passes and threw 31 touchdowns against nine interceptions.

Round 1, Pick 4, Christian Wilkins, Clemson, Grade: C+

This pick is a perfect example of why “Way too early drafts” can drive you crazy.

Huge assumptions, based of nothing, have to be made.

More from Factory of Sadness

Wonder if sixth-round pick Caleb Brantley makes the Browns and has a productive season? If it happens, would this position a top priority?

So the grade isn’t really about Christian Wilkins, who would be a great addition to the Browns’ defensive line. Rather, the mark reflects the decision to bypass other positions.

What about corner? This is probably Joe Haden‘s last chance to prove he can still play. Could defensive backs Florida State’s Tarvarus McFadden or Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick be in play?

What about running back? Isaiah Crowell‘s long-term future is in doubt. Penn State’s Saquon Barkley is coming of 1,496-yard, 18-touchdown 2016 campaign.

Receiver could also be a huge need. Corey Coleman needs to remind us why he was a first-round. Kenny Britt faces the pressure of producing another 1,000-yard season to live up to his contract while making us forget about Terrelle Pryor. Will any of the 2016 drafted receivers produce?

McShay predicted Alabama receiver Calvin Ridley would be selected with the fifth pick by the Vikings.

McShay wrote of Ridley:

"The No. 1-ranked WR recruit in 2015, Ridley has accounted for 161 catches in his two seasons in Tuscaloosa. That’s 28.4 percent of the team’s total in that span."

And you just took a deep breath from all the 2017 Draft talk!

Unless your team needs a quarterback and there are obvious prospects, there’s no point in getting to worked up over these “way too early” mocks.

Next: Browns Announce Jersey Numbers For Top Picks

However, they can be a good reference for those wanting to learn the names of college players to watch in 2017.

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