Nov 23, 2013; Fresno, CA, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks to throw a pass against the New Mexico Lobos in the third quarter at Bulldog Stadium. The Bulldogs defeated the Lobos 69-28. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
As we discussed the Cleveland Browns season now is about the off-season and the draft. SI put up a top 10 Mock Draft following Sunday’s game. CBS Sports put up 2 Mock Drafts today with the full first round. According to Matt Miller of Bleacher Report the Browns are currently slated for the 7th and 24th pick. Their own pick will depend on how the remaining season plays out while the 1st rounder from the Colts will be decided by their playoff success, assuming they make the playoffs.
SI
"8. Cleveland Browns (4-7): Sammy Watkins, WR, ClemsonQuarterback will have to wait — possibly only until Cleveland’s second pick of Round 1, where a guy like Zach Mettenberger or Tajh Boyd or even Manziel might be on the table. In Watkins, the Browns would find another receiver who, like current Cleveland No. 1 Josh Gordon, can stretch the field in Rob Chudzinski’s offense. Watkins and Gordon together with TE Jordan Cameron would make the Browns a headache for any defensive coordinator."
- With 3 QBs, Teddy Bridgewater, Marcus Mariota and Derek Carr off the board in the first 4 picks the Browns look for a offensive weapon in Watkins. Pairing Watkins with Gordon and Cameron would be dynamic, especially if the team thinks Hoyer could lead the team to the playoffs next year. If so expect a younger QB, not Mettenberger or Boyd, to be the teams QB pick later in the draft, or even in a trade up.
Rob Rang
"8. CLEVELAND BROWNS(4-7)Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State: It remains the same old story in Cleveland – the Browns possess Pro Bowl talent, but no answer at quarterback. Carr has emerged as a first round pick while lighting up the Mountain West Conference and if he stars at the Senior Bowl (like his older brother did, David did in 2002), a spot in the top 10 is well within reach.25. CLEVELAND BROWNS (FROM INDIANAPOLIS)(4-7)Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State: While the Panthers’ front seven is fearsome, the club could use better play in the secondary. Gilbert is a spectacular athlete with terrific hand-eye coordination and return skills, making him a threat on defense and as a kick returner."
- In Rang’s draft 2 quarterbacks were selected 1 and 2 overall, Bridgewater and Mariotta, leaving Carr to fall to the Browns as the 3rd QB selected overall. Obviously his write-up on Gilbert is for the wrong team but is accurate for the Browns as well. Pairing him with Haden and giving the Browns a return threat to pair with Travis Benjamin would be huge. With many offensive weapons off the board at this point, the 6′ CB could be a final big piece to the defense.
Dane Bugler
"8. CLEVELAND BROWNS(4-7)Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State: 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. Enter Carr who has special arm talent and could be the first senior quarterback drafted.25. CLEVELAND BROWNS (FROM INDIANAPOLIS)(4-7)Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State: No one, not even the Browns, knows if Josh Gordon will be in Cleveland at this time next year, but regardless, the wide receiver position needs a boost. Robinson is a strong, athletic pass-catcher with size, speed and the instincts that should allow him to contribute as a rookie."
- Bugler adds Carr to the Browns as well. All looking at Carr must hope he can overcome in the NFL in ways that his brother and first overall pick David was unable too. Robinson has been a consistent pick for the Browns on CBS Sports but may not be the dynamic choice the team is looking for here. A CB, offensive lineman or linebacker could also be an option at this point in the draft.