Oct 5, 2013; Syracuse, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Sammy Watkins (2) warms up prior to the game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Last night we looked at the current 2014 NFL Draft order and what Browns’ faithful should be hoping for this week. This morning we look at 4 recently published 2014 NFL Mock Drafts and our takeaways from each.
"7. Cleveland Browns: Sammy Watkins, WR, ClemsonAnother spot where Manziel (or Brett Hundley) could land. Watkins has been a sensational deep threat throughout his time at Clemson, which should make him very appealing for Cleveland’s vertical passing attack. Plus, current No. 1 WR Josh Gordon is but one slip-up away from being suspended for an entire season. Cleveland cannot gamble on him without some semblance of a Plan B."
- With the Browns having Two 1st round picks, some confidence in either Brian Hoyer or Jason Campbell and both Teddy Bridgewater and Derek Carr gone, picking up the ultra talented Watkins to pair with Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron makes sense. Watkins has had many comparisons, including to AJ Green. Watkins’ addition would help Hoyer, Campbell or a new QB look much better next year.
"6. Cleveland Browns—QB Blake Bortles, Central FloridaThe Browns are desperate for a franchise quarterback but don’t rule out Brian Hoyer as the 2014 opening-day starter. That would allow the team to draft a player who needs a little time to develop—like Blake Bortles. The UCF quarterback is a dual-threat star and has a little Andrew Luck or Ben Roethsliberger in his game. He’s the type of smart, savvy passer the Browns have needed.23. Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis)—WR Odell Beckham, LSUThe Browns grabbed their quarterback at the top of the round, but now they must finish filling out the offense by adding a threat at receiver. The team has a future star in Josh Gordon, but he’s one slip-up away from a season-long suspension, and Greg Little continues to disappoint on the other side of the formation.Odell Beckham isn’t the biggest guy, but he plays tough over the middle and has a second gear to run away from defenders after the catch. He’s an ideal complement for the bigger, stronger Gordon."
- Bortles is shooting up draft boards recently due to his size, production and upside, as well as Marcus Mariota returning to Oregon. The comparisons to Big Ben and Luck should excite Browns fans, his limited hype until recently may be of more concern. The Theory of Relativity, true in many arenas, states that things are attractive comparable to those/that which they are around. Is Bortles being propped up due to limitations of other draft eligible QBs? Adding another WR in Beckham, a strong but quick receiver could make Bortles transition easier.
"7. CLEVELAND BROWNS(4-9)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 potential24. CLEVELAND BROWNS (FROM INDIANAPOLIS)(4-9)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."
- Bortles is the selection here, and will be in 3 out of the 4 Mocks we cover here. Again he is compared to Big Ben which could be exciting. Ogbuehi is noted as a high ceiling player. Replacing Schwartz, or better yet moving Schwartz inside, could greatly improve the lines overall play and run game.
"7. CLEVELAND BROWNS(4-9)Blake Bortles, QB, UCF: It remains the same old story in Cleveland – the Browns possess Pro Bowl talent at various positions that does not include quarterback. Rather than gamble that Bortles or another potential starter is available with their second pick of the first round (from the Colts), general manager Michael Lombardi may have to reach here. Bortles, talented, tough and possessing more traditional size than most of the other quarterbacks in this class, is flying up draft boards.24. CLEVELAND BROWNS (FROM INDIANAPOLIS)(4-9)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.Rang brings up an issue for the Browns, do they risk waiting for a QB with their second pick in the 1st and risk another Brandon Weeden experience? Rang continues to not update his second Browns pick. Gilbert is drafted by both the Browns and Panthers. The Browns could use another quality CB across from Joe Haden. A high quality talent, regardless of position, should be expected. The new regime values talent over position in all instance, except for QB and pass rushers. Having spent a high pick and big free agent money on a pass rush, and the #7 pick here on Bortles, talent will win out."