Nov 9, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers tight end Dillon Gordon (85) catches a tipped ball by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker C.J. Mosley (32) during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL Draft Duo at CBS Sports, their Mel Kiper and Todd McShay, have updated their 2014 NFL Mock Drafts. For once they both agree on who the Browns will select with their first pick but disagree on who is available at that pick. Lets take a look:
Dane Brugler
"4. CLEVELAND BROWNS(4-12)Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M: 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. Manziel will certainly create colorful discussions between now and May, not only on Twitter and your local bar, but also scouting war rooms around the league. He will be an option for the Browns here. 26. CLEVELAND BROWNS (FROM INDIANAPOLIS)(4-12)C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama: If the Browns go quarterback at No. 4 overall, their second first round pick is a wildcard with several need areas on the Cleveland roster. And while linebacker isn’t tops on that list, if a player like Mosley is still available, he makes sense inside next to D’Qwell Jackson."
In Brugler’s draft there are 3 players available at the #4 pick that could interest the Browns: Manziel, Sammy Watkins and Jake Matthews. Instead of going with the offensive weapon in Watkins or the solid bedrock tackle in Matthews, Brugler, and later Rob Rang, have the Browns going with Manziel. No surprise, its also who we have the Browns selecting in our Fansided NFL Mock Draft. With the Browns second pick, which could go a number of directions, Brugler has the Browns picking up Mosley, a solid veteran off the Alabama defense. Mosley would be a great fit next to Jackson if the Browns stick with a 3-4 defense, if not he could replace Jackson if the team decides to move on from him. Two wide receivers, a tight end and a cornerback are selected directly after this pick, all players the Browns could be interested in.
Rob Rang
"4. CLEVELAND BROWNS(4-12)Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M: While the Browns can’t seem to make a decision on their head coach, head scouts Mike Lombardi and Joe Banner are reportedly enamored with Manziel. While I personally question how well an undersized quarterback who relies on his mobility is going to fare in the gusts and grass of FirstEnergy Field, there is no denying Johnny Football’s appeal. A more logical move might be to package their two first round picks in an attempt to trade up for Bortles, whose prototypical size and instincts would seem like the perfect fit. 26. CLEVELAND BROWNS (FROM INDIANAPOLIS)(4-12)Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama: Finding their head coach and quarterback remain the obvious priorities in Cleveland but help along the offensive line may also be needed given the disappointing second season from right tackle Mitchell Schwartz, the club’s second round pick in 2012. Moving the athletically-limited Schwartz inside to right guard and pairing him with the highly physical and aggressive Kouandjio could solve two problems."
Rang’s first round looks just like ours with Manziel and Kouandjio. Rang gets to the Manziel pick differently as he has Matthews and Watkins joined by Teddy Bridgewater as available players for the Browns. A decision between Bridgewater, Manziel and Bortles may be close for many teams. Does Rang have the Browns selecting Manziel due to rumors of our interest? Obviously Kouandjio could have a huge impact on our offensive line. Sliding Schwartz inside and giving muscle to the run game. There were also a couple corners and WRs available when Rang selected 26th for the Browns.
Which draft do you like better? Is Manziel a non-starter for you or do you love his potential? What position do you hope the Browns spend their second pick on or are you okay with them using it to trade up?