Tuesday Two-Some: CBS Sports Dual 2014 NFL Mock Drafts
Dec 31, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas A
Yesterday we ranked Cleveland Browns players using the WWE’s Royal Rumble elimination style. Today we need to look at a few 2014 NFL Mock Draft postings and see what players may be added to the Browns. As we look across the web to many noted and reputable sources it looks like there is starting to be a consensus coming about based on rumors and past comments by the Browns Front Office. Lets look at CBS’s pair of mock drafters.
"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."
- Brugler sticks with the pair of Manziel and Mosley. Manziel is the consensus pick by most to the Browns based on the front offices statements about the importance of getting a franchise quarterback and the rumors that persist that the Browns would even be willing to trade up for the QB from Texas A&M. These rumors were interesting as they surface before the Browns even had a head coach, and therefore were lacking any real direction for the team.
- Mosley could be an interesting fit as the Browns desperately need someone next to, and possibly to replace, D’Qwell Jackson in the middle of the 3-4 defense. Mosley’s Alabama roots could intrigue many NFL decision makers. With Mike Pettine taking over the Browns its likely he will look to upgrade in the middle. Could he find his next Kiko Alonso, a mid round steal last year, to lead his defense? Could Mosley be it or could waiting play out well again this year for Pettine?
"4. CLEVELAND BROWNS(4-12)Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M: The circuitous route the Browns took in hiring new head coach Mike Pettine may say everything you need to know about the role he’ll play in determining Cleveland’s draft board. Head scouts Mike Lombardi and Joe Banner are reportedly enamored with Manziel and therefore, he appears to be the favorite at No. 4 overall. 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 has the Browns taking Manziel also. Rang makes 2 very interesting points related to this pick, and the setup of the Browns: 1) Will Pettine, or whoever the coach that was hired, have any impact on this pick? and 2) How does Manziel’s arm hold up in the outdoors? Many point to Russell Wilson’s size as a comparison but Wilson’s arm is above average. For the Browns the hope will be that Manziel’s hand size, accuracy and anticipation all make up for his perceived (some say its above average) arm strength issue.
- Kouandjio is a big athletic tackle who could learn on the right side while moving Schwartz inside. While Joe Thomas has been the anchor of the line for a long time, could he look to move on when he is a free agent? The Browns need to protect whoever they invest in at the QB spot and Kouandjio could develop into a solid left tackle if Thomas decides to leave in a few years. If Thomas stays the Browns have bookend tackles and Kouandjio’s strength should help the run game.
Pick your favorite: Brugler or Rang. Many people love Mock Drafts, searching the web daily and weekly for new Mocks, how do you feel about them? Hate them, don’t care much or stalk them style love them? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section.