McLafferty Mocks (himself) the 2014 NFL Draft, Going all 7 Rounds with the Cleveland Browns
Sep 7, 2013; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners punt returner Jalen Saunders (8) jumps over West Virginia Mountaineers linebacker Tyler Anderson (53) and Nick Kwiatkoski (35) at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
4th Round – #123 Jalen Saunders WR Oklahoma
(from Colts for Montori Hughes. 0 Starts, 6 total tackles)
Jalen Saunders would be a perfect fit in the Browns’ new passing offense in the slot. When the Browns would go to three WRs you’ll be able to put Gordon and Lee on the outside and let Saunders and his Combine #10 Best Speed do work underneath or stretch the field. He looks like one of the fastest guys on the field when he’s out there. I’m not convinced that Travis Benjamin will be able to do any real work at WR at this point, but Saunders could be that guy we envisioned when we were gushing over Benjamin’s playmaking ability.
5th Round-#133 Vinnie Sunseri S Alabama
We’re not sure if T. J. Ward is coming back or if Donte Whitner or Jairus Byrd will be on the Browns come draft time but it’s obvious the Browns don’t have much depth here and even the opportunity for a safety to come in and start over Tashuan Gipson (still not sure what to make on Jamoris Slaughter– but you’ll need at least two back-ups). Gipson plays more like a free safety and we’re not sure what the other side safety will play like but Pettine has gone out to say he likes his safeties to have the ability to play both up front (more like a strong safety) while also possessing strong coverage skills (more like a free safety). In the 5th round they find a guy who can do both, plus can be a special team captain his rookie year, if nothing more. He burst on the scene at Alabama destroying coverage on special teams his freshman year and has continued his hard work to be a great coverage safety with the ability to smash a guy down. He drops down to the 5th round due to a season ending injury halfway through the year but is an amazing value to a team and coach that can really utilize his diversity.
6th Round- #164 Andrew Norwell G Ohio State
It’s the 6th round so you have the luxury to take flyers on guys and help establish good depth while hopefully training a future starter. Norwell fits both of these. He help establish depth in a place where it seems you can never have enough, is a source of need with no Guards apparently wanting to be the starter and he brings a background of zone-blocking from Ohio State, something the team will need. He’s considered a hard working coaches’ best friend who will really help set the tone and instructions in the transition to zone-blocking. Scouts rave about his all-around game and solid athletic ability for a guard. Whether he’ll ever be a starter is up in the air but I see him having a solid long-lasting career as a starter or proving great depth.
7th Round-#195 Shaq Evans WR UCLA
No I didn’t just pick him because I think Cleveland needed another Shaq or because of my recent fondness of Soda Shaq Cream Soda. It’s because our WRs corps are terrible. Bess is gone, leaving Gordon (and according to this draft) Lee, Saunders, Benjamin, Josh Cooper and possibly Greg Little. Adding Evans will give the team a solid all-around Wide Receiver core that can do 4 deep with Gordon, Lee, Saunders and Evans. He was in the discussion for me in in the 4th round when I chose Saunders and it was a blessing to see him fall all the way down here. Don’t know if he actually will or not but if he does the Browns would have to grab a talent like this in the 7th round. The thing everyone seems to be talking about with this guy is his solid route running and big play potential (9 touchdowns last season).
Roster Make-Up and Final Thoughts Coming Up