Day before Draft Day Release; The Cleveland Browns get a realistic look at the Draft
Dec 28, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Brandon Coleman (17) looks on against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankees Stadium. Notre Dame Fighting Irish won the game 29-16. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
5-145.) Brandon Coleman WR Rutgers Again it doesn’t answer any of the lesser needs but I’m not drafting them early. Maybe I’ll trade down but I would prefer to get a 6’6″ wide receiver then overdraft for need. I’m aware that I already have Gordon, Lee, Hawkins and Burleson, I’m okay with trading Greg Little as you’ll see later, but having the chance to add Coleman is something I can afford to take a risk on in the 5th round while already addressing my main concerns. (I would have really liked to grab a safety early but need, fit and talent never matched and Tashuan Gibson is a capable starter for next season, maybe even beyond). He is a mis-match monster. For being 6’6″ he’s extremely athletic on the field as well and with a little more training will be a monster in the red zone opposite of Jordan Cameron. Has some question-marks which is why he fell to the 5th round but you have to take a chance on size like this. He does everything solidly but needs to get a little better to be a higher wide receiving talent that his size indicates. Taking a chance on him could pay huge dividends.
6-180.) De’Anthony Thomas RB/WR Oregon Another value pick that can pay huge dividends. This guys has some blazing speed and can make guys look like first time ice-skaters on the field. He’s basically a two trick pony though but that’s alright for a guy in the 6th round when is tricks are dangerous. He’s a constant threat to take it to the house whether it be rushing or his excellent receiving ouyt of the backfield. Is a threat to the house every time and again can really help stretch the field with Manziel, Gordon, Lee, Cameron and Hawkins or Benjamin. With Tate as your pounding, almost every down back, Thomas has the chance to come in and be a specialist that can make this offense even more dangerous with an arsenal of different weapons. In this draft I had a board of guys I wanted and a few fell between 180-218. Here’s where I was throw in some trades. Getting a late 6 round pick won’t cost much and I’d more than willing to send Greg Little (thanks to all the new off-season addition at the position) or next years 6th or 5th rounder to move up and grab two of them. I’d trade up to around 190s to get C/G Russell Bodine and around 215 for S Vinnie Sunseri.
6-195.) Russell Bodine C/G N.C. State (via trade) Bodine is one of the top rated centers in the draft and yet he falls down to the late 6th round. He’s another guy who has played both positions and has the quickness, awareness and blocking ability to succeed in the zone-blocking scheme. Not quite as polished as Martin but can help in a lot of the same ways. As a late 6th round pick this would be a steal and someone I would love to grab on my team, most likely for depth this season but with a solid chance at starting next season, especially if Pinkston doesn’t prove to be the answer.
6-215.) Vinnie Sunseri S Alabama I grabbed him in my first mock and still think this guy can excel in the NFL. He isn’t perfect and maybe never be, which is why he’s a late 6th round, early 7th round pick but he can be great in the right scheme. The guy is workhorse who has great awareness and plays the safety position great with play knowledge, great anticipation and a monster for making great plays. I see him as, maybe a less talented certainly more raw, Troy Polamalu when it comes to instincts, defensive home-run threat and possible style of play in the NFL. I think he’ll make some huge impact plays on special teams and maybe in as an extended coverage look on defense but look for him to be a great project to build in the next 2 seasons.
7-218.) Max Bullough ILB Michigan St. With the addition of Mosley that leaves only Robertson and Bill transfer Tank Carder inside and not much outside. Getting Max Bullough this late in the draft is another steal that can help need. He’s not flashy but an old school hitting LB. Not the most talented but think of him a solid ILB with average speed and strength but with solid awareness. A serviceable LB who was a solid part and captain in the best defense in the NCAA last season. I wanted to take a flyer on QB Connor Shaw who went 233 to the Jets but don’t feel like he’s someone I have to make a trade for. Hopefully, for my sake, he goes undrafted and I can bring him in but not sure I’m going out of my way for a trade though I’m definitely open to the option. I would like to sign G. Kadeem Edwards from Tennessee St as an undrafted free agent. Would be a great addition to the zone-blocking scheme. As the quickness to get outside on a pull and make the block. Is currently a better pass blocker than run blocker but Shanahan’s find a way to make solid blockers if you can do what’s asked of you in the zone-blocking which he seems to be able to do. Untested with an Ohio Valley schedule but would love to bring him in and see what he can do.