Players I Want the Cleveland Browns to Draft

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Feb 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles throws the ball during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday I covered 3 players I did not want the Browns to draft in the first 2 rounds. Only fair today to give you a list of players I do want the Cleveland Browns to draft, most in the first 2 rounds but some in the later rounds. Thankfully this draft gives us many more desirable players then undesirable. I will also try to list where in the draft I want the Browns to draft them.

Blake Bortles, Teddy Bridgewater and Johnny Manziel

Probably in that order I am on board with drafting any of these 3 quarterbacks. I would be okay with Derek Carr as well, but surely not with the 4th pick. With Brian Hoyer on board I think the Browns can develop one of these 3 QBs the right way, by having them sit a year. The fan bases love of Hoyer won’t have them calling for the rookie backup quite as quickly, and the weapons that will be added around him will keep him competitive. Lets take a look at each of the 3 individually.

Bortles – I think Bortles has everything needed to develop into a starting level QB. He isn’t there yet but his size is perfect, his mobility is good and his football IQ is excellent. He needs work on his footwork mechanics but doesn’t seem fazed by blitzes, unlike Brandon Weeden and Carr, and he delivers a catch-able ball. With at least a year of coaching at the NFL level Bortles can step right in and compete in the rugged AFC North. Draft Position: Browns select Bortles at #4

Bridgewater – Bridgewater has his fair share of knocks since the season ended: Isn’t a leader, isn’t big enough, can’t throw without his gloves, had a horrible pro day, etc. Yet he was considered the #1 pick all of last season, led his team to a great season and has zero off the field issues. He may need to develop physically but his ability to move the pocket, use his eyes and his tremendous accuracy are just the type of skills that Tom Brady has. He may never be Brady but has a similar body build and arm strength. Aaron Rodgers is another comparison. Let Teddy sit for at least a year, maybe 2, and unleash him on the NFL. Draft Position: Browns select Bridgewater with the #26 pick (or a slight trade up)

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Manziel – Manziel is truly the Wild Card of this draft. He doesn’t have the size of Bortles nor the accuracy of Bridgewater but he was successful against the best teams in college. He is passionate and hard working from all reports. He does not have the size, which is a concern in the physical NFL, but has shown the ability to stay healthy and take care of himself on the field. He will need to develop his pocket presence, he never had to stay in the pocket in college because he could run so well, and his discipline. Manziel could be successful in Kyle Shanahan’s play action, roll out system as well as a Zone Read system. A year of coaching, as well as physical development, as well as a conservative system his first year starting will guide his development. The worry is that he is a better throwing Tim Tebow but it is his ability to throw the ball correctly and his ability to read defenses that should minimize that concern. Draft Position: Browns trade a 3rd rounder to move up to the mid teens to take Manziel.

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