Looking at 7 2015 NFL Mock Drafts for the Cleveland Browns
Jan 3, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver
Dorial Green-Beckham(15) catches a pass while defended by Oklahoma State Cowboys safety
Daytawion Lowe(8) and cornerback
Tyler Patmon(26) in the game at the 2014 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Missouri beat Oklahoma State 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
"8. Cleveland Browns – Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Eastern Illinois. Story similar to Randy Moss – sick talent, problems off the field. It’s a reach now to say he’ll be a 1st rounder given his recent issues. But at 6-6, 225, great hands … stay out of trouble for 11 months and he’ll be highly coveted. Yes, I had Cleveland in the playoffs for a few hours until the Josh Gordon suspension. And no, of course a WR isn’t worth 4-5 wins. 11. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo) – Noah Spence, DE, Ohio State – Borderline dominant during his sophomore year (14.5 TFL, eight sacks). Put up NFL Combine stats in high school. The defensive line group could be crazy stacked in 2015 and we haven’t even gotten to the guy everyone loves (see #16). The Bills have made major moves to the roster and seem poised for a run to the playoffs, but can EJ Manuel pull it off in year two?"
Two different picks that could both be huge for the Browns. We will start with Spence who is a classic 4-3 DEnd that Pettine would have to be creative in his use. Could Spence bulk up to play 3-4 DE while moving outside when the team goes to an even front? Would spending a pick that high on a player whose position isn’t a perfect fit make a ton of sense? When Pettine’s defense is unveiled expect creativity and sets that aren’t standard. Talent will win out. That brings us to DGB. A huge and talented player that would bring about the same excitement and concern that Gordon does. In 2015 the Browns could have Gordon, DGB, Andrew Hawkins and Jordan Cameron roaming the secondary. Scary thoughts for other teams. During 2015 both Gordon and DGB could also be suspended for poor choices. Kyle Shanahan’s system focuses on 1 receiver so adding another one, beyond Gordon, with character flaws might be tough.