Cleveland Browns Mock Draft: Who The Experts Are Picking

facebooktwitterreddit

Nov 29, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Devin Smith (9) pulls in a pass in front of Michigan Wolverines defensive back Raymon Taylor (6) at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

In the realm of Cleveland Browns mock drafts, there’s always going to be fan interest. Draft day has become synonymous with hope as the franchise tries to turn itself into a winner. And as the organization continues to fail, each draft gets bigger and bigger.

With this in mind, here’s a recap of who to the most recognizable mock drafters have the Browns taking in this spring’s NFL Draft.

• Todd McShay Version 2.0, ESPN (subscription required)

No. 12 T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh

Odds of actually happening? Not likely

The Browns do need a right tackle, yet McShay had the Browns taking the Pitt Panther while hulking Stanford lineman Andrus Peat was still on the board. The problem with this pick is that embattled GM Ray Farmer, as well as coach Mike Pettine are viewed nationally as lame ducks–meaning they have to win next year. Clemmings needs to be developed, and he probably doesn’t immediately help a coaching staff that needs to win in 2015.

No. 19 Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan

Odds of actually happening? Maybe

Ray Farmer doesn’t draft wide receivers in the first round, BUT Funchess is a hybrid tight end/wide receiver who was able to stand out at Michigan despite the school’s deplorable quarterback situation. It’s still hard to ignore Farmer passing on one of the NFL Draft’s best crop of receivers in 2014, so it may be dreaming to think he’d actually draft Funchess–or any wideout for that matter.

Dec 29, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Kevin White (11) catches a pass during the game in the 2014 Liberty Bowl at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Texas A&M Aggies beat West Virginia Mountaineers 45 – 37. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Unless something big happens in free agency, Farmer will own the same depth-less receiving corps that he owns today. Add on the real possibility that tight end Jordan Cameron is expected to walk in free agency, and the door may be opened for Farmer to do the unexpected. Perhaps Funchess’ ability to play both positions enables Farmer to overlook his past reluctance to take a pass catcher.

• Dane Brugler NFLDraftScout.com/CBS Sports

No. 12 Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

Odds of actually happening? Unlikely

Brugler said the Browns won’t rule out a receiver if he’s the right fit. With Josh Gordon suspended for the year, the position must be filled, but it’s hard to believe Farmer will take the 6-3, White, considering the impact players he passed up last season.

White had one great season in Morgantown. Is he really the receiver Farmer would take to make amends for blowing last year’s first round?

No. 19 Malcom Brown, DL, Texas

Odds of actually happening? Likely

It’s not a secret Ahtyba Rubin is about to leave via free agency, and the defensive line needs to be improved considering the struggles the Browns had stopping the run. As a big, strong interior defensive lineman, Brown is in the discussion to be one of the top five defensive lineman in the draft. You won’t run out to buy his jersey, but his selection makes sense for Cleveland.

Rob Rang, CBS Sports

No. 12 Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford

Odds it will actually happen? Unlikely

Peat is an intriguing prospect, but like Clemmings, how many victories will he account for in 2015? The Browns do need to start thinking about replacing Joe Thomas one day, and the argument could be made that right tackle needs to be upgraded with Mitchell Schwartz currently at the position. Even then, Pettine might not want to make a switch. During his media day presser at the NFL combine, Pettine was asked about whether right tackle was a need, and he was positive about the season Schwartz turned in.

No. 19 Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State

Odds of actually happening? Unlikely

Every mock draft that has the Browns taking a receiver can be viewed the same. The national perspective is that the Browns need one–so they’ll take one. But will Farmer take one in the first round? The evidence is against it.

Nov 22, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers offensive lineman T.J. Clemmings (68) blocks at the line of scrimmage against the Syracuse Orange during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Considering how unimpressive the Browns receiver situation currently is, any wideout’s name next to “Cleveland Browns” should get Browns’ fans excited…until they remember their GM passed one of the greatest receiver rich drafts in recent memory.

Daniel Jerimiah, NFL Network

No. 12 T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh

See previous

No. 19, Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State

Odds of actually happening? Unlikely

Tons of Browns fans double as Ohio State fans, so everyone would be thrilled to see the speedy Smith suite up with Cleveland. But you know…Farmer and receivers.

• Peter Schrager, Fox Sports

No. 12 Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

See Previous

No. 19 Mario Edwards, DE, Florida State

Odds of actually happening? Wouldn’t be a surprise

At 6-3, 300 pounds, a defensive minded coach like Pettine would probably salivate at the chance to have a player with Edwards’ ability. He’s still raw, and left school a year early, but he’s the type of player who could make an impact at a position of need on the defensive line.

Bucky Brooks, NFL Network

No. 12 Danny Shelton, DT, Washington

Odds of actually happening? Likely

He may be the most sensible pick, because the Browns need help stopping the run. Still, unless he also doubles as a franchise quarterback, he probably won’t be the reason the Browns turn into a winner. But with Pettine on the sideline, no defensive player should ever be dismissed, especially when that player fits a need.

No. 19 Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State

See previous.

Which player would you most like to see the Browns draft at No. 12 and No. 19?

Next: 5 Players For The Browns To Watch At The NFL Combine