Cleveland Browns: What Must Be Avoided During The Draft?

Simply Cannot Continue Past Mistakes

Kris Grimes

The Cleveland Browns track record with first round picks over the last decade is abysmal. They have managed to blow almost every pick.

Remember the names of linebacker Kamerion Wimbley, quarterback Brady Quinn, defensive lineman Phil Taylor, quarterback Brandon Weeden, running back Trent Richardson, cornerback Justin Gilbert and quarterback Johnny Manziel?

Those are the majority of the Browns first round picks over the last decade. Throw in Danny Shelton and Cameron Erving, and there’s an argument that they are busts despite only being players entering their second season.

The point is, when it comes to trusting this new regime, the decision makers in Berea, Ohio have to make the right pick in the first round. While they do not technically own two first round picks as they did last year, they do have the first pick of the second round thanks to the New England Patriots’ “deflate-gate” penalties.

It does not matter who the Browns take, they just need to take the right players with their top two picks. Easier said than done right? So how do the Cleveland Browns get the right players?

First, the Browns need to avoid following their gut. They need to trust their Intel. When a guy is flagged for character issues, do not let athleticism or potential overshadow what you know.

The Browns knew about both Gilbert and Manziel’s off-field habits. Yet, they went all in on both despite the red flags. If the scouts take the time to come up with reports, this regime needs to weigh the magnitude of every negative attribute.

Secondly, the Cleveland Browns need to avoid panic moves. With such an inexperienced front office, it is vital that Sashi Brown, Hue Jackson, and the entire regime need to have a plan and stick to it. In 2012, the Browns panicked after the Washington Redskins drafted Robert Griffin III and drafted Richardson and Weeden as a fallback.

Then in 2014, the Browns got duped by Manziel. Richardson and Weeden were “save the sinking ship” picks made by Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert. Ray Farmer on the other hand, went against his $100,000 analytical study and took Manziel.

The results? Weeden and Richardson did not fit Pat Shurmur’s offense and Manziel did not fit Mike Pettine’s. If the new regime is to succeed in the draft they need to avoid panic moves.

Then finally, the last thing this regime needs to do is to avoid everything done before them. In 17 years since the Cleveland Browns returned in 1999, it is rare for them to see consistency and staying power out of their first round picks.

Personally, I can only think of three players (Joe Thomas, Joe Haden, and Alex Mack) who I would redraft again in the first round. If the Browns want to avoid being 2-14 again in three to four years, it is going to be up to this new regime to avoid the temptations of the past.

They have to draft players who will make an impact season after season. Look back again at the past decade of first round picks. How many remain?

If the Browns are going to be successful in the near future, hitting on first round picks is the key to turning this thing around. This regime wants to build through the draft. The only way you can do that is to succeed in the draft.

Next: Draft The QB!