Cleveland Browns 2016 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

Defensive Line And Special Teams Help

Securing more pass rushers for the Cleveland Browns with a heavy focus on stopping the run is critical and very much-needed. Jihad Ward has the talent to go about a round earlier, but with a defensive heavy first few rounds of the draft, he  gets the short end of the stick and gets selected in the early part of the fourth.

Prior to the Senior Bowl, Ward was an early day three selection, which is where he ultimately goes in this mock. However, his play at the Senior Bowl elevated his draft stock. Unfortunately, for many players, just because they are talented and projected to go a little bit sooner than expected, does not always guarantee such a selection for whatever reason.

Like the aforementioned heavy beginning of defensive players in the draft, there were multiple players along the defensive line and the front seven in general who are better than Ward. Ward can come in on primary on third downs early on as he improves his pass rushing skills.

At the next level, Ward can play both as a defensive tackle and as an end, as well as in a number of techniques. Any other year, I am confident he is a second-day pick, but I obviously do not feel the same way this year.

The best kicker in the drafts goes to Cleveland and is a long-term answer for years to come. Roberto Aguayo has a stronger leg than Travis Coons and Aguayo is also more accurate.

Aguayo has the hype not many kickers have this time of year. However, Aguayo is the exception compared to other kickers in recent years. The success Aguayo had in his career and what his expectations would be in the NFL is similar to other very successful former Seminole kickers (most notably Sebastian Janikowski).

Coons had a solid year, but when a stronger leg is available and issues of kicks being blocked is a problem, the Cleveland Browns must go with the upgrade.

Next: More Offensive Players