Why The Cleveland Browns Should Pass On A QB In The 1st Round
By Eric Pitcher
The Cleveland Browns should pass on drafting a quarterback in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft to take care of other spots, writes Eric Pitcher.
The Cleveland Browns had a rough season, there is no doubt about that. At the start of week 5, the Browns had already been through five starting quarterbacks. Granted, that isn’t all the quarterback’s fault. But it has to make one think, why use a pick on a quarterback, when the same thing may happen in 2017?
It is obvious the Browns have needs on the field. A lot of needs at almost every position. But there are big needs other than at quarterback. As many people have always said, defense wins championships. They aren’t wrong.
With the first pick in the 2017 NFL draft, the Cleveland Browns select…. With the draft still a few months away nothing is guaranteed. There is a lot of speculation about a few guys with the first pick.
First: Myles Garrett, EDGE, Texas A&M 6-foot-5, 270 pounds.
Myles Garrett has been said by many to be the most talented defensive player the NFL has seen in a while. Despite a nagging ankle injury that sidelined Garrett for a couple of games, he was still able to put together an impressive year. However, it was Garrett’s sophomore year that made him an elite defensive player in the college football world.
In 2015, Garrett recorded 59 total tackles, 19.5 TFL and 12.5 sacks. In his career, Garrett was second in SEC history with 32.5 sacks.
What really stands out about Garrett is his ability to explode of the edge and get to the quarterback. Not only is it tough for lineman to handle Garrett, it is also going to be tough for tight ends and running backs to stop him.
When the NFL combine rolls around almost all eyes will be on Garrett. It will be interesting to see what Myles Garrett can do. Especially in the 40-yard dash.
Second: Jonathan Allen, DE, 6-foot-3, 291 pounds.
Jonathan Allen could most likely be the second man taken in the draft if Myles Garrett goes No. 1. If not the second overall player, he will be the second defensive player taken.
Allen was one of the best defensive lineman on the nation’s best defense in 2016. Jonathan Allen won the 2016 Chuck Bednarik and the Bronco Nagurski award. As the nation’s top defender. Allen made 69 tackles, 16 of them for a loss and also added 10.5 sacks.
In college, Allen had the ability to rush the passer from either the inside or outside. In the NFL, however, if Allen wanted to move to the inside he’d be required to bulk up. On the outside, Allen could struggle at first because of his size. It will be interesting to see if Allen can win the hand position battle with tackles.
Allen has all the tools to become a Pro Bowler and even more down the road. Those two guys are the two clear-cut guys the Browns should be considering.
Deshaun Watson is the other big name that has been thrown around for the Browns to take at No. 1. That may be a reach.
Watson has proved he is a natural-born winner. Going 28-2 as a starter at Clemson. He also had that very impressive National Championship win over Alabama. Watson tore the nations best defense to shreds. Throwing for 420 yards on 36 competitions and 3 touchdowns. Also running for another touchdown.
Deshaun Watson is a playmaker. Watson had the most pass attempts in the ACC in 2015 and 2016. Watson also led the ACC in pass completions and percentage.
The big question the Browns need to answer is whether or not a QB is the next biggest need. Do not forget however the Browns also hold the No. 12 pick from Philadelphia.
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With this pick do the Browns go offense? Defense? That question is one only the Browns front office can answer.
However, there should still be playmakers at No. 12 and the Browns need to hit on this pick. The franchise can’t afford to mess these selections up.
Some are calling for offensive line. Yes, it is a need. The Browns especially need to focus on getting pass blockers. When it came to run blocking, Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson, each rushed for almost 5 yards a carry. Crowell missed being a 1,000 yard rusher by 42 yards. That’s pretty good for a team that only won a single game.
As mentioned before, the Browns used five quarterbacks this season. That is a big concern that needs to be taken care of. That starts with the guys up front. But can the Browns wait and take an offensive lineman later in the draft?
Next: Pre Combine Big Board 1-32
Could this be the year the Browns get two big playmaker? Could this be the draft that turns the Browns misfortunes around? Only time will tell.