Cleveland Browns: Who the 2018 NFL Draft's first round picks should be

Another season of Cleveland Browns football still has to be played, but it is already clear as which players they should draft in the first round in 2018.

Yes, it is true that training camp, preseason, and regular season has not started yet for the Cleveland Browns. There are still holes on the roster and there will be more once the season ends.

With all that said, the 2017 draft class has yet to play a meaningful down, but that does not remove the glaring needs Cleveland will have to face next offseason. There are two areas of concern that I am focusing on in this piece: Running back and defensive back.

Isaiah Crowell is playing on a one-year deal. If you are on the fence as to whether or not he will be extending his time in Cleveland, then let me show you this. NFL agent Drew Rosenhaus posted on his Twitter account that Crowell has joined his sports agency company.

@IsaiahCrowell34 welcome to the @RosenhausSports family! pic.twitter.com/PNBKaOmP9a
— Drew Rosenhaus (@DrewJRosenhaus) July 23, 2017

Thus, only meaning one thing: “The Crow” will leave the nest following the 2017 season. Rosenhaus is notorious for getting his clients to leave for other organizations in free agency. It is inevitable for Crowell.

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So, who I have in mind for Cleveland to replace him. I have been on Penn State’s Saquon Barkley’s bandwagon for a while now as a legitimate option. With two first round picks, Cleveland’s own and Houston’s, the opportunity to draft Barkley in the top 10 should become reality. One of those picks should be round that range at least.

With the offensive line solidified, as long as (at worst) average quarterback play is shown, adding Barkley would help complete the puzzle offensively. His lateral ability to make plays, overall speed and strength, to go along with his frequent success at getting past the first level on defense are just a few reasons why he is going to be special.

Barkley’s comparison is Pittsburgh Steelers’ Le’Veon Bell. According to sports-reference.com, Barkley rushed for 1,496 yards and 18 touchdowns on 272 carries last season.

So, there’s one side of the ball. The other area that is in dire need of an upgrade and the player that can help with that is Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick could play opposite Jabrill Peppers (if he shows potential this season) and in turn form a talented one-two punch at the safety positions.

Yet, his best position is at cornerback. Who knows if long-time Browns starter Joe Haden can back to his old self. In addition, the players behind Haden has their work cut for them as well. No one outside of Haden when healthy, is a number one corner.

Fitzpatrick is in college and will be in the NFL. I see a lot of traits similar in Fitzpatrick that are similar to that of Jacksonville Jaguars star corner Jalen Ramsey. Cleveland had the chance to draft him but they went elsewhere.

Next: Kosar to appear on Browns' pregame show

Should Cleveland be fortunate to land Fitzpatrick, then they will have the successor on the roster to replace Haden. A lot has to play out until April, but those two players would sure look great as members of the Browns.

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Cleveland Browns: Who the 2018 NFL Draft’s first round picks should be

By Ryan Rosko | Jul 23, 2017

Another season of Cleveland Browns football still has to be played, but it is already clear as which players they should draft in the first round in 2018.

More from Factory of Sadness