After watching the Browns throughout this season, they have several areas to address through the draft in order to see success in the future. The following prospects are the best fits where the Browns will be drafting, assuming that will be top 10 and then somewhere in the early to mid 20s.
1. Robert Griffin III/QB/Baylor
This could be the most interesting choice. If Holmgren and the front office decide Colt McCoy isn't the future, Griffin would be a perfect fit in a West Coast Offense and the spark this franchise needs. At 6'2" with sub 4.6 speed, RG3 is a dream quarterback.
2. Trent Richardson/RB/Alabama
Assuming Peyton Hillis won't return next season, the Browns will need to
add a legitimate threat in the backfield. Montario Hardesty has not shown he can stay healthy enough to be an every down back, although he has the tools to be one. Richardson is a better pro prospect than former Bama back Mark Ingram and has great vision, burst of speed, as well as lateral quickness.
3. Alshon Jeffery/WR/South Carolina
The Browns have had a shortage of playmaking WRs since coming back in the league, there's no denying that. Alshon Jeffery has size (6-4, 232), great ball skills, and the ability to stretch the field, something the Browns have been lacking. Greg Little and Alshon Jeffery would be a fantastic duo for years to come and could pose matchup problems with most secondaries.
4. Vontaze Burfict/LB/Arizona State
The Browns line backing core, for the exception of D'Qwell Jackson, is aging and lacking explosiveness. Burfict can be converted to OLB in the 4-3 Browns defense and can absolutely obliterate opposing players. The only concern teams may have is character concerns, but something that is coachable and able to work through.
5. Kendall Wright/WR/Baylor
Wright would be a good pick with the pick acquired from the Falcons. Although Wright is only 5'10", he has blinding speed and can really open up the whole field. Wright plays bigger than he is with great leaping ability and good hands. Wright is a threat to score any time he touches the ball.
6. Morris Claiborne/CB/LSU
No surprise here, Claiborne reminds me of former LSU corner Patrick Peterson. Claiborne is a better coverage corner than Peterson and has explosive kick return skills as well. Sheldon Brown is aging and Joe Haden needs a partner in crime to shut down opposing QBs. Claiborne could also take some pressure off Cribbs in the return game.
7. Quentin Coples/DE/North Carolina
The Browns addressed their weak defensive front last year with their first two picks in DT Phil Taylor and DE Jabaal Sheard, both of which look very promising. Coples is an animal at 6'6" and resembles a former UNC DE in Julius Peppers with his agility and pass rushing capabilities.
8. Zach Brown/LB/North Carolina
Another good fit at LB for the Browns here. Brown has great speed and coverage skills, something the Browns need help with. Brown is widely considered one of the most athletic players in the draft and can be a very smart pick at #22.
9. Isaiah Pead/RB/Cincinnati
I would love to see this pick happen early second round. I see Pead slipping under the radar and frankly in the second round he would be a steal. Pead has great pad level control, great agility, as well as the size a strength to be an every down back.
10. Stephon Gilmore/CB/South Carolina
Gilmore is also a very underrated player in the draft. Gilmore may be the best cover corner in the draft, and only a slim second to Claiborne. The Browns need someone to couple with Joe Haden and Gilmore is a solid DB.
Here's a couple scenarios I think are best for the Browns, based on their needs and where they are picking. The Browns finished with a record of 4-12 and will pick 4th and 22nd with the pick acquired from Atlanta.
Scenario 1:
Round 1a- Robert Griffin III
Round 1b- Zach Brown
Round 2- Isaiah Pead
Scenario 2:
Round 1a- Trent Richardson
Round 1b-Kendall Wright
Round 2- Chase Minnifield*
Scenario 3:
Round 1a- Justin Blackmon/Alshon Jeffery
Round 1b- Jamar Fleming*
Round 2- Brandon Washington*
*Not listed in top 10 for various reasons; Blackmon will most likely be gone, Minnifield is a second rounder, along with Fleming and Washington.
I think the best scenario for the Browns right now is scenario number one. Colt McCoy doesn't have the tools a quarterback should have to make plays in the NFL. RG3 is more than NFL ready and posses' the tools and IQ to become a star. Zach Brown is one of the more athletic players in the draft and would solidify a good Browns linebacker core. Finally, Isaiah Pead would be a great addition to a backfield that has decent pieces, assuming Hillis departs in free agency.
