Not at all... Sutton's my WR1, too. My overall ranking versus ranking for Cleveland looks a bit different (as one might expect), but definitely some overlap. Overall Rankings 1 - Courtland Sutton 2 - Calvin Ridley 3 - Anthony Miller 4 - D.J. Moore 5 - Christian Kirk Cleveland Brown Rankings 1 - Sutton 2 - Ridley 3 - Miller 4 - Moore 5 - Gallup
Auden Tate is a beast... and narrowly misses the Top 5, but after I was burned by Laquon Treadwell, I'm hesitant to put receivers in there who can't separate. Live and learn. Speaking of receivers who can't separate... Make or break year for Mr. Coleman. I'm not expecting big things.
I think it's a little unfair to give a true eval of Coleman. The dude has been snakebitten with freak hand injuries. It's tough for a young WR to come back from a mid-season injury and get back into rhythm with the QB. Throw in the fact that he's dealing with the Cleveland QB's of 2016 and 17, and it's impossible. Yes I'm mostly disappointed in Coleman so far, but he has shown flashes, and I would agree that this is a make or break year for him. Cruel irony unintended... IMO, Corey's issues have more to do with dropping the football, than escaping defensive backs. He can get separation...
HOW CAN THIS BE? You’d think finishing with the NFL’s worst record in consecutive seasons would net the Browns a break from the football gods – or at least the schedule makers. It won’t and didn’t. Although the official schedule for the 2018 season won’t be released until mid-April, the Browns will have the fifth most difficult road in 2018 according to ESPN stats and information. Cleveland’s 2018 opponents were a combined 134-122 in 2017 – a .523 win percentage tying them with the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle on the schedule difficulty meter – and 5 teams (New Orleans, Carolina, Atlanta, Kansas City and Pittsburgh) qualified for the playoffs. During their 0-16 season the Browns’ opponents were a combined 133-123 in 2017 and 4 teams (Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Minnesota and Jacksonville) on the schedule made the postseason which does not seem to bode well for the hopes of a dramatic turnaround next season. The Browns will host the Chargers, Chiefs, Falcons, Jets, Panthers and travel to Denver, Houston, New Orleans, Oakland and Tampa Bay on top of home and home games against the AFC North. According to ESPN, the Ravens have the 21st most difficult slate while the Steelers are tied for the 25th and the Bengals have the 29th toughest schedule. One might ask, how on earth is that possible? It’s because they have the 0-16 Browns on their schedule counted twice, meaning 32 losses easily skew the strength of schedule metrics for them. In addition to the Nos. 1 and 4 overall picks, Cleveland boasts 6 of the top 65 selections in the upcoming NFL draft and an estimated $110 million-plus in salary cap space this offseason.
Working to his advantage: Terrible QB play in 2017 982 career snaps, roughly only 20 NFL games' worth Athletic A good initial pick, analytically Working against him: Terrible route runner Terrible hands Terrible separation Regressed from rookie season to second season I expect them to replace his role in free agency, so it will be interesting to see how he (1) reacts, and (2) produces in a new role in 2018.
At least on the bright side, the Browns have been screwing up our in-division rivals SOS tie breakers when it comes to draft pick position ties. So they've got that going for them. (Snark font off)
Browns Pre-Combine Mock (Including Trades) I did the non-trade version a while back, but the more I think about it, the more I truly believe trading down from #4 is the right decision to make (at this time). If they lay a turd in free agency (somehow) and don't address the secondary in any tangible way, that will obviously change... but drafting Minkah Fitzpatrick, as good as he may be, might not outweigh the benefits of the trade. Here's the potential: Free Agency: Browns need to address the secondary with two signings of the following players - Lamarcus Joyner (FS, Los Angeles), Malcolm Butler (CB, New England), or Kyle Fuller (CB, Chicago). Butler would be the gem of the class but could look to sign on with a contender. Ultimately, money talks and I'd make him the highest paid cornerback. These signings either fix (Joyner) or potentially fix the gap at free safety, allowing Jason McCourty to move to the spot. Other free agency moves should include signing a wide receiver (or two) and I'd look to add Terrelle Pryor (Washington) and Sammy Watkins (Los Angeles). Lastly, go out and get a bridge QB. I'm using the same as last time, Drew Stanton (Arizona) because ultimately, the decision at #1 is going to shape the direction of this franchise for the next five seasons. This could change in 2-3 days if A.J. McCarron wins his injunction (doubtful). Key Departures: Isaiah Crowell should walk in free agency (probably to Washington). They should tender Jamie Meder (he's the only reason we're 1-31 instead of 0-32 over the past two seasons). Lastly, Kevin Hogan (ERFA), Cody Kessler (trade), and DeShone Kizer (trade) should void the QB room completely, leaving the team without a single signal caller from 2017. Key Assumption: Kirk Cousins signs with Minnesota, creating two things at once. First, Joe Thomas officially retires. Second, we just created a bidding war at #4 with teams wanting to jump the Broncos and Jets to grab "their" QB. This mock will also assume what should happen at #1 and #2 where Cleveland goes Baker Mayfield and New York goes Sam Darnold. Rules: All trades need to make sense for both teams, so I'm using the traditional 'draft value' point chart to make sure it's balanced. I'm also not going to be swinging trades just that would benefit the Browns - for example, Cincinnati is a team that never moves their first round picks, so they won't give up #12 even for a discount. Trades need to make sense. Also using a combination of Draft Scout, Fan Speak, and PFF for the composite player rankings - Courtland Sutton isn't going to fall to us at #33 just because a few folks have him rated there. Let's begin...
Browns Pre-Combine Mock (Including Trades) 1. Baker Mayfield, QB Oklahoma Duh. This isn't even a discussion any more. If he were 6'3", it wouldn't be. Mayfield has *literally* everything you want in your franchise QB. His tape is the best. His production is the best. Above and beyond his performance, he has the spirit and leadership to really be the catalyst for change here. The Browns' draft really starts at #4... 1.15 (f/Arizona): Derwin James, FS/SS/CB Florida State [Browns trade #4 to Arizona for #15, #47, #79 and a 2019 third rounder.] At #15, Browns continue to bolster the secondary with a mutli-dimensional player in James. Big (6'3" 211), fast, and scheme-proof, James also comes with a similar alpha personality (like Baker). The Browns add their young leaders on offense and defense. It will be up to Gregg Williams to use the new lineup of: James, Jabrill Peppers, Malcolm Butler, Jason McCourty, and Kyle Fuller to its full potential. Keep in mind, this works on a John Dorsey level, too, as he *loves* the size speed guys, especially those who test will in explosive drills. Lastly, it was James - not Fitzpatrick - who lined up at free safety on more defensive snaps last season, so it's not that much of a stretch to think he could excel at the traditional FS spot at the next level. 1.21 (f/Buffalo): Maurice Hurst, DT Michigan [Browns trade #35 and #64 to Buffalo for #21 and a 2019 sixth rounder.] While some (*cough* @showstopper *cough*) may view this as an inappropriate draft slot, I view it as a steal. He's being knocked for his size (6'2" 282 pounds) but the top two interior lineman in the NFL today are sub 6'1" and 300 pounds and Gregg Williams had experience coaching one of them (Aaron Donald). He's got great burst and perfect fit as a 3-technique, which works well in our defense. He will eventually push Danny Shelton out of a starter role as a rookie. 1.31 (f/New England): Ronald Jones II, RB USC [Browns trade #47 and #79 to New England for #31 and a 2019 fifth rounder.] Jones is a Top 15 guy for me and most folks have him in the late first, early second discussion. Once all is said and done, he should be the third RB off the board. His timed speed is going to impress the heck out of folks at the Combine and he's got enough great film to warrant first round consideration. The only knock on him is going to be size, but Dorsey is familiar with smaller backs having had Jamaal Charles in Kansas City (5'11" 199 pounds). Jones is listed as 6'0" and 200 pounds by USC. He's a great all-around player with dynamic speed and great vision... he can be what Reggie Bush was supposed to be coming out of USC. 2.33: Jamarco Jones, OT Ohio State Cleveland could very well trade out of this pick as well after a record-setting first round. They're also primed to take the best overall talent that falls from the first, so it's a very enviable spot to be in. Replacing a Hall of Fame left tackle is never easy and Jones may again seem like a 'reach'. It will be interesting to watch the OT class shake out. McGlinchey seems to be a consensus top at the position still, but he's easily my fourth favorite. Jones is actually LT2 for me (behind Connor Williams). Orlando Brown needs to be in the discussion as well. Ultimately, all four aren't going in R1 so the Browns get best of the the rest here at the top of R2. Jones has good size and great length for the position. He plays run and pass well and is still improving technique. The Big 10 consistently puts out top-end NFL lineman and Jones looks to be one of the next in line. 3.65: Brian O'Neill, OT Pittsburgh Back to the offensive line well, this time at right tackle. While I'm not willing to give up on Shon Coleman just yet, he's entering a make-or-break Year 3 and has been poor-to-inconsistent thus far. O'Neill starred as a right tackle his junior year and while he regressed slightly last season, that was due to a move to left tackle. On the plus side, he offers versatility at both positions. Absolute worst-case scenario is O'Neill ends up as a swing lineman for the team as he pracitced at guard during the Senior Bowl as well as having played both tackle spots. 4.97: Anthony Miller, WR Memphis Anthony Miller is definitely one of "my guys" this draft and with a composite score of approx. 100, he should still be on the board. I think he goes higher on draft day, but this is what we've got to work with right now. Miller was ultra-productive at Memphis and his skills should translate well to the next level, even if he's "only" viewed as a slot receiver. A quality slot guy can really change the dynamic of an offense and Miller wouldn't be forced into the lineup as a rookie with Sammy Watkins and Corey Coleman still on the team. He offers great top-end speed and separation. He's also able to track deep balls better than a lot of the guys I've seen in this class, which is a must in Hue's deep passing attack. 4.119: Olasunkanmi Adeniyi, EDGE Toledo Fun name and fun player to watch. He has a quick first step and really blossomed as a junior, recording 20.0 TFLs and 8.5 sacks this season. Where he struggles is looking the part - he's definitely short, although listed at 6'2" and 248 pounds, he's probably closer to 6'0". Wingspan will also be a key measurement for him at the Combine. He could draw the same negative comparisons to Elvis Dumervil or Brandon Graham, but offers good rotational depth at worst and starter-level potential if he refines technique. 5.129: Shaquem Griffin, LB UCF Griffin should light up the Combine but he's still hanging around this area of the draft. I think he may be too little for a true EDGE position in the NFL (listed at 6'1" and 223 pounds) and the obvious physical limitation of missing a hand will clearly effect tackling ability at the next level, but didn't seem to hold him back at the college level where he posted 100 solo tackles, 33.5 TFLs, and 18.5 sacks over the past two seasons. He also added two interceptions, four forced fumbles and another four fumble recoveries. If he plays at or around that level in the NFL, he's a steal here and just a fantastic overall story. 5.150: Mike White, QB Western Kentucky After clearing the entire QB room, Cleveland can add a late-round developmental guy to the mix. With Baker Mayfield the franchise savior, White is the quintessential "develop for future picks" kind of guy. White - and I cringe saying this - *looks* like a quarterback. He's listed 6'4" and 225 pounds with a strong arm. Worst-case is he's a Derek Anderson-caliber back-up. 6.161: Darrel Williams, RB LSU The running mate of Derrius Guice isn't getting a lot of love now but he should be. A big back (6'1" 229 pounds) with quick feet, Williams added 1,151 yards from scrimmage last season splitting time with Guice (1,375 yards). He was stronger in the passing game - both receiving and blocking - and could be a sleeper back in the mold of Jordan Howard (equally-sized fifth round pick of Chicago who became a feature back). 7.193: Joseph Davidson, P Bowling Green Big, left-footed punter. Britton Colquitt could eventually become a salary-cap casualty as he plays a non-premium position and tends to be middle of the pack in terms of production. Davidson could come in cheaply and has a power leg to drive punts 50+ with ease.
#HueKnowIt Hue: "In-game adjustments? Where we're going, we don't need... in-game adjustments." *drives DeLorean into an actual dumpster fire*
@showstopper Four. https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-d...eld-browns-sam-darnold-giants-josh-rosen-jets
After repeatedly citing Walter Cherpinski (from Walter Football.com) you are no longer allowed to question anyone else's sources. Sorry.
"New guy"... You mean one of the most well-respected scouts and front office guys in the entire NFL? Dorsey is running the show... and he loves Baker Mayfield.
