Caleb Downs S OSU
is my first choice. The Giants could pick him at 5, but I expect them to take Jeremiyah Love, if he hasn't gone yet. One thing is for certain...3 of these guys are going to be available when Cleveland picks, because we know that Mendoza, Reese, and Bailey are virtual locks to be selected before the Browns pick. The mocks are all over the place, although there's a *high* likelihood that Fano and Bain should be available at 6. I just saw a mock that has Arvell Reese falling to 6, and while I don't expect that to happen, I suppose I should put in the caveat that if Reese is on the board at 6, he would be my 3rd choice, after Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles.
So,..we need Offensive Line and Wide Receiver. Why am I drafting a defensive player? Because you win with elite talent. I evaluate Downs as a future Hall of Famer, barring catastrophic injury. There are a couple others that I think have a good probability of putting on a gold jacket, but Downs has the best odds. Caleb Downs has the best instincts in this class. Putting him at one of the Safety positions doesn't just strengthen the secondary, it strengthens all 3 levels of your defense, as Downs is very good against the run. Taking Downs doesn't mean you have to move on from Delpit or Hickman, as 3 Safety sets are becoming more common these days, and depth is always needed. We've got a guy with an extremely high football IQ on the defense already in Carson Schwesinger. Imagine a guy in the secondary with the same kind of high football IQ. Your defense goes from very good to exceptional. The Browns have to think outside the box, because "positional value" does not apply with this guy. He will make everyone better.
Sonny Styles LB OSU
is my 2nd choice, only if Downs is off the board. Obviously, Styles is a physical freak, with the explosiveness and athleticism just jumping off the screen. He has the speed to chase down runners from sideline to sideline, and the coverage skills to effectively defend tight ends and backs catching the ball coming out of the backfield. He's a Swiss Army Knife at the 2nd level of the defense, and like Downs, he's a force multiplier. He'll improve the whole defense, not just the linebacker corps. I also think this guy could be devastating in blitz packages, and will be more successful at rushing the QB than he was at the collegiate level.
Jeremiyah Love RB ND
is my 3rd choice at pick #6, only if Downs and Styles are no longer on the board. Jeremiyah Love is the most potent offensive weapon in this class, bar none. Remember, we're going for difference makers. Preferably Hall of Famers and Pro Bowlers. Barring injury, this guy is a lock. He's the best at running the ball, and he's also the best receiver out of the backfield. In fact, he may be better in open space than at the handoff. Why would I consider him when we have Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson? Well, Judkins suffered a serious injury last year, one that had him still in a walking boot in January, according to reports. There's no guarantee he'll fully recover from the injury, although that is hoped for and expected. Sampson is a complimentary, change-of-pace back, and doesn't really factor into my decision. If you draft Love, you may not need Sampson. Love is a threat to score every time he gets the ball. The offense needs explosive weapons. He's by far the best example of that in the draft. It isn't hard.
Carnell Tate WR OSU
is my 4th choice at #6. Probably the 2nd best WR prospect in the draft, but the highest floor, and NFL ready from day one. Not a burner, but a great route runner, with exceptional hands and body control. While he might not be the type of receiver that would go at 6 in a better draft, which brings up value questions, Tate is still a bust-proof, elite receiver. I'm not certain that he's a true #1, but if he isn't, he's a high-end #2. And so, despite the glaring need at the position, I don't think the value equates, and the guys I have listed ahead of him are greater difference makers. Remember, you're drafting players for the next 10 years at he top of the draft, not just next season. As for the question of his production reflecting double coverage on Jeremiah Smith? Maybe. We'll see. That's why you have to watch the tape, see his game in action. I think he passes with flying colors. In a world where so many wide receivers are prima donnas and divas, Carnell stands out as a quality human being. He'll never be anything other than an asset to your team.
Rueben Bain ED Miami
would be my 5th choice at #6. He's very likely to be available, but I don't think I'll have to go this deep in my pecking order. Every year, I always think I'd like to go for an Edge to take some of the pressure off Myles, and give the OC 'pick your poison' kind of choices. Bain is an elite pass rusher who will rack up the sacks at the next level. Forget about the arm length nonsense. He was great first step burst, and is very strong. His rushes generate power. He'll only get better as he improves his technique. In the Browns current situation, he's a bit of a luxury, but we all like luxury don't we?
Spencer Fano OT Utah
would be my 6th choice at #6. He's incredibly versatile, able to play all positions on the OL, and had great production last year at Utah. He has excellent lateral movement and footwork, uses his hands well, and doesn't have a lot of reasons to be concerned. However, his size is not ideal. He doesn't have the ceiling of a Monroe Freeling, but he has a higher floor than the other OL prospects, and should not be a bust.
Round 1, pick #24:
Olaivavega Ioane G PSU
The best OL in the draft, with no real areas of concern. Plug & play, and watch him knock 'em down. Almost as good a prospect as Indianapolis' Guard Quenton Nelson, we would be exceedingly lucky to have him available at 24. He won't be, but I had to include him for the "what if?"
Jordyn Tyson WR ASU
would be my 2nd choice at #24 if he's available. He won't be either. A couple weeks ago, I wasn't sure about his availability here, but teams are getting over his injury history, and rumors are circulating that he'll be the first receiver off the board. Barring that injury history, Tyson is the best WR 1 prospect in this draft, and would have been in play at 6 for me, were it not for that injury history. He is elite, and a legit 1, but he's been injured every season in college, and had a hamstring injury greatly impact his senior season. I'm just not convinced that that won't follow him to the NFL. Why wouldn't it? The injuries aren't an aberration, they're a pattern. The ceiling is high enough to risk it at 24, but not higher.
Makai Lemon WR USC
would be my 3rd choice at #24. Tough as a receiver can be. Despite being undersized, he wins contested catches regularly. He can fight his way off the line, or through coverage. Great route runner, and great hands. This guy will be a Pro Bowl player at some point in his career. Will he still be available at 24? We'll see.
Monroe Freeling OT GA
would be my 4th choice at 24. He's the single player I've seen mocked to the Browns, regardless of draft position. He ticks all the measurables. Great size and solid athleticism for the position. However, he lacks experience and needs a lot of work on technique. That's every rookie though, right? I wouldn't consider this guy at 6, but at 24, he's worth the risk.
Caleb Lomu OT Utah
would be my 5th choice at 24. Versatile OT with a proven track record of production, excellent movement skills, and he's familiar with the left side. Not a giant, but he could develop into a star at the position.
Jermod McCoy CB TN
My 6th choice at #24. Elite cornerback who should still be here at 24, due to not playing last year because of injury. Watch the tape. Assuming a full recovery, he's the best CB in this draft. Not one of our greatest needs, but they need to replace Martin Emerson, and this guy is better.
David Boston WR Was
My 7th choice at #24. Hard to say with this guy. His ceiling is Mike Evans, but he's not a burner, and he isn't great at separation. Should be able to be developed into a #2, at a minimum.
