Cleveland Browns 2016 NFL Draft Needs, Mock, Predictions and Picks

The Cleveland Browns make the NBA’s Sacramento Kings look like a model franchise by comparison. Big changes are on the horizon in Cleveland though following their blockbuster deal with Philadelphia a few weeks prior to the 2016 draft.

They’ve shown the world that they’ve given up on the two top QB prospects and will cross their fingers with RG3. With that said, let’s look at our preview and prediction for Cleveland in the upcoming entry draft.

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2016 NFL Draft Central: Cleveland Browns

Round 1: Pick #8 (8th overall) – RB Ezekiel Elliott – Ohio St.

NEEDS at RB: After audtions for Duke Johnson and Isaiah Crowell blew up in their faces, the Browns are desperate for a solid RB. Trading away their top pick clearly means that they’re going to try and tough it out with RG3. The next hole to rill is at the running back spot. Don’t get us wrong, there are more holes to fill. A quality RB would go a long way for the lowly Browns though.

STRENGTHS: Elliott is the most complete running back prospect to come out in some time. Everyone saw what he can do running the ball, particularly with his MVP-caliber performances in the 2014 College Football Playoff. But he’s also very useful in the passing game, both as a receiver and as an outstanding pass blocker. He doesn’t have the explosion of a Todd Gurley, but with his well-rounded game, who cares? To add to that, he’s an Ohio State standout. He’ll be beloved Cleveland.

Round 2: Pick #1 (32nd overall) – WR Corey Coleman– Baylor

NEEDS at WR: Similar to the Browns’ quarterback situation, the team is also in constant search for at least a decent wide receiver. Sure, the Browns have Josh Gordon, but he’s yet to be reinstated. Plus you never know when he’ll drive under the influence, smoke dope, or whatever to get himself suspended again. Getting a top-flight wide receiver should also soften the blow of Travis Benjamin’s departure and add dimension to the Brown’s passing offense that ranked just 21st in passing yards last season.

STRENGTHS: Coleman was a beast down field playing under the high-octane offense of Baylor last season. He finished the season ninth in the nation in receiving yards (1,363) and first in receiving touchdowns (20). Coleman also had the third best vertical record (40.5 inches) in the 2016 Combine.

Round 3: Pick #2 (65th overall) – DE Shawn Oakman– Baylor

NEEDS at DE: The Browns used their first round pick last season to get nose tackle Danny Shelton, but the team obviously needs more strong pieces on the defensive line after placing 30th in run defense in 2015.

STRENGTHS: Oakman is the type of human being you’d think is on a steady diet of boulders. Oakman stands 6’8” and tips the scale at 287 pounds. Despite his size, Oakman was able to register the second-best mark among defensive ends in the broad jump at the recent Combine. He caught the eye of NFL scouts during his junior season in Baylor, when he registered 11 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss.

Round 3: Pick #14 (77th overall) – CB Xavien Howard – Baylor

NEEDS at CB: The Browns had 21 interceptions in 2014 but their production massively regressed in 2015, as they garnered just 11 picks that year. That’s largely because Joe Haden was plagued with injuries and was only able to play five games. Obviously, there’s a need for depth in Cleveland’s secondary defense, as the team can’t just rely on Haden to carry the group.

STRENGTHS: At 6-0, 201 lbs, Howard has the length and the physicality that the Eagles have targeted with their corners. (See: Maxwell and last year’s second-rounder Eric Rowe.) Howard’s great in press coverage, as he loves to get his hands on receivers right at the line. He’s still got some flaws to fix, but with enough depth at corner, he won’t be under pressure to perform immediately.

Round 4: Pick #1 (99th overall) – LB Scooby Wright– Arizona

NEEDS at LB: Cleveland’s decision to let go of Karlos Dansby this offseason has obviously left a big void in the Browns’ defense. While the Browns signed Demario Davis afterwards, the former Jet doesn’t necessarily make the Browns better, especially against the run, as he had the most missed tackles last season in New York.

STRENGTHS: Wright could’ve been a first-round pick had he decided to join the draft after the 2014 NCAA season, in which he won three major defensive awards (Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Rotary Lombardi Award, and Chuck Bednarik Award). He was riddled with injuries in the 2015 NCAA season, but he remains an athletic, intelligent, and aggressive talent the Browns could certainly use on defense.

The Browns have 12 picks in the 2016 NFL Draft:

Round One – #8 overall

Round Two – #32 overall

Round Three – #65 Overall

Round Three – #77 overall

Round Four – #99 overall

Round Four – #100 overall

Round Four – #138 overall

Round Five – #141 overall

Round Five – #172 overall

Round Five – #173 overall

Round Six – #176

Round Seven #223 overall

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