With the NFL Combine going on this past weekend, the biggest and brightest college football stars showcased their skills. They are there to show teams why they should invest in them going forward. The real question for Cleveland Browns fans everywhere is what are the Browns going to do with all 11 picks in the 2017 draft ? After going 1-15 last season, it is clear that just about anyone could make an impact because they need lots of help. According to NFL.com, they say the Browns need to focus on getting a quarterback, center / lineman, and a defensive back. So what do the Browns need that will automatically make them better? I have some theories.
Myles Garrett
It is clear that Myles Garrett from Texas A&M is the clear cut number one pick for the Browns. He is by far the most gifted athlete in the draft. He is athletic, physical, plays fast. He will get to the quarterback and make plays. Although, it is not the Browns biggest need, He will come in and make an instant impact. They need big time players that can help turn this thing around. Myles Garrett will for sure do that. He is a sure thing. He will be a great Brown.
Offensive Line
It is clear that the browns need some help on the offensive line. Cam Erving could not replace Alex Mack at center and it was a disaster. They need to find a center or draft one. Protecting the quarterback was a big issue and a reason that pretty much every quarterback under center last season suffered some sort of severe injury. Having a line will prolong a quarterbacks career and keep the starter playing all season. The best teams have a great offensive line and that is why teams like the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Green Bay Packers are consistently in the playoffs.
Quarterback or no quarterback?
Will the Cleveland Browns draft a quarterback? It is tough to say. It sounds like the patriots will not be trading Jimmy Garoppolo. That was who was the favorite. Ultimately, the Browns will take a quarterback. They will grab Mitchell Trubisky, Deshaun Watson, or someone at that caliber. I have my doubts with everyone. Quarterbacks are a product of their environment. You could insert any quarterback on the New England Patriots and they will probably be just as successful as Tom Brady. I think if the Browns can put more talent around a quarterback, then RGIII or Cody Kessler could be good enough to lead the team. Cleveland is quick to jump on quarterbacks. Fact of the matter is, that if they spend some money and put a team around the quarterback they could string together some wins. Especially now, they have the right coaching staff to win.
Defensive backs
With the Browns releasing Tramon Williams, it is clear they need someone at corner. I think some of the former Ohio State Buckeyes could help. If they got their hands on Marshon Lattimore or Gareon Conley they would have a perfect compliment to Joe Haden at Defensive back. If they took a safety. Malik Hooker would be a perfect fit. He is a bad man. He hits hard, and gets interceptions. He has some swagger about him that would fit nice in Cleveland.
Get a wide receiver
First and foremost, the Cleveland Browns need to sign Terrelle Pryor. They have the money and need to lock him up long term. In addition to that, they will have to draft or pick up someone since they waived Andrew Hawkins. Josh Gordon may also be back, so who knows whats going on with that. Regardless, They need to take a receiver at some point.
Regardless, the Browns need to add talent. With every pick, they have to take the best available. They need playmakers and people that will make an impact. From there, we hope to see a better team on the field this fall.
