Pierre Desir selected by Cleveland Browns
Pierre Desir runs the 40 yard dash during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The big, long press cornerbacks are flying off the board here in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, and it’s not a surprise that the likes of Keith McGill, Pierre Desir, and Bashaud Breeland have all been selected. The only surprising thing is that Desir managed to last this long, and Breeland fell about two rounds more than what was initially expected due to character concerns. Desir managed to last until the 27th pick of the fourth round before the Cleveland Browns promptly snatched him off the board, and I thought Desir, who was my top-ranked player still on the board going into the fourth round, would be picked even sooner.
Although the Browns biggest position of need is clearly at wide receiver now that Nate Burleson is dealing with an injury and Josh Gordon could be out for the entire season, I don’t actually have any qualms with them drafting Desir instead of a WR. Desir was just too good to pass up on, and the 6’1″, 198 pound Lindenwood product is one of the biggest corners in the class. Physical CBs are coveted more than ever these days, and Desir is one of the best of the bunch in this year’s class. While they did spend the eighth overall pick on a CB in the uber-athletic Justin Gilbert, he is the complete opposite of Desir, especially since he’s a completely finesse corner.
That said, Ray Farmer and the Browns absolutely have to make some big moves at wide receiver, deep class at the position or not. They put themselves behind the curve yesterday by unwisely passing on wide receivers with each of their second day picks, and they missed out on some top-notch talent, knowing full well about Gordon’s impending year-long suspension. If the Browns don’t make the right moves at receiver, then they are simply setting up Johnny Manziel for failure as a rookie.