Cleveland Browns 2014 NFL Draft Wrap-up

Jan 25, 2014; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad defensive corner Pierre Desir of Lindenwood (30) celebrates after an interception against the South squad duing the second half of a game at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. South defeated the North 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Additions CB Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State University At 6-0, 202 pounds, Gilbert is one of the most athletic corners in the draft this year. At the combine he ran an outstanding 4.37 40-yard dash time and benched 20 225-pound reps. However, he is different from all of the other corners in the draft in that he can make plays. Although this sometimes may get him into trouble with blown coverage or defensive penalties, in the long run the risk is definitely worth the reward. In Gilberts career at Oklahoma State, he was able to intercept 12 passes from opposing QBs while also returning kickoffs for the Cowboys (six of them for touchdowns). He is a play-maker and a baller who happens to also knock down passes from opposing QBs. Gilberts technique may not be the same as that of Dennard, however his play making ability still puts him up at the top of the list for CBs in this year’s draft. With the skill of CB Joe Haden (20 passes defended and 4 interceptions in 2013), ball skills of FS Tashaun Gipson (5 interceptions), hard hitting of SS Donte Whitner and now the skills of Justin Gilbert, the Browns’ secondary is one of the most dangerous in the NFL. With said pass defense, Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel can rest assured knowing that they have their secondary backing them up on the defensive end. Last season the Browns ranked 8th in opposing passing yards per game with 221.1 yards per game. With Gilbert in that all-pro mix, the Browns should see steady improvement next season. OLB Christian Kirksey, University of Iowa Losing LB D’Qwell Jackson is a big loss, however already this off-season the Browns have made up for it with a great acquisition in former Arizona LB Karlos Dansby. It probably wasn’t the best decision to let go of Jackson, however this year I feel like is going to be a better year for the Browns. Dansby was almost pro-bowl status during his career as an Arizona Cardinal and Miami Dolphin. Last season for the Cards, he was able to record 122 total tackles. With that considered, Kirksey adds yet another element to the Browns’ line-backing corps. Over his last three seasons at Iowa, he was able to add 309 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 5 forced fumbles, including 4 interceptions, 2 of which were returned for touchdowns during his junior season. For the Browns, Kriksey is a force to be reckoned with at the linebacker position, adding to the already experienced and talented Browns’ line-backing corps. Although he won’t start right away, Kirksey should be able to work himself into the rotation someway.   CB Pierre Desir, Lindenwood University With Justin Gilbert and Joe Haden, the Browns are already set at the CB position. However, it doesn’t hurt add some depth at the position in case (heaven forbid) one of the Browns’ corners gets injured. Desir was a quality corner from a little-known school not in division I. Often times though, it is the unknown athletes that make the biggest impact. The key for Desir is to keep on working on his craft and show his versatility to play the positions the Browns will most likely need him to play.