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Cleveland Browns 2015 NFL Draft Target: DeVante Parker

ByDan Schmelzer|

With one of the least impressive overall rosters in the NFL, the Cleveland Browns have many positions of need heading into the 2015 NFL Draft. With two first round picks, 12th and 19th overall, the Browns have a nice opportunity to add some much-needed impact talent early in the draft.

The Browns had statistically the worst run defense in the NFL last season, allowing 141.6 rushing yards per game. Many believe that adding a stout run stopper on the defensive line should be at the top of their first round wish list, and while I agree that it is very important, the Browns have so many needs that they can go in many different directions.

Trading up for quarterback Marcus Mariota seems possible, but the price to trade up will be massive. After spending a first round pick on Johnny Manziel last season, and with so many holes on the roster, it would be hard to justify paying a huge premium to trade up for another quarterback.

Dec 21, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) reacts in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The right side of the offensive line, outside pass rusher and wide receiver also stick out as major needs on the Browns’ roster. With so many obvious needs, the Browns can pretty much sit back and take the best player available.

There is one player who realistically could be available with the 12th pick who sticks out to me as a perfect combination of value and position of need for the Browns. That player is wide receiver DeVante Parker.

Last week, Tony Grossi of ESPN reported that the Browns have a pre-draft visit set up with Parker. While most recent mock drafts have the Browns addressing the defensive and offensive line in the first round, grabbing an impact wide receiver like Parker is certainly an option as well.

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While the Browns improved their receiving core this off season with the additions of Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline, there is still plenty of room for improvement. Bowe and Hartline should be solid for the Browns, but they are little more than short-term fixes. Parker represents massive long-term upside.

At 6-foot-3, 209 pounds, with 33 ¼”-long arms, Parker has ideal size for the wide receiver position. He shows good straight line speed, and great athleticism.

Parker is a rare prospect who has all of the physical tools, while also showing great route running ability and incredibly consistent hands. With great leaping ability and balance, Parker does an outstanding job of fighting for the ball in the air, and is a consistent performer in the red zone.

He is a player whose physical tools represent a ton of upside, but his great hands and route running ability make him a fairly safe player as well.

Parker is not just a high-leaping deep threat either. According to Dane Brugler of CBS Sports, “(Parker) shows some shake in the open field with quick cuts to deceive after the catch and the vision to collect YAC.” With some sort of combination of Manziel and Josh McCown likely to be lining up at quarterback for the Browns in 2015, the ability to make something out of nothing would be key.

Parker is the special kind of receiver that can make a poor quarterback look good. With Josh Gordon unlikely to ever return to the Browns’ active roster, the need for an impact player at the receiver position is certainly there.

While he could certainly be scooped up before they pick, if Parker is available when the Browns are on the clock, they should draft him to be the number one receiver for whoever ends up being the quarterback of the future.

Next: Browns' Seven-Round 2015 NFL Mock Draft

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