Cleveland Browns: Non-quarterback options in 2018 NFL Draft
By Backwoods
Alternative options for the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 NFL Draft. What if the Browns pass on a top quarterback and instead take the best player available?
The 2018 NFL Draft offers any number of possible outcomes. There are many assumptions as to who the Cleveland Browns will take with the first and fourth overall picks. The only common assumption is that a quarterback will be taken with one of those top picks.
Given the glaring need for long-term stability at the position combined with the caliber of quarterbacks available this year, I do agree. I have not, however, heard much of the other possibilities that should indeed be under consideration.
Most folks agree that the first pick will be one of the top four quarterbacks available, either Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield or Josh Rosen. The fourth pick in Round 1 would likely then be either Saquon Barkley or Bradley Chubb.
Many of the top-ranked quarterbacks are not rated as top five picks. Charlie Campbell with Walterfootball.com ranks the highest quarterback as the ninth best player in the draft. Daniel Jeremiah with NFL.com does not have one in his top five.
Many expect to see as many as four quarterbacks taken in the top five simply because of the need for quarterbacks in the NFL. I propose the outrageous idea that taking the best players available, even if not at the quarterback position, may actually serve us better in the long run.
Imagine if the Dawg Pound were to welcome both Barkley and Chubb to Cleveland. A lightning-in-a-bottle running back and a top edge rusher to accompany Myles Garrett along the defensive line.
What about the quarterback position, you ask? Or cry, for that matter. Although I hope to see Baker Mayfield ignite the offense, I also happen to be a fan of “second-tier” quarterback Mason Rudolph. The physical capabilities of Lamar Jackson are also quite intriguing.
The trouble here lies in the placement of Cleveland’s picks. Will either Rudolph or Jackson be available with one of the collection of second round picks? No one can be sure. Perhaps so, or perhaps a trade up from the second round would assure the likelihood. Is it worth taking the chance? Either way, the Browns have a multitude of additional options.
Another option to discuss would be trading down from one of those top five picks. A recent conversation with the brains behind the scene here at NFL Spin Zone, Cody Williams, has brought to mind the intrigue of a trade with Buffalo. Trading the number four pick for both of Buffalo’s first round picks, being the 12th and 22nd.
In these scenarios, the Browns could have back to back years with three first round picks. The additions of Saquon Barkley at pick No. 1, Vita Vea with pick No. 12 and utilizing the 22nd pick on either Lamar Jackson or Mason Rudolph would be quite the haul. Let’s not forget that one of the top four qbs may still be available at the 12 spot, as well.
Vita Vea: The hole left by the trade of Danny Shelton could be filled with the much speedier Vea, who may be a better fit in defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams’ scheme. See NFL.com’s draft profile on Vita Vea here.
Mason Rudolph: Most scouts and analysts agree that Rudolph may require some time to develop and does bring some question marks in the form of accuracy and arm strength. I see him has a potential boom-or-bust player, which is concerning, but the addition of Tyrod Taylor has provided enough security to perhaps roll the dice with some comfort. See NFL.com’s draft profile of Mason Rudolph here.
Lamar Jackson: Quite possibly, Lamar Jackson is the biggest wildcard in this draft. A dual-threat quarterback most commonly compared to Michael Vick. We know how well the dual threat capabilities worked out for RGIII, so I would have concerns there also. See NFL.com’s draft profile of Lamar Jackson here.
Rudolph and Jackson may be future superstars, but the higher-rated quarterbacks offer enough upside to warrant being a top-five selection in my mind. Supply and demand increases the value of the position drastically and opportunities to land a premier signal-caller don’t come often.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-round projection
The idea of taking our future quarterback first overall and trading out of the No. 4 spot may indeed be the best value scenario. Although I would have a hard time passing on Saquon Barkley, myself.
The Dawg Pound is drooling with anticipation awaiting the draft and the possibilities are endless for the 2018 Cleveland Browns. John Dorsey has filled enough of the gaps in the roster to allow taking the best player available if indeed that is his plan.
Perhaps the only sure thing is that the Cleveland Browns will not be worse in 2018.