Cleveland Browns: Best and worst-case scenarios for 2018 NFL Draft picks

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Denzel Ward of Ohio State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Denzel Ward of Ohio State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 01: Nick Chubb #27 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates after a 50-yard touchdown in the third quarter in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 01: Nick Chubb #27 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates after a 50-yard touchdown in the third quarter in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Second Round Selections

Austin Corbett

The best possible scenario for Corbett is quite simple: claiming the starting job at left tackle and replacing future Hall-of-Famer Joe Thomas. In the event he earns the starting nod, expect some growing pains for both Corbett and fans, as the Dawg Pound will have to lessen the expectations groomed by years of stellar play at the position.

A worst-case scenario for Corbett, however, is not necessarily a worst-case scenario for the Browns as a team. If front-runner Shon Coleman claims the throne, Corbett will then provide all-too-valuable depth along the offensive line.

Many draft experts did not label Corbett as a tackle prospect. Although concerning to some, I tend to put faith in John Dorsey well before a draft analyst. A draft “expert” must spread their focus throughout every draft prospect, whereas Dorsey and his team have focused more specifically on players they deemed worthy of a draft selection. Obviously, Dorsey felt comfortable enough with Corbett’s talents to make the decision.

Nick Chubb

Chubb is likely the most difficult of the group to foresee. With Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson also vying for time, anything is possible for the youngest of the Cleveland Browns running backs. As the offseason progresses we will get a better understanding of the pecking order for the ball-carriers, but in the best-case Chubb takes the bulk of the workload.

The worst-case for Chubb would be a flip of the script, with Hyde taking the reins and Chubb filling in as relief.

Duke Johnson is in the mix as well, especially after inking a three-year extension. However, his workload will likely differ from Hyde and Chubb. Johnson’s talents as a receiver will set him into a role of his own. I expect Johnson to work alongside either Hyde or Chubb, rather than competing against them for opportunities.