C-Cap Recap: Death From Above
April 18, 2016Cavaliers to host watch parties for road playoff games—again
April 18, 2016While the NFL Draft is often said to be more art than science, the science portion of it is catching up quickly. Whether or not the Cleveland Browns have an abacus in the war room for the 2016 NFL Draft, the Browns analytical-focused mindset is expected to allow them to lay out all of the raw data1 and discern the one with the greatest probability of helping the franchise moving forward. The process does not ensure success, but it is imperative to sift through these potential possibilities if we are to be able to evaluate whatever they end up doing.
So, today, WFNY asks What if the Browns stay at pick No. 2 and don’t draft a quarterback?
Don’t worry, we will have plenty of coverage on the quarterbacks available high in the NFL Draft in the lead-up to Thursday April 28, but with the Los Angeles Rams trading up to the first overall pick in order to target their franchise quarterack, the Browns will have second pick. And, history is not as kind to those teams who select the second quarterback high in the NFL Draft. So, there is a real possibility that the Browns do not want whatever quarterback remains. And, the front office might not find a trade down offer enticing enough to consider. Therefore, they will be left with the option of taking the best non-quarterback prospect in this NFL Draft.
Here are the candidates for such a selection along with some thoughts on them.
Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss (Junior)
Quick notes and Joe’s thoughts
The true junior prospect was a three-year starter for the Ole Miss Runnin’ Rebels, and he did a fantastic job against some of the nation’s premeir edge rushers. WFNY’s Joe Gilbert was quite high on Tunsil and he further called him the number one overall prospect in the draft in his review of the Top 5 offensive tackles:
Laremy Tunsil is my number one prospect and probably the cleanest prospect in the entire draft. The Ole Miss star has great size and athleticism to be a starting left tackle in the NFL. His best asset is athleticism, in particularly his amazing quick and coordinated feet. He can mirror pass rushers with ease, moving his feet quickly to stay in front of the rusher. He is quick off the snap, giving him the early advantage to get in position against the oncoming rusher. The tackle pairs his athleticism with excellent technique.
From the Browns point of view
Any team that needs a starting left tackle would be fortunate for the ability to draft Tunsil. He is athletic, he utilizes his feet and positioning as well as any prospect in recent memory, and he has the frame to build upon his strength. However, the Browns happen to have a future Hall of Fame player starting at left tackle in Joe Thomas. So, drafting a left tackle could also be paired with trading the best veteran asset from a team in full rebuild mode. There has been some thought amongst the Browns faithful that the veteran might even deserve to be traded to a contender as Thomas has not played a playoff snap in his career.
The Browns do have a need at right tackle after letting Mitchell Schwartz sign with the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. However, there are a few issues with drafting Tunsil to be a right tackle. First, Schwartz was signed for roughly the same contract that the second overall pick will obtain.2 So, the Browns could have simply signed a right tackle who had proven himself to be above average rather than hoping to develop a draft pick into the same. Also, Tunsil’s greatest value is his ability to athletically move in pass protection, which is somewhat mitigated on the right side.3
Also, for a team that has been blessed with the stability of Joe Thomas taking every snap at left tackle over his entire career, Tunsil would be a bit of a worry. He had to miss the Rebels 2013 bowl game with a left knee sprain, two games with a partially torn right bicep in the middle of the 2014 season, broke his right fibula and dislocated his ankle in the 2015 bowl game requiring surgery. He did make it through the 2015 season and 2016 bowl game relatively unscathed.
Jalen Ramsey, FS/CB, Florida State (Junior)
Quick notes and Joe’s thoughts
The true junior prospect was a three-year starter for the Florida State Seminoles as he was a true play-maker in their 2013 National Championship season as well as a big factor in their defensive successes in the following seasons. WFNY’s Joe Gilbert noted Ramsey’s play-making ability and noted his versatility was a key attribute in his review of the Top 5 safeties:
Jalen Ramsey is not only the best safety in the 2016 NFL Draft, he is amongst the best overall players in the draft. The Florida State alum’s biggest attribute is his versatility to play all over the field. At 6-foot-1, 209-pounds and long arms, Ramsey has the athleticism to play safety or corner, but he is best suited as a safety. His size and athleticism allows him to cover receivers, running backs, or tight ends. His long arms help him jam receivers at the line of scrimmage, forcing them out of their routes.
From the Browns point of view
Cornerbacks and safeties are rarely taken near the top of the first-round in the NFL Draft. The thought is the overall positional value with respet to impact on the game is not enough to justify the selection. However, Ramsey is challenging those thoughts. He is physical, explosively fast, and can be matched up on nearly any type of receiver. An aggressive defensive co-ordinator such as Ray Horton Jr. should have ample abilities to move Ramsey around the defense in order to greatly impact the game. The Arizona Cardinals usage of Tyrann Mathieu can be a guide for the possibilities.
Additionally, Browns fans have fond memories of selecting a play-making safety with the second overall selection who is known for physicality and ability to transcend the position to become a true difference-maker on defense. RIP Eric Turner.
Joey Bosa, Edge Rusher, Ohio State (Junior)
Quick notes and Joe’s thoughts
Yet another true junior, three-year starter as the best players tend to jump early for the NFL. Bosa was the stabilizing force on the Buckeyes great three-year run of success including leading the defense during the National Championship season of 2014. While Bosa is best known for his ability to make tackles for loss (double-digits in all three seasons for Ohio State), WFNY’s Joe Gilbert noted that Bosa’s complete game is what makes him such a tantalizing prospect in his review of the Top 5 edge rushers:
Joey Bosa is one of the best overall prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft. The Ohio State Buckeye is one of the more complete players in the entire draft, playing well in both run defense and pass rush. The number one attribute he possesses is his strong hands. He can rip away from blocks to get free and make a play. He keeps his eyes on the backfield while engaged with blockers, which allows him to know when to disengage and get free to find the ball. He is very strong and has good size, with the ability to stand stout and not often get pushed backwards. He plays disciplined, staying in his lane to keep contain on the edge. As a pass rusher, he has an array of moves to get to the quarterback.
From the Browns point of view
The biggest question the Browns should have is if Bosa can seamlessly convert to OLB. If they worry about this transition, then they should move on. Bosa does not possess the speed or quickness of some of the other recent edge rusher prospects, nor does he possess the size to become a J.J. Watt 3-4 defensive end. Bosa seems best suited as a 4-3 defensive end, which does negate some of his value for the Browns.
However, if the Browns do believe that Bosa can make the transition similar to Julius Peppers, then the team could reap huge benefits. Bosa is an incredible talent and his usage of leverage and hands is something fans of the Browns have not seen since the days of Clay Matthews and Michael Dean Perry. Bosa is a bigger risk due to the transition, but there is definitive upside into rolling those proverbial dice.
Myles Jack, Inside Linebacker, UCLA (Junior)
Quick notes and Joe’s thoughts
Quite possibly the most athletic player in the entire draft, Jack was a certified two-way player for the UCLA Bruins when needed. His absolute explosive ability is the type of skill that translates to any field of play, and his nose for the big-play is appealing to any defense. WFNY’s Joe Gilbert was quick to praise the young Jack in his review of the Top 5 inside linebackers:
Myles Jack is a one of the best overall athletes in the entire draft, not just amongst the linebackers. The UCLA Bruin has freakish athletic ability, which allowed him to play both linebacker and running back in college career. His versatility will allow him be able to play multiple positions on the defense, depending on the situation. His athleticism allows him to play sideline to sideline and be able to chase plays down from behind. This athleticism helps him the most in coverage, allowing him to cover almost any player on the field.
From the Browns point of view
So, the Browns options thus far at the second overall selection are a right tackle, defensive back, transitioned outside linebacker, and now an inside linebacker. Not exactly the positions of impact a team would hope to get with such a selection. Additionally, Jack suffered a torn meniscus and only played three games during the 2015 college football season. While meniscus injuries are generally recovered from fully, Jack must demonstrate there are no other complications from his injury. Plus, the Browns inside linebacker starting duo of Demario Davis and Christian Kirksey might not be the most exciting players in the NFL, but they are certainly not among the weakest positions for the team.
However, if the Browns deem Jack to be the best player available and stick to their board, then they would reap a player who closely resembles what defensive co-ordinator Horton had with Daryl Washington in Arizona with even more upside for play-making ability. Jack is certainly a tantazlizing talent.
DeForest Buckner, Defensive Tackle/End, Oregon (Senior)
Quick notes and Joe’s thoughts
If a team is looking for a meat-and-potatoes pick near the top of the draft, then taking the Ducks’ monstrous Buckner could be a wise move. WFNY’s Joe Gilbert was quick to note the uniqueness of Buckner as a prospect and the advantages he has due to it in his review of the Top 5 interior defensive linemen:
DeForest Buckner is a powerful player with a rare size at 6-foot-7, 291-pounds. The Oregon Duck is one of the most unique players in the draft with size that is not seen often on the defensive line. He uses his length well keeping blockers away from his body. He has strength in his long arms, allowing him to disengage from blocks with ease to get free and get the ball carrier. Even with his size, he gets off the line quickly and with a powerful punch to stun the blocker. He pairs his size with good athleticism to move with agility and fluidity.
From the Browns point of view
Again, let’s dash those J.J. Watt thoughts from your head as Buckner is more a solid Calais Campbell, then game-changing Watt. Still, Buckner’s best position projects to a 3-4 defensive end where he can use his length, strength, and agility to most affect the game. He does not possess the hand-usage of Bosa, but he has so much more potential due to his frame. Given his constant improvements throughout his tenure (and great reviews), the thought is the hard-working Buckner will work hard to achieve his potential.
However, overall, Buckner would be the safe pick who is more likely to be a solid selection that lasts years, but also is not a player who becomes the face of the defense to rely on making game-changing plays. Given the current nature of the NFL, the question would become if such a player is truly worth the number two overall selection.
WFNY 2016 NFL Draft Prospects Rankings:
Safeties | Cornerbacks | Inside Linebackers | Edge Rushers | Interior Defensive Linemen | Offensive Tackles | Interior Offensive Linemen | Tight Ends | Wide Receivers
- scouting reports, statistics, interview results, background checks, medical records, et cetera [↩]
- Schwartz signed a five-year deal for $33million; Marcus Mariota received a four-year deal for $24 million in 2015 at number two with the main difference for Schwartz being a non-guaranteed fifth season. [↩]
- Not entirely as some teams have started moving great edge rushers to match up the right side OL such as Von Miller in Denver. [↩]
65 Comments
I’m impressed with Self.
same thing happened to willis mcgahee … it will be interesting to see where he’s drafted.
yeah, and D’Quan Bowers. I’m guessing 2nd round, but could see him slip further (as we don’t have the medical reports to see how bad it really is).
McGahee is about the best done on a player losing tons and tons of draft value and coming back to be really good in the NFL. And, teams were still good enough with his medicals to draft him in the 1st round.
It’ll be real interesting to see where he is drafted because teams have gotten really good at discering the horrific injuries and dropping guys accordingly (Ifo ended up being a wasted pick by the Browns for instance).
And Goff cancelled all of his remaining trips due to some speculation of going to the Rams. Gotta say, I am enjoying the coy nature of the top teams in the draft this year. Let us sweat it out.
Browns have already worked out both anyway.
https://twitter.com/JohnThornton/status/722137837861216256
In my dealings with Self, I have found that he really knows his $#!t.
Is it too naïve to think that the Browns could just call the Rams and ask them what they’re doing? I mean, it’s not like the Rams have anything to lose. Sign a confidentiality agreement, or something.
Or are they still steamed about Bernie’s pre-season remarks a couple of years ago?
Kosar; not Sanders.
For all we know, they may have, may already know, and this is all happy media fodder until draft day. I hate that they moved the draft to May.
It truly would be the worst front office ever if they didn’t at least give it a try – unless, of course, they have never had any intention of drafting a QB at #2 (I hope), in which case, I hope they’re as smart as their CVs indicate and they figure out a way to play the NFL and it’s little draft like a fiddle.
good post JPF … i wouldn’t be at all surprised if somebody wanted to trade into our spot to get elliott.
I’d be surprised if our spot was targeted for Zeke, but who knows.
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Ive had this feeling Wentz could fall. The typical “experts” had him rated higher than the actual experts, the league.