Updated Team Needs and Projected Depth Charts - 05/04/14 09:10 PM
Something to help shape up your mocks...
http://www.cornerblitz.com/2014/TeamNeeds/default.aspx
For the Browns...
Position
Priority
Comment
QBm High Quarterback is the glaring need for the Browns, as they go into the draft with a player with four career starts coming off major knee surgery and a Division III youtube quarterback as the depth of their roster at this position. It will be a shock if the Browns do no draft a QB in the first round. The addition of Tyler Thigpen and Vince Young is unlikely to change their draft priorities.
OG High The Browns are switching from a power blocking scheme under Norv Turner to a zone blocking scheme under Kyle Shanahan. Last year, the Browns had all kinds of problems at guard. Shawn Lauvao was given a large contract to play for Washington and the Browns must sort out if they want to head into the season with Pinkston, Gilkey, and/or Greco or if they want to replace all of them.
ILB High Inside linebacker still has a hole after the addition of Karlos Dansby. This spot is clearly the weakest link on what is otherwise a very strong front-7 for Cleveland. Last year's starters D'Qwell Jackson (signed with Indy) and Craig Robertson (struggled with scheme change) both need to be replaced.
CB Med Buster Skrine stepped up his game significantly, but outside him and Pro Bowler Joe Haden the Browns' corners were abysmal last year. Picking up a talented outside corner could improve two positions on their defense, pushing Skrine inside.
FS Med Tashaun Gipson is adequate at Free Safety, but the Browns lack real playmaking ability opposite new addition Donte Whitner.
OG Med As mentioned above, the Browns need to improve at both guard spots and they could end up drafting two. One would likely be an athletic tackle convert and they may look for center abilities with the other to buil;d experience for Alex Mack's expected departure two years from now.
RB Low The Browns have question marks with hope at the RB position. Last season's late addition Edwin Baker showed some real skill in his limited opportunities. Dion Lewis looked terrific in the preseason before he was injured. Ben Tate is getting his first real chance to be a feature runnign back. Still, with 10 picks, if the Browns see a good running back fall in the draft, they may scoop one up to shore up a position they've been trying to solve for a decade.
ILB Low Behind Karlos Dansby, there isn't much at inside linebacker, and the Browns may look to add two youngsters to the depth chart in the draft. If they don't go outside with a second player, they will likely grab an outside linebacker to compete for the back of the roster.
WRp Low The Browns made two quality improvements at wideout with the offseason signings of Nate Burleson and Andrew Hawkins. Browns fans hope Travis Benjamin will retain his speed coming off of knee surgery. If a talented receiver falls in the draft, they may take a shot on one and see if he can push Greg Little off of the roster.
http://www.cornerblitz.com/2014/TeamNeeds/default.aspx
For the Browns...
Position
Priority
Comment
QBm High Quarterback is the glaring need for the Browns, as they go into the draft with a player with four career starts coming off major knee surgery and a Division III youtube quarterback as the depth of their roster at this position. It will be a shock if the Browns do no draft a QB in the first round. The addition of Tyler Thigpen and Vince Young is unlikely to change their draft priorities.
OG High The Browns are switching from a power blocking scheme under Norv Turner to a zone blocking scheme under Kyle Shanahan. Last year, the Browns had all kinds of problems at guard. Shawn Lauvao was given a large contract to play for Washington and the Browns must sort out if they want to head into the season with Pinkston, Gilkey, and/or Greco or if they want to replace all of them.
ILB High Inside linebacker still has a hole after the addition of Karlos Dansby. This spot is clearly the weakest link on what is otherwise a very strong front-7 for Cleveland. Last year's starters D'Qwell Jackson (signed with Indy) and Craig Robertson (struggled with scheme change) both need to be replaced.
CB Med Buster Skrine stepped up his game significantly, but outside him and Pro Bowler Joe Haden the Browns' corners were abysmal last year. Picking up a talented outside corner could improve two positions on their defense, pushing Skrine inside.
FS Med Tashaun Gipson is adequate at Free Safety, but the Browns lack real playmaking ability opposite new addition Donte Whitner.
OG Med As mentioned above, the Browns need to improve at both guard spots and they could end up drafting two. One would likely be an athletic tackle convert and they may look for center abilities with the other to buil;d experience for Alex Mack's expected departure two years from now.
RB Low The Browns have question marks with hope at the RB position. Last season's late addition Edwin Baker showed some real skill in his limited opportunities. Dion Lewis looked terrific in the preseason before he was injured. Ben Tate is getting his first real chance to be a feature runnign back. Still, with 10 picks, if the Browns see a good running back fall in the draft, they may scoop one up to shore up a position they've been trying to solve for a decade.
ILB Low Behind Karlos Dansby, there isn't much at inside linebacker, and the Browns may look to add two youngsters to the depth chart in the draft. If they don't go outside with a second player, they will likely grab an outside linebacker to compete for the back of the roster.
WRp Low The Browns made two quality improvements at wideout with the offseason signings of Nate Burleson and Andrew Hawkins. Browns fans hope Travis Benjamin will retain his speed coming off of knee surgery. If a talented receiver falls in the draft, they may take a shot on one and see if he can push Greg Little off of the roster.