Leading up to the 2015 NFL Draft, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be analyzing the three biggest needs facing all 32 teams. The Cleveland Browns are up next and they are looking to make fans’ dreams complete with a solid draft, hopefully forming a roster that could potentially erase a 12-year playoff drought in 2015. The team does not need a high profile quarterback or running back and will get the chance to draft twice in the first round, putting them in a great position to add to an already rising Browns squad.
Picks
First round (12th overall)
First round (19th overall) – acquired in draft day trade in 2014 that sent the Browns 2015 first-round and fourth-round picks (fourth overall) from Buffalo.
Second round (43rd overall)
Third round (77th overall)
Fourth round (111th overall) – acquired in above mentioned trade with Buffalo.
Fourth round (115th overall)
Fifth round (147th overall)
Sixth round (189th overall)
Sixth round (202nd overall) – acquired in trade that sent the Browns 2014 seventh-round pick to Baltimore.
Seventh round (229th overall)
Cleveland Browns 2015 NFL Draft: Top 3 Needs
Wide Receiver
Wide receiver is a controversial draft position for Cleveland this season, as the Browns do not necessarily need a star, but could definitely use one. Andrew Hawkins and Tyler Gabriel mildly led the Browns at the receiver position in 2014. With Josh Gordon suspended for the entire year, they have a spot open for a rookie breakout. That could come from a standout at Arizona State – Jaelen Strong. Strong, a physical wideout, received all-Pac 12 honors in 2014 after an impressive campaign. He has the upside to become the elite receiver the Browns could use.
Linebacker
Cleveland showed some inexperience at linebacker in 2014 and could vastly improve that position during draft day. Inside linebacker, in particular, needs to be carefully looked at. Plus they won’t necessarily have to spend their first-round pick on a linebacker, as this year’s class is filled with potential instant impact players in the middle rounds. Benardrick McKinney, Paul Dawson, and Stephone Anthony could be solid second-round options while Denzel Perryman would be a steal in the third round. If they decide to fill this hole later on, Hayes Pullard could be their selection, as he was the middle linebacker and captain of the USC defense last season.
Offensive Line
Lastly, Cleveland will need a better offensive lineman to protect their new quarterback, regardless of who that person is. If they want a headlining player at the position, they will need to use their 12th pick on Brandon Scherff (Iowa). Scherff is regarded as the best player on the offensive line in this draft class after his dominant play in 2014. There are a few enticing options in the second round as well, as Laken Tomlinson, Cameron Erving, and Jake Fisher could all be immediate starters.
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