Now that the major free agent signings have been finalized, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be looking at the top three needs for each team heading into the 2016 NFL Draft. Today, the Cleveland Browns are the focus. In the upcoming draft, the Browns hold the second and 32nd overall picks. Along with the off-season signing of former Oakland Raiders head coach Hue Jackson, the Browns will be looking to their total of ten picks in the 2016 NFL draft to add depth at the missing holes in their roster.
Cleveland Browns 2016 NFL Draft: Top 3 Needs
Quarterback
Drafting a quarterback in this year’s draft is a must for the Browns franchise, especially with the second or 32nd overall picks in their hands. The Browns have had 24 starting quarterbacks since 1999, none of which who were up to the standard to regularly contend for the playoffs let alone a Super Bowl. Most recently, the Browns held Johnny Manziel and Josh McCown on their roster, neither coming close to being successful. On March 11, Manziel was waived from Cleveland after two seasons due to his off-field troubles. 13 days later, the Browns signed former 2012 second overall pick and former Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III to a two-year, $15 million contract. Some feel the franchise may still pursue a quarterback at number two. Others think the Browns will grab a defensive player and then a signal caller in a later round.
The top quarterbacks include: Jared Goff (California), Carson Wentz (North Dakota State), Paxton Lynch (Memphis), and Connor Cook (Michigan State).
Wide Receiver
The Cleveland Browns haven’t had a strong receiver since 2012 when they drafted Josh Gordon in the second round of the NFL’s Supplemental Draft. But that journey was soon crushed when Gordon violated multiple NFL policies. Since then the Browns have failed at stocking up on potential threats. This year’s draft shows great potential at the position. NFL Draft analysts have Mississippi’s Laquon Treadwell as the top receiver on the board, more than likely going between the picks 5-15. The next possible choices include Will Fuller (Notre Dame), Corey Coleman (Baylor), and Josh Doctson (TCU), all who show strong cases. The Browns need to snag a wide receiver within the first four rounds to join veterans Taylor Gabriel, Andrew Hawkins and Brian Hartline.
Defensive Line
The Browns have no impact players that can hold their defensive line together. You can’t count on second-year defensive tackle Xavier Cooper or veteran Desmond Bryant to step up to the spot. Deforest Buckner (Oregon) and Joey Bosa (Ohio State) are the top two men on the board that have their chance to become future Pro Bowlers. With the second overall pick in their hands, the Browns have an easy chance of snagging either of these man and taking the first step to rebuilding their team under new head coach Jackson.
Cleveland Browns 2016 Draft Picks:
#2 overall (First round)
#32 overall (Second round)
#65 overall (Third Round)
#99 and #138 overall (Fourth Round)
#141, #172, #173 overall (Fifth Round)
#176 overall (Sixth Round)
#223 overall (Seventh Round)
