2013 NFL Mock Draft: Dee Milliner becoming popular choice for Browns

Will Cleveland put the Alabama corner on the opposite side of Joe Haden? It is an interesting thought.

By Kenneth Arthur@KennethArthuRS Mar 27, 2013, 5:10pm CDT

The Cleveland Browns could go a number of different ways in April's NFL draft when they are on the board with the sixth overall selection: They have needs at receiver, quarterback, and pass-rushing help to name a few. So could it be possible that after having all of those needs, and having a budding star at corner in the form of Joe Haden, that they'd use another high pick on a cornerback? It is.

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Despite having used the seventh overall pick on Haden in 2010, Cleveland still has a need at corner opposite of Haden. Not to mention the fact that Haden is coming off of a down year, and one in which he was suspended for four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy. But last season the Browns started 33-year-old Sheldon Brown for 14 uneven games and will likely be looking for his replacement in the draft regardless.

If they decide that the replacement could come as early as the first round, Cleveland might be looking at cornerback Dee Milliner out of Alabama, the highest-rated player at the position in the draft. As of now, three of the top four experts at CBS Sports are projecting Milliner to Browns with the sixth overall pick, including Pat Kirwin, Dane Brugler, and Pete Prisco. Here is what Brugler had to say:

With the Browns transitioning to a hybrid 3-4 defensive scheme under new coordinator Ray Horton, there is a more-than-good chance that this pick is defense. After signing Paul Kruger in free agency, the Browns might switch their thinking to cornerback with this pick, especially if Milliner is still on the board.

Given the new philosophies in Cleveland with a new coaching staff, plus the free-agent additions, Milliner really is making more sense than ever. But will he even fall that far? We will find out.