Browns

2013 NFL Mock Draft: Browns to land Dee Milliner next to Joe Haden?

Will the Cleveland Browns land their No. 2 cornerback to pair with Joe Haden in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft?

By James Brady@jamesbradyisme Apr 1, 2013, 12:37pm CDT

The Cleveland Browns have been making some big-time signings in hopes of improving heading into next season, after they fielded a rather competitive team in 2012. They still finished with a losing record, of course, but their defense is improving by leaps and bounds.

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One could say that the Browns are on the verge of putting out an elite defense. Joe Haden is the cornerstone of that defense, and this offseason, the Browns added players like Paul Kruger and Desmond Bryant to help improve it. With the No. 6 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Browns stand to add an impact player, but will they go with an offensive or defensive player?

Dan Kadar of SB Nation posted his latest mock draft on Monday and he has the Browns going with the latter, adding Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner at pick No. 6:

The Browns have sort of painted themselves into a corner with the sixth pick. Get it? Another joke. Come on, it's April Fool's. Anyway, the Browns have gone after the better starting cornerbacks in free agency and come up empty. The player opposite Joe Haden is the defense's biggest need, and Milliner is a good value.

While true that a No. 2 cornerback is generally the defense's biggest need, it would be a bold move to go with a player like Milliner while the offense is lagging so far behind the defense. But establishing a tandem of Haden and Milliner would likely push the defense into elite territory, and if that's how the Browns want to build the team, they'll be in good company.

Milliner would instantly be the No. 2 corner behind Haden, who is one of the league's top corners when healthy and playing. Just check out Milliner's scouting report here if you're in doubt regarding his talent.