ESPN NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper released his latest Mock Draft(INSIDER NEEDED) this morning and there were a few surprises ahead of the Cleveland Browns in the Top-5. Kiper had the Carolina Panthers reaching for QB Blaine Gabbert, a situation that could throw the entire draft into a frenzy, especially if the is a CBA and teams can once again trade players and picks.
Here’s a look at the Top-5:
1. Carolina Panthers – QB Blaine Gabbert
2. Denver Broncos – DT Nick Fairley
3. Buffalo Bills – DT Marcell Dareus
4. Cincinnati Bengals – QB Cam Newton
5. Arizona Cardinals – OLB Von Miller
That brings us to the Browns, who have needs at wide receiver and along the defensive line. With Patrick Peterson on the board the Browns would have to be tempted, right? Same thing with Da’Quan Bowers sitting there in front of them.
Kiper’s selection? The Browns need playmakers on offense and A.J. Green from Georgia might be the best receiver available:
Green answered all the necessary questions at the NFL combine, checking in just a hair under his listed 6-foot-4, with a 211-pound frame that could easily take on a little more weight, and his 4.48 speed in the 40 was solid given his size. In Green you have a player with the profile of an immediate impact talent at wide receiver, and a solution on the outside in Cleveland, where they are desperate for a true No. 1 wideout. He’s a perfect fit, and it’s hard to imagine the Browns passing on him if he’s around. (Especially if they ask Colt McCoy for an opinion.)
Hard to argue, but with so much defensive talent still on the board – at least in Mel’s mock draft – the Browns may be better served to go that direction.