Fansided

Upgrading the non-playoff NFL teams through the 2015 NFL Draft

By Bryce Olin

Dec 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) calls an audible during the third quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi
Dec 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) calls an audible during the third quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi /
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Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns strong safety Donte Whitner (31) talks to fans during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated Cleveland Browns 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns strong safety Donte Whitner (31) talks to fans during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated Cleveland Browns 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Cleveland Browns

Need: Pass-Rusher

I feel like I’m beating a dead horse with all this offensive line/defensive line talk, but I can’t help it.

The game is won at the point of attack. If a team can get more pressure on the quarterback, the more likely it is that team will win the game. Obviously, there are other ways to win a football game, but there’s nothing that shuts a team down more than relentless pass-rush.

Cleveland was one of the worst teams in the league at rushing the passer, and that was one of the major reasons why the Browns lost games they should have won. The Browns only totaled 31 sacks over the course of the season, which ranked 27th in the league.

With great cornerbacks like Joe Haden and Justin Gilbert in the secondary, a pass-rusher would make life incredibly difficult for opposing quarterbacks and would basically be that missing piece to the puzzle.

Finding a good pass-rusher is a priority for the Browns this offseason.

Best Pick: Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida 

Dante Fowler Jr. translates very well to Cleveland’s defense as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Fowler is a step down from Von Miller and even Khalil Mack right now, but he can get to their level over time. Fowler’s a tad small for a pass-rushing linebacker, but he’s a good enough athlete to drop in coverage and make plays in coverage, as well.

Fowler recorded 8.5 sacks last season at Florida and was easily one the best players on the Gators defense.

Next: New Orleans Saints

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