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NFL Draft Rumors: Browns looking trade up to No. 5 spot

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) looks on during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) looks on during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Dante Fowler Jr. (6) against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Dante Fowler Jr. (6) against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida

The Browns could use more of a pass rush in the upcoming draft. While it might be OK to draft a pass rusher in the middle rounds, the team might want an instant-impact defender like Dante Fowler Jr. who could be elite at the position.

Florida‘s top defensive lineman could be the perfect guy for the job as the Browns ranked near the bottom of the league last season in sacks with just 31.

Fowler Jr. led Florida with 15 tackles for loss, 17 quarterback hurries and 8.5 sacks as a junior in 2014. The athletic defensive end moved around a lot, contributing to his average numbers, but could be great if given one job to stick to.

The 6-foot-3, 261-pound defensive lineman posted an impressive 4.60 40-yard dash and also impressed in other athletic feats at the NFL’s annual combine. He solidified himself as a top-10 pick and has the size and athletic ability to be an elite player at the next level.

It’s doubtful that he’s around past the sixth or seventh pick in the draft, making the Browns’ possible trade into the top-five look that much more like they will be taking Fowler Jr.

Despite the team needs being in other positions, you can’t pass up a defensive end like Fowler with the fifth pick.

Next: 3. Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

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