NFL Draft results 2015: Cleveland Browns take Danny Shelton with No. 12 pick

Jan 2, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Danny Shelton (55) following the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2015 Cactus Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Oklahoma State defeated Washington 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive tackle Danny Shelton adds an interior presence for an awful Cleveland Browns’ defensive front.

Where to begin with the Cleveland Browns.

Their quarterback situation is a complete and utter mess, with last year’s first round pick at the position, Johnny Manziel coming out of rehab and a horrible rookie season. Their defensive front is abysmal. Their best player in wide receiver Josh Gordon is suspended for the foreseeable, and nobody has any clue when, or if, he will ever play again for the team.

Yet somehow, someway, they had every chance to make the playoffs last season. In fact, they were well on their way after starting the 2014 season 7-4. Unfortunately, the team, especially its quarterbacks, completely fell apart, losing their final five games of the season.

After failed attempts to trade up and select Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston, however, it would have been foolish to reach for a quarterback like Brett Hundley or Bryce Petty that could possibly be picked up in the second or third round. Receivers are at a premium this year as well, but with the top two options at the position off of the board already, that left improving their defense as the logical solution at pick No. 12.

The team’s front seven in particular was awful last season, and an edge pass rusher would be the an ideal move for the Browns. Randy Gregory and Bud Dupree were the two guys that stood out the most to me, both of which are absolutely imposing figures at outside linebacker.

The Browns did not elect to go with either, although they did sure up their defensive front and address another pressing need by drafting Danny Shelton.

Shelton is one of the strongest players in the draft this year, and the defensive tackle out of Washington will absolutely help improve a horrible rushing defense, and at 6-foot-2 and 339 pounds, he should be able to clog the interior line for years to come.

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