Cleveland Browns 7-round mock draft
By Dani Bostick
The Cleveland Browns have had a rough season, but does the 2016 NFL draft provide a glimmer of hope?
The Cleveland Browns would have more success drafting if they spun kids around blindfolded and had them play pin-the-tail-on-the-draft-pick. Rarely has the organization drafted well, and even their most promising players end up disappointing.
Browns first-round picks in recent years have included Brady Quinn, Trent Richardson, Brandon Weeden, Johnny Manziel, and Justin Gilbert. These players either failed to contribute to the team or have been plagued by off-field character problems that have proven to be huge distractions to the organization.
The 2015 Cleveland Browns have had a horrendous season marked by injury, off-field antics by players (and a coach), and seven consecutive losses, a streak broken only by a victory over the beleaguered 49ers.
The Browns need to draft well this season, and given their 3-10 record, they will undoubtedly have a very early draft pick. Whether or not they can retain and develop talent remains to be seen. It will be difficult for the Browns to rebound in the AFC North without a new cadre of talent.
They will also need to make wise decisions about their free agents. The ones they let go for the 2015 season are strong contributors elsewhere: Ahtyba Rubin with the Seattle Seahawks, Jabaal Sheard with the New England Patriots, and Buster Skrine with the New York Jets.
What does the 2016 draft hold for the Browns? If past performance is indicative of future behavior, it won’t matter what the Browns do during their draft. They are destined to struggle.
Let’s take a look at a best-case scenario, one in which the Browns draft well and are able to help players reach their full potential, both on and off the field.
Next: Round 1: DE Joey Bosa