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NFL mock draft: Don’t mess with Texas

By Brad Weiss

Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) carries the ball as quarterback Jameis Winston (3) blocks during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) carries the ball as quarterback Jameis Winston (3) blocks during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jacquizz Rodgers

Running Back, Richmond, Texas

Like it has been in most drafts recently, the Cleveland Browns head into this draft with more than one first round pick. While they decided to fill the void left by the departure of Myles Garrett early in the round, they will add a quality sparkplug to their offense with this pick. The Browns got this pick thanks to the Houston Texans trading up to draft Deshaun Watson in 2017, and they will add a little lightning to their backfield with it.

Jacquizz Rodgers really burst onto the scene for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in 2016, where he teamed with Doug Martin, and Charles Sims to give the Bucs a solid run game. Rodgers had a solid 2017 campaign as well, really solidifying himself behind Martin, who had a stellar comeback season. In Cleveland, he will team with Isaiah Crowell to give the Browns a nice 1-2 punch in the backfield, in what will be DeShone Kizer’s first year as the team’s starter.

In 2017, Kizer sat behind veteran Brock Osweiler, who was actually better than advertised. However, he was never the long-term solution at the position in Cleveland, so adding weapons for Kizer has to be a priority this offseason. Kizer has the physical talent to do special things, but he is going to have his growing pains along the way.

This franchise continues to get better, and it should not be long before they are challenging in the AFC North. The rest of the division is getting older, and with Andy Dalton gone in Cincinnati, the Browns actually may not finish in the cellar in 2018. Ah, Browns fans can dream can’t they?

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