2018 NFL Mock Draft: Josh Rosen goes to Browns
By Brad Weiss
Saquon Barkley
Running Back, Penn State
The Cleveland Browns swung a trade with the Houston Texans during the 2017 NFL Draft, and with that pick, the Texans selected Deshaun Watson. While Watson had to deal with a season-ending injury this season, his future is bright for the Texans, and he should be a good player for a long time. With the pick they got in return, the Browns will likely be picking in the top-5 of the draft, as the Texans continue to lose without Watson under center.
While they should certainly take a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick, which they have already locked up, expect them to bring in another talented playmaker with their second first rounder. While the Browns could certainly use help in the secondary, the addition of a player like Saquon Barkley would give them a brand new feel on offense. Barkley has been one of the best running backs in college football throughout his Penn State career, and has the body and skill set to be an everydown back in the NFL.
The return of Josh Gordon gives the Browns as true WR1, and if they can add Barkley, they would have three very good, young players at the three main skill positions on offense. You can never guess what kind of player quarterbacks will be when they come into the league, but running backs are having tremendous rookie seasons. Barkley is one of the better running back prospects we have seen in a while, and the Browns need someone they can rely on behind what is likely going to be a rookie quarterback in 2018.