2018 NFL mock draft: Baker Mayfield heads to Jets

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IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 23: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs the ball during the fourth quarter in front of defensive lineman Cedrick Lattimore #95 of the Iowa Hawkeyes on September 23, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

Running Back. Penn State. Saquon Barkley. 4. player. 53.

During the 2017 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans traded up to select Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson. The team they traded with was the Cleveland Browns, who will now pick twice in the first four picks this April. Though the team is expected to bring in a signal-caller with the first overall pick, one they earned by going 0-16 in 2017, their second pick could be used on a number of different positions on each side of the ball.

While it is not a popular choice, the Browns should go with a running back at No. 4 overall. Penn State has had a good one in Saquon Barkley for the last three seasons, and he has shown himself to be one of the best running back prospects we have seen in a long time. Barkley can do it all from his running back position, and is just as deadly catching the ball, as he is running it.

If the Browns do start a rookie quarterback next season, they better have talent behind him on offense. We have seen in recent years how impactful rookie running backs can be in this league, and Barkley could wind up being the best of the bunch. The Browns were actually pretty good on defense last season, so bring in firepower on offense could be just what they need to actually be a relevant franchise in 2018 and beyond.

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