- The Browns held the Steelers and all world running back Le’Veon Bell to just 35 yards rushing last week. The Ravens only threw the ball three times in the second half against Cincinnati last week in a 20-0 victory over the offensively challenged Bengals. QB Joe Flacco only completed one pass of more than 10 yards. Something will have to give. Are the Browns as good against the run as they showed? If so, they could make it a long day for the Ravens offense.
- Flacco threw just 17 times last week but is notorious for destroying the Browns. Last season he threw for nearly 600 yards and five touchdowns in two games.
- DeShone Kizer looked very solid last week against a really good Pittsburgh front seven. He will have to be even better today against the Ravens defense which has excellent linebackers. Terrell Suggs seems to be an ageless wonder and CJ Mosley is really coming into his own as an NFL player. Along with youngsters Kamalei Correa and Patrick Onwuasor they are deep and instinctive. The Ravens linebackers all read play action extremely well and also get their hands up quick when rushing which can force even the veteran quarterbacks of the league to throw nearly a handful of interceptions (looking at you Andy Dalton).
- The Ravens secondary is also very good. It’s a veteran mix that will prove to be a challenge for the Browns young wide outs. Safeties Tony Jefferson and Eric Weddle are extremely talented ball hawks who can also tackle.
- Cleveland will have seven wide outs dressed for Sunday’s game after bringing Rashard Higgins up from the practice squad. The Ravens will have only a few corners healthy for the game with Jaylen Hill and Sheldon Price both ruled out. That leaves talented corners Brandon Carr, Jimmy Smith, Marlon Humphrey, and nickel back Ladarius Webb as the only healthy corners. Maybe by adding Higgins the Browns are hoping to beat the talented secondary by using fresh men on a consistent basis against an undermanned unit.
- While they may try to use their depth to win in the passing game, it’ll be the running game they determines whether or not the Browns win this game. Isaiah Crowell carries 17 times last week for just 33 yards and looked hesitant at the line of scrimmage. The Browns and especially Kizer will need him to be more decisive. If the line opens holes for him, he needs to stick his foot in the ground and go. They can’t win this game without a solid contribution from Crowell.
- The play above accounted for a loss of yards. That is a huge hole to run through by NFL standards.
- Kenny Britt’s drop on second and 19 last week may have cost the Browns the game. Yes, there were other factors that contributed to the loss, I get that. On the play before Britt’s drop, Browns center JC Tretter was destroyed by Steelers defensive linemen Javon Hargrave who pushed Tretter back like he was on roller skates for a sack of Kizer and a nine yard loss. On the next play, the rookie QB moved forward in the pocket, went through his progressions, and found a wide open Britt near the first down marker only to see his vet wide out drop it. Drops are a part of the game but that play needs to be made. All the momentum was trending in the Browns direction and that hurt.
- The Browns are a much improved team all around. They proved that last week. In order to beat this Ravens team they will have to shut down the run game and keep veteran wide outs Mike Wallace and Jeremy Marlin from making big plays. Look for Greg Williams to use a similar strategy to what he used last week against the Steelers where he sent his safeties back 20-25 yards from the line of scrimmage to keep the corners from getting beat deep. The game plan all but nullified deep threat Martavis Bryant last week.
- While I think the Browns have an excellent chance at winning this game, there is just as good a chance that they get blown out. The Baltimore defense is really talented. The linebackers look like they can give a rookie QB nightmares whether they are hitting him or knocking his passes around to cause turnovers. Kizer will have to take what the defense gives him which means Duke Johnson could be the key to a win with Kizer completing dump-off passes to the Swiss Army knife out of Miami. If Duke can break one or two, flip the field, it would go a long way to helping his QB and team.
- With all things considered I think the Browns will play well, but fall short in a 16-13 loss in Baltimore.
- Fantasy guys to have in this game: Duke in PPR leagues. Corey Coleman and Kizer have a connection and he will likely lead the Browns in targets. He could be a high WR3. You could also run out Maclin or Wallace in deep leagues as WR3 or flex. Javorious Allen is the Ravens version of Duke and also gets carries out of the backfield, he could be a deep flex guy. The real wildcard here is Flacco, who always kills the Browns. He’s a risk due to his back, but could be high reward if you roll with him.
- Pictures in this article courtesy of the NFL, CBS, and NFL Gamepass app.
Tag Archives: Cleveland
Predicting the Browns 53 Man Roster
Following a 4-0 preseason, the Browns will be faced with some tough decisions as they cut the roster from 90 players to 53 by 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.
Here are my predictions for each spot:
QB (3)
DeShone Kizer, Cody Kessler, Kevin Hogan
RB (3)
Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson, Matthew Dayes
FB (1)
Dan Vitale
WR (6)
Corey Coleman, Kenny Britt, Rashard Higgins, Ricardo Louis, Jordan Leslie, Rannel Hall. Could also see Hall or Leslie being let go in favor of a waiver wire pickup.
TE (3)
David Njoku, Seth DeValve, Randall Telfair
OLine (8)
Joe Thomas, Joel Bitonio, JC Tretter, Kevin Zeitler, Shon Coleman, John Greco, Austin Reiter, Rod Johnson
DE (5)
Myles Garrett, Emmanuel Ogbah, Tyrone Holmes, Carl Nassib, Nate Orchard
DT (5)
Danny Shelton, Jamie Meder, Larry Ogunjobi, Trevon Coley, Caleb Brantley
LB (6)
Christian Kirksey, Jamie Collins, Joe Schobert, Dominique Alexander, probably two waiver guys.
CB (5)
Jason McCourty, Jamar Taylor, Briean Boddy-Calhoun, Marcus Burley, Trey Caldwell
S (5)
Jabrill Peppers, Derrick Kindred, Ibraheim Campbell, Kai Nacua, Calvin Pryor III
Special Teams (3)
K Zane Gonzalez
P Britton Colquitt
LS Charlie Hughlett
Practice Squad players from current roster: Channing Stribling, Najee Murray, Kenneth Olugbode, BJ Bello, Karter Schult
Haden Says Goodbye to Browns, Hello to Steelers
Berea— Earlier on Wednesday, the Cleveland Browns terminated the contract of seven-year veteran and two-time pro bowler Joe Haden. The move saved the Browns $7 million, leaving them to pay just $4 million of the $11.1 million he was owed for the 2017 season. Of course they would only owe that money if Haden signs a deal for less with another team.
Enter the Pittsburgh Steelers who signed Haden to a three-year, $27 million contract just after 4 p.m. eastern time on Wednesday. The deal is basically a one-year deal worth $7 million that allows the former first round pick to play with a winning team for roughly the same he would’ve been paid to play for the rebuilding Browns.
Haden, who three years ago may have been the best cornerback in the league, has dealt with a number of injuries that have slowed him down. The injuries to his groin and legs have restricted his change of direction ability and forced him to change the way he plays. If he can get his mind and body right, a big if, he can be a huge addition for the Browns AFC North rival.
In a statement, Browns Executive Vice President of Football Operations, Sashi Brown said,
We want to thank Joe for all he has done for this organization both on and off the field. He has been a great teammate and true asset to the Cleveland community.
These are very difficult decisions, we have the utmost respect for Joe, and in my eyes, he will always be a Cleveland Brown.
Haden added a statement on his Instagram account, stating,
I’d first like to take the time to thank Browns fans all around the world from the bottom of my heart for making Cleveland a happy home for the past seven years. I want to thank my coaches, the organization, and especially my teammates who have become family.
My god doesn’t make mistakes and I know the future is bright.
Good luck Joe. It’s been a pleasure.
For more of my thoughts, check out the video below where I discuss Haden, Cam Erving whom the Browns dealt to Kansas City for fifth-round pick, Chicago, and Cody Kessler.
Browns, McCourty Agree to Two-Year Deal
The Cleveland Browns and free agent CB Jason McCourty have agreed to a two-year deal on Tuesday, according to various reports.
McCourty, an eight-year veteran, was formerly with the Tennessee Titans.
The addition of a veteran presence will help the Browns young and lackluster secondary as McCourty can play at cornerback or at free safety where the Browns have been searching for a starter since losing Tashaun Gipson in free agency prior to the 2016 season.
According to NFL Network reporter Courtney Fallon, McCourty has told her that he is signing a two-year, six million dollar deal with two million guaranteed to come to Cleveland.
Browns Get Defensive in Round Three
The Cleveland Browns selected Charlotte defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi with the first pick in the third round, 65th overall, in the 2017 NFL Draft.
The senior interior lineman is 6’3″ and 305 pounds and very athletic for a man his size. He had 13.0 career sacks in his career and showed that he can not only get to the passer but also set the edge in the run game. He plays with a low center of gravity and has great hands. He will be thrown into the mix on a deep defensive line squad and could start between Danny Shelton and Myles Garrett.
The son of Nigerian immigrants, Ogunjobi did not start playing football until his sophomore year of high school.
Cleveland does not have anymore picks on day two of the draft, they will not pick again until the 5th round (145 overall).
Browns Get QB at 52
With the 52nd pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected Notre Dame QB DeShone Kizer.
Kizer a 6’4″, 233 pound, redshirt sophomore from Toledo, Ohio, was looked at by some as the number one quarterback in the draft at the beginning of the scouting process. He looks the part of a QB with size, strength, and above average arm talent, but he does not come without issues.
His issues are the reason many dropped him to their fourth ranked QB in this draft and that he slid out of the first round to 52nd overall in the second round. He has severe mental lapses. He holds the ball too long at times and takes unnecessary sacks in a clean pocket. He lets his mechanics go to the wayside and throws the ball all over the field and that is why he had an interception in 15 of 23 starts.
Overall, it is really a low risk, high reward draft pick and could pan out nicely. To this point the Browns have done an excellent job in acquiring talent, gaining four very good players and first round pick next year.
The Browns will pick next at 65 overall, the first pick of the third round.
Browns Cut Barnidge
After the Browns moved back into the first round last night to select tight end David Njoku, Gary Barnidge, being the excellent human being and teammate that he is, tweeted out a welcome to the rookie.
Less than 18 hours later, Barnidge sent out another tweet that shows the awful truth of the NFL as he said goodbye to the team that gave him his chance to showcase his talents.
Barnidge, a pro bowl player in 2015, was not as good in 2016 with less than 630 yards recieving. In fairness, nobody was good on the Browns in 2016.
The move isn’t that surprising after the addition of Seth DeValve in the 2016 draft and Njoku in 2017. The Browns as a team are getting younger with only four players above the age of 28 and Barnidge was being pushed out by the rookies, so rather than leave him on the roster as a mentor who wouldn’t see the field much, the team has let him go so that he has time to join someone else and for his sake, hopefully win.
Barnidge was a good player during his time in Cleveland, but was an amazing man in the community off of the field. His twitter page was always full of fan interaction, including chances for movie nights with his teammates and a group of lucky fans.
OAB365 and this writer wish Barnidge the best in the future.
Browns Grab Garrett First Overall
Months of rumors and speculation are finally over.
With the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett.
Garrett, the consensus top player in this draft, is a 6’5″, 262 pound monster who specializes in getting to the opposing teams quarterback. The junior had a career high 4.5 sacks against UTSA in November and finished an injury plagued final season in College Station with 8.5 sacks in all, while adding 15.0 tackles for loss.
A highly touted high school player, Garret stepped onto campus in 2014 and led the team with 11.0 sacks. He got even better in 2015 when he reached 12.5 sacks and 19.0 tackles for loss, while also improving as a run defender.
Despite battling injuries in 2016, teams built their game plans around stopping Garrett, including perennial powerhouse Alabama who had two to three players focused on him, while continually rolling the pocket away from the star defender.
Off of the field Garrett is an all-around student athlete. He was active in Aggies Athletes Involved and regularly spent time with young kids around the local community. He also served as a volunteer at the Twin City Mission, serving meals to needy families and did landscape work around the facility.
Born in Arlington, Texas Garrett is the son of Audrey and Lawrence Garrett. His older sister, Brea Garrett, was a NCAA champion thrower for for the Texas A&M track and field team and his older brother is former NBA first round pick Sean Williams.
When Garrett steps on the field in Cleveland, he will instantly make the team better, but off of the field he will also do his part in making the community a better place.
OAB365 Final Mock (Two Rounds)
- Cleveland Browns- EDGE Myles Garrett, Texas A&M
Garrett is the biggest stud in this draft. The Browns do not need more draft picks. They need stars. The card is ready to be turned in.
- San Francisco 49ers- S Jamal Adams, LSU
Adams is a do it all safety who can immediately help the back end of the Niners defense. I believe they’d prefer to trade down though.
- Chicago Bears- CB Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State
The Bears secondary needs help. Lattimore has the ability to become a shutdown type CB.
- Jacksonville Jaguars- DL Jonathan Allen, Alabama
Tom Coughlin won Super Bowls with great defensive lines. I believe he will build the Jaguars in the mold of those teams.
- Tennessee Titans- DL Solomon Thomas, Stanford
Thomas is a monster and an immediate upgrade inside and out on the Titans defense.
- New York Jets- RB Leonard Fournette, LSU
A QB could go here, as could Malik Hooker, but they need to improve their offense and Fournette is the fastest way to do it
- Los Angeles Chargers- S Malik Hooker, Ohio State
For the second year in a row, the Chargers head to Columbus to take an instant impact defender. Hooker is the best centerfielder in this draft.
- Carolina Panthers- RB Christian McCaffery
Cam needs help on offense. He has big targets around the field, but a swiss army knife like McCaffery would do wonders for the Panthers.
- Cincinnati Bengals- WR Mike Williams, Clemson
A stud wide out to pair with A.J. Green and to help open up the passing offense for the Bengals.
- Buffalo Bills- TE O.J. Howard, Alabama
Tyrod Taylor is staying in Buffalo, so maybe the Bills should get him some weapons. Howard is a pure tight end who can do everything.
- New Orleans Saints- EDGE Charles Harris, Missouri
Harris is a very good pass rusher who needs to get better against the run, but can be a double digit sack guy immediately.
- Cleveland Browns- QB Mitchell Trubisky, North Carolina
Trubisky, despite only starting 13 games, has shown the ability to be an NFL QB with above average accuracy, arm strength, and athleticism.
- Arizona Cardinals- CB Marlon Humphrey, Alabama
Getting Pat Mahomes to be the heir apparent to Carson Palmer would be great, but Arizona is still capable of being a playoff team so getting Humphrey’s immediate impact would be huge.
- Philadelphia Eagles- WR Corey Davis, Western Michigan
Even with the signing of Alshon Jeffery, the Eagles need to get Carson Wentz more help. Davis has the talent to be a number one guy for a long time.
- Indianapolis Colts- DE Derek Barnett, Tennessee
Barnett, at times, was as good a pass rusher as Myles Garrett. His rush ability will immediately improve the Colts defense
.
- Baltimore Ravens- WR John Ross, Washington
After losing Steve Smith to retirement, the Ravens need help at the WR spot. Adding the fastest man in the draft with big arm Joe Flacco could make for an exciting duo.
- Washington Redskins- DT Malik McDowell, Michigan State
McDowell has the skills to be a star. The Redskins could use a monster in the middle of their defense and McDowell
- Tennessee Titans- CB Chidobe Awuzie, Colorado
Awuzie can play CB or FS and excel at either. Even with free agent additions Cyprien and Ryan, adding Awuzie and Thomas in round one would be a coup for the Titans.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers- RB Dalvin Cook, Florida State
Cook’s draft stock has been slipping, but reuniting with Jameis Winston could be a perfect fit for him and the Buccaneers.
- Denver Broncos- OT Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin
The Broncos still have a loaded defense, so this pick will likely be offense. Adding Ramczyk to their offensive line could be a weapon for them on offense. His strength and athleticism are perfect fits for Mike McCoy’s offense.
- Detroit Lions- LB Haason Reddick, Temple
Reddick can play off the edge and be a stud weak side LB. Perfect fit for the Lions.
- Miami Dolphins- OG Forrest Lamp, Western Kentucky
Miami needs to keep Ryan Tannehill upright and open holes for Jay Ajayi if they want any chance of winning. Lamp will help them do that day one.
- New York Giants- QB Pat Mahomes, Texas Tech
Eli won’t play forever. Mahomes, in time, could be the best QB in this draft. He has amazing arm talent.
- Oakland Raiders- TE David Njoku, Miami
The Raiders could pick a linebacker, like Jarrad Davis, or go secondary with this pick, but Njoku is someone they cannot pass on at this point. Tight end size with wide out ability, Njoku would be a great addition to the Raiders young and potent offense.
- Houston Texans- QB Deshaun Watson, Clemson
A Super Bowl caliber defense and a giant hole behind center. The Texans take Watson here and hope he develops quickly behind Tom Savage.
- Seattle Seahawks- CB Kevin King, Washington
Whether Richard Sherman is dealt or not, King with his combination of size and talent is a perfect fit for the Seahawks defense.
- Kansas City Chiefs- EDGE Takkarist McKinley, UCLA
The Chiefs do not have any glaring needs which will allow them to take McKinley late in round one and allow him to develop into a Tamba Hali clone.
- Dallas Cowboys- LB Reuben Foster, Alabama
The top LB in this draft falls to the Cowboys due to a mix of off the field issues. He is an immediate impact player.
- Green Bay Packers- RB Joe Mixon, Oklahoma
The Packers need a running game behind Aaron Rodgers and there may not be a more talented runner in this draft than Mixon. He does come with baggage, but I believe the Packers would have the support system around him to allow him to succeed.
- Pittsburgh Steelers- S Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
Peppers will give the Steelers and in the box safety who can also move around the defense for them.
- Atlanta Falcons-DE Taco Charlton, Michigan
An edge rusher to add to the young Falcons defense. Charlton doesn’t set the edge well against the run, but he can get to the QB.
- New Orleans Saints- CB Quincy Wilson, Florida
After averaging almost 30 points per game and losing nine times in 2016, the Saints double up on defense in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft.
ROUND TWO
- Cleveland- S Obi Melifonwu, Uconn
- San Francisco- EDGE TJ Watt, Wisconsin
- Jacksonville- TE Evan Engram, Ole Miss
- Chicago- S Budda Baker, Washington
- LA Rams- WR Zay Jones, East Carolina
- LA Chargers- Curtis Samuel, Ohio State
- NY Jets- QB DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame
- Carolina- CB Adoree Jackson, USC
- Cincinnati-LB Jarrad Davis, Florida
- New Orleans- QB Davis Webb, Cal
- Philadelphia-RB Alvin Kamara, Tennesee
- Buffalo-WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
- Arizona- EDGE Tyus Bowser, Houston
- Indianapolis- S Marcus Maye, Florida
- Baltimore- CB Tre’Davious White, LSU
- Minnesota-LB Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt
- Washington-LB Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State
- Tampa Bay-OT Garrett Boles, Utah
- Denver-Pat Elflein, Ohio State
- Cleveland-S Marcus Williams, Utah
- Detroit-OT Cam Robinson, Alabama
- Miami- EDGE Tim Williams, Alabama
- NY Giants-RB D’Onta Foreman, Texas
- Oakland-OG Dan Feeney, Indiana
- Houston-DL Chris Wormley, Michigan
- Seattle-EDGE Carl Lawson, Auburn
- Kansas City-QB Nathan Peterman, Pitt
- Dallas-CB Cordrea Tankersley, Clemson
- Green Bay-EDGE Derek Rivers, Youngstown State
- Pittsburgh-CB Sidney Jones, Washington
- Atlanta-TE Adam Shaheen, Ashland
- Carolina- EDGE Terrel Basham, Ohio
2017 NFL Draft Defensive Positional Rankings
EDGE Rusher
- Myles Garrett, Texas A&M
- Charles Harris, Missouri
- Takkarist McKinley, UCLA
- Taco Charlton, Michigan
- T.J. Watt, Wisconsin
Summary: Garrett is the stand out in this class. He is my number one overall player and has been for nine months. Harris has great hands and when his motor is going can be unstoppable. McKinley and Charlton are both very good players with the talent to develop into great players. Watt, the younger brother of J.J. Watt, has only been on defense for 18 months and could develop into one of the top rushers in this class.
Defensive Line
- Solomon Thomas, Stanford
- Jonathan Allen, Alabama
- Malik McDowell, Michigan State
- Caleb Brantley, Florida
- Carlos Watkins, Clemson
Summary: Thomas and Allen are both capable of playing inside or out and are two of the best players in this entire draft class. McDowell, when he wants to be, is as good as the top two guys. Brantley and Watkins both have motors that can be hot or cold, with Watkins being a better rusher. Brantley may go undrafted after being charged with misdemeanor battery in an incident where he allegedly knocked a woman unconscious.
Linebacker
- Haason Reddick, Temple
- Reuben Foster, Alabama
- Jarrad Davis, Florida
- Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt
- Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State
Summary: Reddick is an explosive athlete who can cover and tackle. Foster, if not for a few off of the field issues, would probably be my top linebacker. He is a heat seeking missile at the linebacker spot. Davis, if he gets better at releasing from blockers could be the best in this class. Cunningham and McMillan just make play after play but also struggle at times with tightness.
Cornerback
- Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State
- Quincy Wilson, Florida
- Gareon Conley, Ohio State
- Chidobe Awuzie, Colorado
- Tre’Davious White, LSU
Summary: Lattimore has the athleticism and ball skills to develop into a shut down corner. I love Wilson’s size and the way he battles on every play. Conley, who will drop after being accused of sexual assault, is long and athletic. Awuzie is a swiss army knife and can do a little bit of everything but I believe lacks great ball skills. White is as consistent a guy as I watched, but I do not think he likes being physical. If not for a knee injury Washington CB Sidney Jones would be number two on this list.
Safety
- Malik Hooker, Ohio State
- Jamal Adams, LSU
- Budda Baker, Washington
- Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
- Obi Melifonwu, UConn
Summary: Hooker is a single high, ball hawking, Ed Reed type, do it all safety. Adams is an all-around safety, who I do not think is as physical as some others will give him credit for. Baker is my draft crush. An undersized guy who plays with incredible heart and determination and shows great ball skills. Peppers, a man with no position, is best suited as an in the box safety in my opinion and is an athletic freak. Melifonwu at 6’4″ is a huge center fielder, with absolutely unbelievable athleticism and can develop into a mix of KAm Chancellor and Earl Thomas.
QB Search Player Profile: Davis Webb
*This is part eight of a 10 part series where we will take a look at the Cleveland Browns options for the elusive quarterback of the future.
Name: Davis Webb
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 229 pounds
Throws: Right
School: Cal
NFL Team: N/A
Draft Spot or Projection: 2nd round- 4th round
Strengths: Great size at 6’5″…throws ball with accuracy and from high release point…decent athlete…has ability to roll out…has patience in the pocket…makes some good decisions…poised kid, started at Texas Tech and Cal…
Weaknesses: Panics in the face of the rush…most of his offense was throws within 10 yards…smaller hands for his size…arm is not overly strong…seems to make decisions where the ball is headed before getting to the line and stays with it even when it is not open…needs help with mechanics as he will tend to let the ball sail…does not anticipate long throws well…
Summary: Webb has great size and seems to be a coachable kid. Has all the ability to be a very good NFL quarterback with the proper coaching, but he is going to be a project. As a second round or later prospect, he could be worth the time and patience it is going to take. He is the best of the bunch after the top four quarterbacks in the 2017 NFL Draft.
2017 NFL Draft Offensive Positional Rankings
With the NFL Draft just a week away my positional rankings are finally set. Today I will post my offensive top five per position and they will soon be followed by my defensive top five.
Quarterback
- Mitchell Trubisky, North Carolina
- Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech
- Deshaun Watson, Clemson
- Deshone Kizer, Notre Dame
- Davis Webb, California
Summary: Trubisky has held steady as my number one guy throughout the process, with Mahomes gaining fast. None of these guys should start in 2017, but with enough work, they could all be diamonds in the rough in just a few years.
Running Back
- Leonard Fournette, LSU
- Christian McCaffery, Stanford
- Dalvin Cook, Florida State
- Joe Mixon, Oklahoma
- Alvin Kamara, Tennessee
Summary: There is a lot of running back talent in this draft and who goes where will be based on what a team wants or needs. Fournette is my clear number one, with the human swiss army knife McCaffery not far behind. Mixon, if not for off of the field stupidity, would be near the top, almost side by side with Fournette.
Wide Receiver
- Corey Davis, Western Michigan
- Mike Williams, Clemson
- John Ross, Washington
- Curtis Samuel, Ohio State
- JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC
Summary: Much like the running back position, the wide receiver spot is filled with players who can fill a variety of roles. Davis and Williams are neck and neck for my number one spot, but the big bodied Davis reminds me of (should be) hall of famer Terrell Owens. Samuel is the McCaffery of this group and can do a little bit of everything.
Tight End
- O.J. Howard, Alabama
- David Njoku, Miami
- Evan Engram, Mississippi
- Adam Shaheen, Ashland
- Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech
Summary: Howard is my clear number one tight end. He can do everything you want at the tight end spot, including block. Njoku,Engram, and Hodges are basically big slot receivers who will line up at tight end from time to time but are weak blockers. Shaheen is a small school monster who showed that he can do a little bit of everything against weaker competition. He is definitely the wild card at this spot.
Offensive Tackle
- Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin
- Garrett Bolles, Utah
- Cam Robinson, Alabama
- Rod Johnson, Florida State
- Antonio Garcia, Troy
Summary: Much like the QB spot, none of these guys are going to be great in 2017. Among them I believe Ramczyk has the best chance of becoming a good left tackle the soonest, with Bolles not far behind. Robinson, Johnson, and Garcia are all best suited at right tackle and may eventually move to guard.
Offensive Guard/Center
- Forrest Lamp, Western Kentucky
- Dan Feeney, Indiana
- Pat Elflein, Ohio State
- Ethan Pocic, LSU
- Dorian Johnson, Pitt
Summary: Lamp and Feeney are the clear top guard talent in this draft, with Lamp the only one I have a first round grade on. Elflein is the only center I have in my top 60 players (60). Though Pocic played center at LSU, I think he is best suited at guard in the NFL due to his 6’6″ height. Tall centers struggle in the NFL.
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