The Cleveland Browns have all but announced to the world their intention to try and trade up in the NFL draft for Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. But the good news for Johnny Manziel, who is expected to rejoin the team in the near future, is that a move like that will prove incredibly difficult. Even though the Browns have two first-round picks (Nos. 12 and 19), they'll have to compete with the St. Louis Rams, Philadelphia Eagles and possibly the New York Jets to move up for Mariota.
So if they stay put, which players could they target? ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr. projects the Browns to select Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker (No. 12) and Georgia running back Todd Gurley (No. 19) in the first round in his Mock Draft 4.0.
Parker:
"The Browns have added Dwayne Bowe, but he'll be 31 in September and is more name value than anything close to a No. 1 receiver at this point in his career. I expect the Browns to pick more than one pass-catcher, and getting Parker here is a good place to start. I do think he has a chance to be as good as any of the three guys already off the board if he can stay healthy. Parker will beat defenders to the ball on high-point catches with his size, leaping ability and catch radius, and he's underrated as a threat to add yards after the catch on short throws. He'll help a QB look better. The Browns could also look at a pass-rusher here, or [Trae] Waynes if he's still on the board, but Parker makes sense."
Gurley:
"It's not the pick I'm making as GM of the Browns, but this is a projection, not 'Mel's picks.' The Browns already had added talent at wide receiver, and if healthy the offensive line could be one of the NFL's best. While they got pretty good production out of the rookie tandem at running back in 2014, Gurley certainly could qualify as the 'best player available' at this spot on the board. The Browns can take him knowing he doesn't have to be an impact player in Week 1, and create an opportunity for him to be a stud for them as he reaches his full potential when at 100 percent."
The Browns used their two-first round picks on a cornerback (Justin Gilbert) and quarterback (Johnny Manziel) that most scouts thought had a lot of bust potential. Assuming health is not an issue, Parker and Gurley have some of the highest floors of any players in this draft. They are safe, positive picks for a franchise that desperately needs to add some low-risk talent.
