PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 11: A Cleveland Browns helmet rests on the field prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Browns 29-10. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
No Cleveland Browns fan thought two months ago that draft talk would be one of the biggest topics surrounding their team in the first week of November, but when you get off to a record of 2-6, looking to next season is the only thing fans can do.
Cleveland will be looking at many options this draft season. Of course, the quarterback will be a must after Deshaun Watson went down with a season-ending Achilles injury and will most likely never play a snap for the team again.
Cleveland Browns Take A SEC Star
Aug 17, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns helmet on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Even though the NFL Draft isn’t until April, many Mock Drafts have come out the last week, and a new one just published has the Browns taking a great player from the south.
Maybe the Cleveland Browns have something in Jameis Winston as their starting quarterback, Sobleski said. After all, Winston won the AFC Offensive Player of the Week after his 334-yard, three-touchdown passing performance against the Baltimore Ravens.
It’s easy to think that the Browns will be in the quarterback market after this season. Deshaun Watson’s season-ending Achilles tear seemingly signaled the end of that massive franchise-changing blunder. Winston, meanwhile, isn’t signed beyond this season.
This particular pairing is contingent on a few factors, starting with assumption that Winston returns. Second, Dawand Jones must continue to show he can handle left tackle against an opponent with a better pass-rush than the Ravens. Finally, Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith is one of the hottest names supposedly on the trade block.
Cleveland doesn’t necessary need to reinvest in another pass-rusher, but Georgia’s Mykel Williams fits the team’s guardrails, as a 20-year-old prospect at a premium position from a pipeline program. Williams has as much upside as any eligible prospect, which makes him extremely enticing, especially with the idea of him playing opposite Myles Garrett.
Jan 8, 2023; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A Georgia Bulldogs helmet at the 2023 CFP National Championship head coaches press conference at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Williams would be a great addition to the defense, and Myles Garrett needs a young pass-rushing buddy. Still, the Browns will likely have to take an offensive tackle or wide receiver if they don’t go quarterback in the first round since that is a huge need and look elsewhere to upgrade the pass-rushing situation.
Daniel Fisher is a sports writer for Gridiron Heroics covering the NFL and College Football. He has been covering the NFL and College Football for the past two years and with a focus on the Cleveland Browns and Ohio State Buckeyes.
