Dissecting the 2014 NFL Draft – Cleveland Browns

NFL Draft (2)

NOTE: There will be no show Monday. However, on Thursday we will be joined by former Browns QB Kelly Holcomb to discuss the impact of a QB controversy. On Friday we will be joined by former NFL star RB Abner Haynes. Join us at 6PM EDT on or https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/.

4th overall pick – The trade should have been immediately followed by the Bills filing theft charges against Browns GM Ray Farmer. The trade was brilliant. To get 2 first round picks and a 4 was extraordinary.

9th overall pick – The trade up to 8 was probably not necessary but not a big deal. Could it be that Farmer was feeling crumbs of conscience over his theft in the trade down?

8th overall pick Justin Gilbert CB Oklahoma State – I was not as high on Gilbert as some others. But the grades were so close among the top 3 corners that this was not a significant reach. I am concerned about Gilbert tackling. He can but will he?

26th overall pick was traded up to 22 for a QB. The trade was a decent value and if that is the guy they wanted, it was fine.

22nd overall pick Johnny Manziel QB Texas A&M – Manziel is a risk. He will either be very very good or will fail. There will be no in between. If he develops the ability to throw from the pocket and puts in the tape time to improve his game, he should be good. Those that are superstitious could be concerned that the 22nd pick is cursed for the Browns. It all depends on how hard Johnny is willing to work.

35th pick Joel Bitonio OT Nevada – The run on tackles made this pick a bit of a reach. Bitonio is one of the most versatile O line guys in the draft. The Browns need to put him at RT and move Schwartz to RG.

71st pick Christian Kirksey OLB Iowa – Kirksey has the speed and cover ability to prevent big plays by the TE. He can play outside or inside backer. He was very productive at Iowa. This was an OK pick despite a bit of a reach to get him.

94th pick Terrance West RB Towson – West was a good value here but they kind of panicked when RB Tre Mason went off the board. Even if the trade up was not necessary West fills a key need.

127th pick Pierre Desir CB Lindenwood – Desir was a huge value for a big DB that can play CB or S. Desir could be the steal of the Browns draft.

Overall, I liked what we saw from Farmer’s first draft. He moved around the draft like he owned it. But despite all the good work and extra picks in 2015, Farmer’s future is directly tied to that of Johnny. If he succeeds, he and Farmer will be beloved by Browns fans. If not, …

That is what I think. Tell us what you think.

NOTE: Check out the live News, Notes and Rumors show on Monday, Thursday and Friday at 6 PM Eastern on or https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/. On Samantha Bunten of NBC Sports, former NFL scout Kelron Sykes and I talk NFL draft with just a little Indians and Cavs thrown in. The archive is available on https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/. Please join us.

Bill Smith is a former coach of several semi-pro teams, has officiated both football and basketball, done color on radio for college football and basketball and has scouted talent. He edits https://fryingpansports.com. He has also published several novels on and a non-fiction work at http://www.merriam-press.com/. Follow him on twitter @NNRonDSN to get the schedule of Special News, Notes and Rumors broadcasts. You can hear the previous shows on https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/ and the live show Mondays at 6 PM Eastern time on .

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To keep up with the News, Notes & Rumors podcasts, follow me on twitter @NNRonDSN.

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