The Browns surprised many and selected a cornerback with their first pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. (photo: newsok.com)
DraftBrowns.com Editor: Brendan Leister
New Cleveland Browns General Manager Ray Farmer made a strong first impression on the opening night of the 2014 NFL Draft. With two first round picks, two third round picks, and two fourth round picks, Farmer had the ammunition to be aggressive in pursuing his targets and he did just that.
To start off the night, Farmer traded the fourth overall pick to the Buffalo Bills for the ninth overall pick, a 2015 first round pick, and a 2015 fourth round pick. After moving down to nine, Farmer traded the ninth pick and 145th pick (fifth round pick) for the eighth overall pick.
Justin Gilbert, Cornerback, Oklahoma State
With the eighth pick, Farmer and the Browns selected Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert. Gilbert is a big (6′ tall, 202 lbs.), smooth, rangy cornerback with great length (33 1/8″ arms), and excellent ball skills. He has plenty of experience playing press-man and off-man coverage and should play a similar role in Head Coach Mike Pettine’s defense. During the 2013 season, Gilbert intercepted seven passes and returned two for touchdowns. Expect Justin Gilbert to compete with Buster Skrine for the starting cornerback job opposite Joe Haden in training camp. It is likely that Gilbert will also be in the mix for the starting job returning kickoffs.
After selecting Gilbert, the Browns still had one more pick left to make before the night was over. When the Philadelphia Eagles came on the clock with the 22nd overall pick, Ray Farmer called them up and offered the 26th pick and 83rd pick (third round pick) for the 22nd pick. The Eagles accepted the deal.
Johnny Manziel, Quarterback, Texas A&M
With the 22nd pick, Farmer grabbed his quarterback of the future in Johnny Manziel from Texas A&M. Manziel is a supremely talented quarterback with rare instincts and a fiery demeanor. He is an incredibly elusive athlete that has a knack for extending plays with his feet. Although he lacks height (5’11 3/4″ tall), he has a compact build (207 lbs.), and he has shown the ability to consistently find throwing lanes. He is an extremely accurate passer to all levels of the field and he throws with plenty of velocity and touch. Manziel’s accuracy, mobility, improvisational skills, and ability to make quick decisions make him an ideal fit for Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s West Coast Offense. In the run game, Shanahan employs a zone blocking scheme. Manziel will bring an added dimension to the Browns’ running game even after handing it off because backside defenders will be forced to stay at home and honor his mobility. Expect Manziel to compete with Brian Hoyer for the starting quarterback job during training camp.
For a full scouting report on Johnny Manziel, here is my detailed prospect profile from February. The profile includes my findings after charting all of his passes from 22 of 26 career games and every game from 2013.
Moving on to the Second and Third Rounds
Heading into the second and third rounds, the Browns still have plenty of needs to fill. They need a wide receiver, an inside linebacker, help on the offensive line, and they could use another running back. However, it is important that the Browns focus on taking the most talented players available and do not force picks due to immediate needs.
My Predictions (blind guesses) for Tonight
Second Round: Marqise Lee, Wide Receiver, USC
Third Round: Trai Turner, Offensive Guard, LSU