On the Clock: Cleveland Browns

For the next few weeks leading up to the draft, I am going to assume to roll of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the sixth pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select…

"Green Lantern"

A.J. Green, WR, Georgia (6’4” 211 LBS)

Colt McCoy had a positive rookie season considering what he had to work within our passing game.  He had to rely a lot on the running game and Peyton Hillis did a great job out of the back field.  I think for us to take pressure off of our running game we need a threat on the outside.  I have been throwing out a lot of mixed signals about our pick at #6 because I’d like to acquire more picks while moving down a little bit.  I’ve thrown rumors out there that we are considering Julio Jones, Blaine Gabbert, and DaQuan Bowers, but the fact of the matter is that A.J. Green is the safest pick on the board and a big need for our team and Colt’s development.

Green is most closely compared to Larry Fitzgerald and the comparisons are valid.  His separation skills from the corners is elite and is always able to put himself in a better position to catch the ball then the safety or corner when going deep.  He has a large frame that I need for this offense in the red zone and I hear nothing but good things from the trainers and coaches that dealt with him at Georgia.  One of those first one in, last one out type of guys.

We have the 3^rd pick in the second round so there are going to be some great athletes that fall out of the first round into our laps. There is a kid out of TCU named Marcus Cannon that I think can be an impact blocker at RT. He is dominant against the run and will protect the QB just fine.  At 6’5”, 358 lbs. he can either lose some weight and play tackle or he can stay at that weight and play guard.  Either way he is athletic enough to play either guard position or the right tackle spot.  Our offense will change for the better long term if we are able to get both of these players.

San Francisco is on the clock…