SI.Com’s THOUGHTS ON HOW THE BROWNS HAVE DRAFTED THROUGH 3 ROUNDS

1st Round – 8thJustin Gilbert   – CB –   6-0, 200 – Oklahoma State (Trade down with Bills, up with Vikes)

The Browns and new head coach Mike Pettine pick up a major asset in Gilbert, making their defense that much more formidable. They’ll just have to hope the much-needed quarterback they desire is still there later in the first round. – Doug Farrar – SI.com

 

1st Round – 22ndJohnny Manziel   – QB   –   5-11, 210 – Texas A&M (Trade up with the Eagles)

Getting Manziel at this spot is a win for both sides. The Browns get the quarterback they so clearly need, and Manziel gets the pressure taken off a bit. The question is, who mentors him? New head coach Mike Pettine is a tough guy, Kyle Shanahan really isn’t, but the risk has been taken. The upside is enormous, and the potential pitfall is just as deep. – Doug Farrar – SI.com

 

2nd Round – 35 – Joel Bitonio   –   OT/OG   –    6-4, 315 – Nevada

Bitonio turns a solid spot — the offensive line — into an obvious strength for Cleveland. The versatile Nevada product could handle a starting guard job or bump Mitchell Schwartz inside from his RT tackle position. This draft spot is pretty fair for Bitonio’s talent level. But when are the Browns going to get Johnny Manziel a receiver, now that Josh Gordon may be done for the year? – Chris Burke – SI.com

 

3rd Round – 71 – Christian Kirksey   –   OLB   –  6-2, 220 – Iowa

A bit higher than Kirksey was projected to go, but he fits the mold of linebacker that the Browns want. He’s physical and can do a lot of different things on defense, including dropping effectively in coverage. Cleveland likely will slot him at an inside LB spot. – Chris Burke – SI.com

 

3rd Round – 94 – Terrance West   –   RB   –    5-11, 222 – Towson (Trade up with the 49ers)

Strength of opponent questions will undoubtedly dog West, but when you isolate his skillset, it becomes clear that the 5-11, 222-pound back can get to the edge in a big hurry, and has an impressive second burst for his size. West doesn’t have much of a learning curve. – Doug Farrar

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