Updated 2015 NFL Mock Draft: Browns Own Top Five
By Erik Lambert
Jan 2, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) runs after a catch against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first quarter of the Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
The pecking order continues to shift with next update of the 2015 NFL mock draft. Who cracks the top five?
#1 – Dallas Cowboys – Marcus Mariota – QB – Oregon
Nothing about the preseason has happened to counter fears about an impending pitfall for the Dallas Cowboys. Their defense is a wreck and quarterback Tony Romo is in a full block battle with Father Time. Jerry Jones said he was so close to drafting Johnny Manziel in May. He won’t be able to resist using the top pick on the uniquely gifted Marcus Mariota out of Oregon.
#2 – Cleveland Browns (f/BUF) – Amari Cooper – WR – Alabama
The Buffalo Bills don’t have that look of a very good team in 2014, no matter how many one-handed catches Sammy Watkins makes in practice. The offense has struggled and the defense is missing one of their best playmakers in Kiko Alonso. This is sweet music for the Cleveland Browns, who take advantage of their end of the Watkins trade by using the Bills’ 1st round pick to get a receiver of their own in Amari Cooper.
#3 – Cleveland Browns – Vic Beasley – OLB – Clemson
Unfortunately, taking Cooper signals how bad the Browns have it in their passing game. Regardless of who wins their quarterback job between Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel, the looming loss of Josh Gordon is going to hurt them badly. However, with two top five picks to work with the 2015 draft could be their springboard up the rankings. Adding dynamic pass rusher Vic Beasley to compliment Joe Haden and their formidable secondary would be an excellent step.
#4 – Tennessee Titans – Brett Hundley – QB – UCLA
A good showing by Jake Locker in the preseason helped get the Tennessee Titans out of the #1 spot but they need to prove more get out of the top five. As it stands, they still have no definitive answers at the quarterback position so they could look that way next April. Brett Hundley is drawing a lot of praise of late and should be much more polished when he leaves UCLA.
#5 – New York Giants – Landon Collins – S – Alabama
Something is going on with Eli Manning, and whatever it is isn’t a good thing. He’s thrown 16 passes in the preseason for just 49 yards, no touchdowns and lost a fumble. The New York Giants aren’t sure what’s wrong but are hoping it’s temporary because without Manning their chances in 2014 are as remote as they were last season. As it stands they slip into the top five here and still address their lingering problem at safety with Alabama standout Landon Collins.