Saquon Barkley
BY NATHAN NUNEZ
Cleveland Browns’ head coach Hugh Jackson will be entering his third year with a 1-31 record. With three first-round draft picks in 2017 and two selections in the second round, Jackson will have plenty of highly-ranked prospects to work with in the upcoming season. That is, as long as he selects the correct players at this upcoming draft April 26.
With the first overall pick, the Cleveland Browns should select Saquon Barkley, the running back from Penn State. Barkley has an amazing skill set for a running back including top-end speed, change of direction, vision and good footwork. Let’s be honest: he is the most talented running back since Ezekiel Elliot was selected in the first round by the Dallas Cowboys two years ago. The Browns had a solid draft last year, and in order to build a competitive team, they will need to add as many talented players as possible. Barkley, according to many draft analysts, is that key player this year.
The number one need for the Browns is a quarterback. With plenty of options in the draft, such as Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold or Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield, the Browns will have options with their next pick, just three selections away. Pairing the Browns next quarterback with as many weapons as possible should be their top goal, and Saquon Barkley will fit the bill.
Sam Darnold
BY BEAU WOODCOCK
The Cleveland Browns are in desperate need of a quarterback in this year’s NFL draft, and their ability to find one will likely determine the team’s success in the near future. To that end, the Browns will not waste any time addressing that need, selecting whom I believe to be the best quarterback in the draft, Sam Darnold.
Darnold is the most complete NFL-ready passer in the draft – a polished professional who already has the skills needed of a passer. He’s willing and unafraid to make any throw, in large part due to how quickly he goes through his progressions. This skill in particular sets him apart from other options, with scouts mentioning that his progressions already look like that of a professional.
He was first-team All-Pac-12 in 2017, with an impressive 63.1 completion percentage, 4,143 yards and 26 touchdowns for the USC Trojans. Some will raise concerns about his turnovers in his final college season, but accuracy and certain aspects of throwing can be changed for the big league. But it’s difficult to teach how to work through progressions as efficiently as he does, which will make his transition to the NFL easier. He also has the intangible aspects of leadership and poise that cannot be taught by any coach.
Some out there believe the Browns may wait on their quarterback until the fourth pick, and instead look to Saquon Barkley, the running back out of Penn State. However, I firmly believe the move is far too dangerous, with many of the teams at the top of the board needing a quarterback. The risks are too great to wait for the Browns, and so they will select Sam Darnold with the number one overall pick.
