Sunday, April 6, 2014

Hey Ray...What Would Ozzie Do?

 Newly appointed GM Ray Farmer has been given the keys to the jalopy known as the Cleveland Browns. He can jumpstart the franchise by getting the first three rounds of this year's NFL draft right. These five picks will determine whether the team turns First Energy Field into Pandemonium Palace or Pee Wee's Playhouse. Farmer has an opportunity to make Browns fans forget about how Hall of Fame tight-end and Ravens team president Ozzie Newsome, rode away on the Art Model buggy while under cover of darkness, to become the architect of numerous Super Bowl championships. Just in case Ray is a little busy canceling Pro-Days, scouting potential seventh round draft picks, or wallpapering his new office, I've offered up a few suggestions for the first three rounds that are sure to send Browns fans into a frenzy come draft day.

1a. Johnny Manziel / QB, Reasoning: No guts...No glory! The time is now to obtain a franchise quarterback in Cleveland and nobody in this draft can make the likes of Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Baltimore take notice that there's a new sheriff in town...And that gunslinger's name is "Johnny Football!"

1b. Xavier Su'a-Filo / G, Reasoning: Instant starter and ends the revolving door at guard for the next ten years. The big guy specializes in run blocking and with Manziel at quarterback and newly acquired running back Ben Tate in the backfield, Su'a-Filo will be the perfect escort service.

2. Allen Robinson / WR, Reasoning: Looking for this year's Keenan Allen? It's this guy! To obtain this first team All-American and the best receiver in the history of Penn State football in the second round is a steal. Robinson will give Manziel another toy to play with on offense and will divert attention from teams doubling up on star receiver Josh Gordon.

3a. Preston Brown / ILB, Reasoning: As much as I believe Karlos Dansby is an upgrade from D. Jackson, the team needs to get younger and stronger inside. Brown called the shots on defense for Louisville the past three years and at 6'1" - 250 lbs. is perfect for a new head coach with a defensive mentality.

3b. Stanley Jean-Baptiste / CB, Reasoning: Size does matter and at 6'2' the former "Cornhusker" gives the Browns and Joe Haden immediate help at the hot corner. They'll need it, as teams began picking on little Buster Skrine last year. Skrine moves over to cover the slot and Stanley begins the season as the starter. You might say "Baptiste by Fire!"        

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