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The annual SB Nation Writers Mock Draft continues to be in progress over at our network's draft coverage stream. The way it works is that each NFL blog picks a player for their team when their site is on the clock. For Cleveland's pick at No. 12 overall, we selected WR DeVante Parker. It wasn't long before we were on the clock again at No. 19 overall, with the following 18 players already off the board:
- Tampa Bay: QB Jameis Winston
- Tennessee: QB Marcus Mariota
- Jacksonville: DE Vic Beasley
- Oakland: DT Leonard Williams
- Washington: OT La'el Collins
- New York Jets: WR Kevin White
- Chicago: NT Danny Shelton
- Atlanta: OLB Randy Gregory
- New York Giants: OT Brandon Scherff
- St. Louis: WR Amari Cooper
- Minnesota: CB Trae Waynes
- Cleveland: WR DeVante Parker (post)
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New Orleans: DE Dante Fowler
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Miami: RB Todd Gurley
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San Francisco: DT Malcom Brown
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Houston: OLB Bud Dupree
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San Diego: OT T.J. Clemmings
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Kansas City: OT Andrus Peat
After addressing the offense at No. 12, it was time to shift my focus over to the defensive side of the ball, particularly the front seven. After consulting with my fellow staff writers at Dawgs By Nature, I selected edge rusher Shane Ray at No. 19 overall.
Pick | Player | Position | Height | Weight | Class |
19. Cleveland Browns | Shane Ray, Missouri |
DE/OLB |
6'3" |
245 | JR |
Chris Pokorny: "This would be a first round that Cleveland fans could get excited over. After selecting receiver DeVante Parker with the team’s No. 12 overall pick, it is a pleasant surprise to see pass rusher Shane Ray still available at No. 19. Although Cleveland’s defense showed flashes of brilliance last year, they still had issues against the run, ranking No. 32 in the NFL, and weren’t able to bring a consistent pass rush like head coach Mike Pettine was able to do when he was the defensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills. This offseason, the Browns did nothing to upgrade the defensive line or edge rushing depth, and they let Jabaal Sheard walk as a free agent. Ray could fit in Cleveland as either a rushing end or a strongish outside linebacker. AT 6-3, 245 pounds, he possess the athletic ability and motor to improve Cleveland’s pass rush while being able to play the run adequately as well. Bigger defensive linemen might be a high priority to help beef up the run defense overall, but this draft class appears deep enough that the Browns can find those players in the later rounds." |
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To see what Dan Kadar thought of our pick (and what people are saying in the comments section), go here. The voting has us at a grade of 3.55 right now, which grades out at a "B." If you feel the pick should be rated higher (or lower), feel free to head on over and vote!