Everybody is pushing the quarterback in the 2018 NFL Draft slated for April 26 - 28 in Jerry World in Arlington, Texas. With a pair of first-round picks, some analysts want the Cleveland Browns to select one or two play callers. That was not the case. Last year Patrick Mahomes was the first quarterback off the board, selected 10th. He started one game.

Offensive backs are a dime a dozen coming out of college. The Browns need a tackle, someone to catch the ball and to continue rebuilding the defense. This is the draft to do it. The only blessing to being 0-2017 is the highly coveted first draft pick in 2018.

Wasting it on a QB would be the equivalent of GM John Dorsey committing fraud on the fan base.

Cleveland would do well to consider N.C. State’s Bradley Chubb for their first pick. Myles Garret recorded seven sacks after breaking the starting lineup midway through last season. Garret was the Browns top draft pick in 2017. Of course, Cleveland already has a talented, young defensive end in Emmanuel Ogbah. He doesn’t provide the pass rush many think Chubb could and Ogbah may be able to play inside on a 4-3 defense.

Think out of the box

If the Browns are satisfied with their defensive end position, this draft is deeper in defensive tackles than quarterbacks. Alabama’s Da’ron Payne and Washington’s Vita Vea are two worth considering, but they are not rated nearly as high as Chubb.

They could then stay in state and surprise people taking Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward with the fourth pick. Some question Damarious Randall’s attitude. Randall was the Packer teammates voted to cut last season. Instead, Randall was traded to a 0-16 team for Cleveland’s rookie a QB, DeShone Kizer.

The Browns must replace recently retired former all-pro tackle Joe Thomas.

Right now Shon Coleman is starting at both tackles, according to the depth chart. Notre Dame’s Mike McGlinchey played both tackles in college, but he is expected to be on the board in the second round when Cleveland has picks number 33, 35 and 64.

There are several tall wide receivers available next week. SMU’s Courtland Smith might be the best of the bunch.

Clemson’s Deon Cain and LSU’s DJ Chark are possibilities at No. 2 of the future. The Brown’s traded for Jarvis Landry and signed him to a $75 million extension so the No. 1 slot is filled.

Offensive backfield

Tyrod Tyler will lead the team in 2018. He comes via free agency and Buffalo. Career backup Drew Stanton is also under contract. Any quarterback drafted will sit and learn. Rather than paying an unproven college star big money, think Ryan Leaf and Johnny Manziel, why not take a player with potential later in the draft or via free agency and train him?

Quarterbacks like Oklahoma State’s Mason Rudolph, Western Kentucky’s Mike White, and Washington State’s Luke Falk are better bets than a 20-year-old Sam Darnold.

Remember what Ohio State’s defense did to Darnold in the Cotton Bowl. Every NFL defense is far superior to OSU’s squad.

Likewise, scores of running backs will be available in later rounds. The SEC alone has Kerryon Johnson, Royce Freeman and Nick Chubb entering they draft. San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny will be available late. Dorsey has to be patient. He has a good base with last year’s two first round picks of Garret and safety Jabril Peppers. Picking up Tyler and Landry help the offense, but defense wins championships.
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