CLEVELAND (AP) — So much of the attention has been on Cleveland’s recent drafting failures, particularly at quarterback. What the Browns set out to do with a slew of picks was bring in fresh talent that, down the road, can carry them back to respectability.
We won’t know for years if they did so, but with Texas A and M edge rusher Myles Garrett to kick it off, followed by Michigan safety Jabrill Peppers and Miami tight end David Njoku in the opening round alone, that talent base has increased.
Of course, there are questions attached to all three of those, particularly Peppers, who must prove he can be a full-time safety in the pros after moving around for the Wolverines. And second-rounder DeShone Kizer of Notre Dame is as inconsistent a quarterback as you’ll find.
The Browns’ in-state rival took a familiar route when they took Joe Mixon. The skill level of the Oklahoma running back isn’t questioned. But his off-field issues caused an immediate and nasty backlash in Cincinnati. Not that Bengals owner Mike Brown ever cares, given the history his team has with reclamation projects.
Cincy desperately needed wideouts who can stretch the defense, and it got two in Washington’s John Ross — he of the 4.2 40 at the scouting combine — and Tennessee’s Josh Malone.