NFL Mock Draft 2014: Cleveland Browns Select Sammy Watkins

Sammy Watkins
WR
Clemson

He can block, he's got speed for days, he's explosive in space, he can play special teams as a return man, and he's got great hands. He's probably the most dangerous skill player in the draft. Meet Sammy Watkins- baller, baller, shot caller.

The stats are there, the physicals are there, and he's a freak athlete no doubt. I won't bore you with the numbers, which most people have probably seen. Let's look at it from the team perspective. There's no way around this, but for all the grief Cleveland gets, they have actual talent on their team, on both sides of the ball. Their defense is a bit overrated as they do give up 25 points a game (although this could partially be attributed to offensive turnovers giving opponents short fields). But there is quality talent there. Paul Krueger, Karlos Dansby, Joe Haden, Donte Whitner. And on offense? There's a very solid O-line anchored by Alex Mack and featuring Joe Thomas, two of the best at their position. Ben Tate was added at running back. Josh Gordon led the league in receiving yards, and Jordan Cameron was unlocked at TE as a pass-catching weapon last year.

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Most people would seem to think Cleveland ought to go quarterback here. But the Browns should be patient, stockpile talent, and not reach for a quarterback. There will be some good value available at the bottom of the first or in the second round. This draft could be transformative for them, if they play it correctly. So stockpile talent is what we will do. Create the best possible situation for a quarterback to step into. And that's where Sammy Watkins comes in. Greg Little has been an abject disappointment, and is a #3 receiver at best. Don't tell me that a receiving group featuring Josh Gordon, Sammy Watkins, and Jordan Cameron would be among the top in the league. What quarterback would not love to throw to that crew? And here's the dirty little secret: Watkins could also serve as insurance against Josh Gordon, who (although by all accounts, he is currently keeping the straight and narrow) is one false step from a yearlong suspension.

Sammy Watkins is the best skill player on the board, and fits perfectly with Cleveland's plans. What more can one ask for? Too much talent never hurt anyone.

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