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C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama
C.J. Mosley is tailor-made for the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns, in this draft scenario, have lost out on their top-4 quarterback options. But never fret. There are some value plays at the position waiting for them in the second round: McCarron, Mettenberger, Garroppolo (but not Tom Savage, never Tom Savage, don't get the hype about Tom Savage), to name a few. They can scoop up a quarterback in the second and go for a strong running back with the pick after (Jeremy Hill, anyone?). So it's time to once again stick to best player available.
And my what a BPA this is. Surely no one imagined the best open field tackler in the draft falling this far? The best inside linebacker in the draft? The Butkus Award winner and SEC Defensive Player of the Year? The Browns ought to sprint to the podium to get Mosley if he is available here. They signed Karlos Dansby, but they do still have a need at the position, and let's not forget that Dansby is no spring chicken either. Plug and play Mosley into an already formidable defense that includes the likes of Joe Haden, Donte Whitner, Paul Kruger, and friends.
The knocks on Mosley include his slight frame, durability questions, and some refinement of technique as well as concerns about his coverage ability (and he's actually not all that bad in coverage to begin with). But those are all weakness that can be fixed with time and coaching. Focus on his strengths: the instincts, the tackling, the agility, the strength that makes up for his size, the run defense, and the character and leadership. Bottom line is that Mosley will be a plug-and-play starter with Pro-Bowl potential (for whatever that's worth anymore).
Don't overthink this Cleveland. SEC! SEC! SEC!
***
Thanks to all the CSC members who participated in this year's community mock draft. Without your help, none of this would be possible.
Below are the complete results from our community mock draft.
Catch up with all of the mock draft selections in our 2014 CSC Community Mock Draft Hub.
Pick | Team | Selection | Team Representative | Approval Rating |
1 | Houston Texans |
QB Teddy Bridgewater - Louisville |
Tee Word | 30% |
2 | St. Louis Rams | DE Jadeveon Clowney - South Carolina | Kevin Sean Held | 57% |
3 | Jacksonville Jaguars | QB Johnny Manziel - Texas A&M | Alex Swift | 59% |
4 | Cleveland Browns | WR Sammy Watkins - Clemson | Shadow Flash | 80% |
5 | Oakland Raiders | LB Khalil Mack - Buffalo | Khannar | 71% |
6 | Atlanta Falcons | OT Greg Robinson - Auburn | Dave Choate | 80% |
7 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | QB Blake Bortles - UCF | russty | 31% |
8 | Minnesota Vikings | CB Justin Gilbert - Oklahoma St. | JackMarzullo | 50% |
9 | Buffalo Bills | OT Jake Matthews - Texas A&M | Letloosethedogsofwar | 88% |
10 | Detroit Lions | WR Mike Evans - Texas A&M | Monkey Poop Battle | 49% |
11 | Tennessee Titans | LB Anthony Barr - UCLA | Lostastic | 60% |
12 | NY Giants | TE Eric Ebron - UNC | Khannar | 78% |
13 | St. Louis Rams | S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix - Alabama | hooahsaint2.0 | 74% |
14 | Chicago Bears | NT Aaron Donald - Pittsburgh | BlackandGold4ever | 82% |
15 | Pittsburgh Steelers | NT Louis Nix III - Notre Dame | saintmanumit | 36% |
16 | Dallas Cowboys | DE Kony Ealy - Missouri | Ryan Edwards | 63% |
17 | Baltimore Ravens | OT Taylor Lewan - Michigan | Tee Word | 66% |
18 | NY Jets | CB Darqueze Dennard - Michigan State | Monkey Poop Battle | 62% |
19 | Miami Dolphins | OL Zack Martin - Notre Dame | Letloosethedogsofwar | 74% |
20 | Arizona Cardinals | QB Derek Carr - Fresno State | Alex Swift | 72% |
21 | Green Bay Packers | S Calvin Pryor - Louisville | BlackandGold4ever | 81% |
22 | Philadelphia Eagles | WR Marqise Lee - USC | organictallman | |
23 | Kansas City Chiefs | WR Brandin Cooks - Oregon St. | coldpizza | |
24 | Cincinnati Bengals | DT Ra'Shede Hageman - Minnesota | coldpizza | |
25 | San Diego Chargers | WR Kelvin Benjamin - Florida St. | Lostastic | |
26 | Cleveland Browns | ILB C.J. Mosley - Alabama | Shadow Flash | |
27 | New Orleans Saints | Dave Cariello | ||
28 | Carolina Panthers | Ryan Edwards | ||
29 | New England Patriots | Shadow Flash | ||
30 | San Francisco 49ers | saintmanumit | ||
31 | Denver Broncos | Alex Swift | ||
32 | Seattle Seahawks | saintmanumit |