2018 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting every first round selection
53. . RB. Penn State. Saquon Barkley. 1. player
The Cleveland Browns had three first round selections in the 2017 NFL Draft. They used those picks to shore up some areas of weakness on the defensive line (No. 1 – Myles Garrett), the secondary (No. 25 – Jabrill Peppers) and tight end (David Njoku – No. 29). With two of the top four picks in the 2018 NFL Draft they’ll have plenty of options – but offense should be their priority.
Unless they absolutely fall in love with one quarterback in particular, they’ll have several good passers to choose from at No. 4. That gives them plenty of leeway with their No. 1 overall selection and in true Browns fashion, they’ll do something unconventional – draft a running back with the first overall pick.
A running back hasn’t been the top pick since the Cincinnati Bengals selected Penn State standout Ki-Jana Carter with the top pick in 1995. Saquon Barkley, another Penn State product, is worth the risk associated with taking a running back with the top pick.
Barkley amassed more than 5,000 all-purpose yards over three seasons at Penn State. He scored 43 rushing touchdowns, eight receiving touchdowns, two kick return touchdowns and even threw a touchdown pass. He’s the most versatile offensive player in the draft and the Browns need a home run threat.