RADIO
Brandon Murchison's 2019 NFL Draft team previews moves on to the Cleveland Browns. All of a sudden this Browns offense with Baker Mayfield is loaded with fantasy firepower. But how will the targets be divided out? What impact will the rookies have on this team from a fantasy standpoint?
The world may actually be coming to an end as the Cleveland Browns are the talk of the NFL and may be on the verge of Super Bowl contention. Baker Mayfield is being set up for success with an array of talent on offense to rival any team in the league. He will be running an "Air Raid" offense and throwing passes to Jarvis Landry, Antonio Callaway, David Njoku, and the newly acquired Odell Beckham. In his 14 games under center in 2018, Mayfield was the QB11 in fantasy with a very solid stat line (3,725 yards and 27 TDs). His 93.7 passer rating was great for a rookie QB but one area he will need to improve is while under pressure where his rating fell to 73.5. With all the hype surrounding Mayfield and the offense, his fantasy draft stock may get a bit too high to live up to. He could be drafted anywhere between second to fifth at QB depending on the people in your league. But anytime before the sixth round may be reaching a bit and likely too costly for myself.
The remainder of this offense is filled with players that will be drafted very high. Both Beckham and Nick Chubb are virtual locks to be gone by the end of round two. Within the next couple of rounds you will see Jarvis Landry's name get announced. While Beckham and Chubb should finish as a WR1 and RB1 respectively, Landry will be a true wildcard. He is a player more adept to PPR scoring and with Beckham now in the fold, it could affect his numbers. Not to mention the development of Callaway, now entering his second year.
Chubb himself may not be immune to another stealing his thunder as Kareem Hunt can't go ignored once he returns from suspension. Hunt, on a one-year deal, will be in "prove it" mode in an effort to receive another contract in 2020. Odds are that Chubb will retain a majority of the work, but Hunt all but spells doom for a player like Duke Johnson.
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Top Three Projected Selections
Second Round- Mack Wilson, LB Alabama (49th overall)
Third Round- Dre'Mont Jones, DT Ohio State (80th)
Fourth Round- Tyler Biadasz, C Wisconsin (119th)
Remaining Picks
Fifth Round- 144th, 155th, 170th
Sixth Round-189th
Seventh Round- 221st
Needs Analysis
Heading into the draft, the Browns will be without a first round pick due to the Beckham deal. But when it comes to team needs, look for this team to focus on the defensive side of the ball as the offense is nearly set. They have depth issues at each level and I could see them spending multiple picks to rectify this.
Mack Wilson presents the Browns with a prototypical NFL linebacker with adequate size, speed, and toughness. He has the speed and ability to handle coverage duties on any down. Wilson has a quick burst that allows him to easily change directions and get to a ball-carrier. He can flash some pass rush abilities but is better suited in coverage against tight ends and running backs. He will likely get rotated in on defense in his rookie season, but should also find a home on special teams in 2019.
Dre'Mont Jones is an athletic one-gapping three-technique that can be disruptive on any down. He has loads of potential ready to burst out if coached the right way. He should be able to come in and compete for a spot next to Sheldon Richardson right away, giving the team a duo up the middle that may be hard to contend with.
Tyler Biadasz is an old school power center that gives the team some depth along the offensive line. He is a terrific fit for a power scheme, which the Browns will run in certain situations. His build allows him to anchor in and control even the best nose tackles opposite him. His balance and secondary push at the point of attack are tremendous. Look for Biadasz to spend most of his rookie season playing backup to veteran J.C. Tretter, but if he shows enough impact early on, he just might play his way onto the field.
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