The Cleveland Browns have been getting headlines this offseason for all the wrong reasons, but heading into the draft on Thursday, the team has a lot to look forward to, as a trade for Kirk Cousins could be in the mix while names like Sammy Watkins, Johnny Manziel, Blake Bortles, Jadeveon Clowney, Teddy Bridgewater and Jake Matthews are available and at number four, the team has a guaranteed chance to get at least one of those players.
The Browns are picking in the top 10 once again this season and after getting into headline for various things, including firing Joe Banner and Mike Lombardi as well as the talk about possibly trading for Jim Harbaugh, the team has the chance to cultivate some goodwill with fans by taking an exciting player in the upcoming NFL draft. According to ESPN.com, the Browns have interviewed Sammy Watkins at the combine and after his showing over the weekend in the 40 yard dash and other workouts, it looks as if the two sides could be a fit.
The Browns offense was lacking in playmakers last season apart from Jordan Cameron and Josh Gordon and despite the glaring need at quarterback, the team could go receiver with Watkins for their pick. Gordon had a fantastic season in 2013 with Brian Hoyer, Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell throwing him the ball and if the team can upgrade at quarterback in the draft with names like AJ McCarron, Derek Carr, Zach Mettenberger and David Fales, or in free agency with Michael Vick, Josh McCown and Josh Freeman, the numbers could be even better.
Gordon was one of the leading receivers in the league and was one of the top big play receivers in the NFL and adding Watkins to the mix could really open things up. Watkins had over 100 catches last season for Clemson with double digit touchdowns and he will be a prime target for teams like the St. Louis Rams and Oakland Raiders, who also have needs at wideout and on offense. Some have called Watkins the best wide receiver prospect in the draft since AJ Green was taken by the Bengals and Julio Jones was taken by the Atlanta Falcons and Watkins is nearly guaranteed to be gone in the top 10 after running a 4.34 seconds and 4.37 second 40 time at the combine.
The stats have been off the charts while playing at Clemson and last season he ended up with 101 catches for 1,464 yards and 12 touchdowns and he also had a great freshman season when he had over 80 catches for 1,219 yards and 12 scores and now he will be a likely top 10 pick. The Browns went just 4-12 last season and they ranked 11th in passing yards per game with 252 per game and adding Watkins to a lineup that includes Gordon could be very explosive.