The Cleveland Browns may consider a Marcus Mariota trade in the NFL draft this year, but if that doesn't happen, names like Melvin Gordon, Breshad Perriman, Phillip Dorsett, Jaelen Strong, Kevin White and DeVante Parker could be targets, as the team needs some offensive weapons for Johnny Manziel and Josh McCown with Josh Gordon facing suspension.
The Browns have two first round picks this year and that sets them up for a move for Mariota if they want to trade up. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Titans will listen to offers for the number two overall pick this year, as they are likely not taking either Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota. The Browns have been mentioned quite a bit in connection with Mariota and teams like the Chargers, Bears, Jets and Redskins also have had reported interest.
Ray Farmer has the chance to make some big moves in the draft this year if he wants to, as the team has two first rounders and the most selections of any other team in the event. If the team stays put they should be able to get some strong prospects, as players like Melvin Gordon, Breshad Perriman, Phillip Dorsett, Jaelen Strong, Kevin White and DeVante Parker could be available at 12 and when the team picks at number 19.
The latest mock draft from Pete Prisco at CBS Sports has the Browns staying in their two picks and selecting Danny Shelton and Jaelen Strong in the first round. DeVante Parker has been mentioned as a target and he has visited with the Browns, but he could be a top 10 pick and off the board by 10 or 11, which is just before the Browns select. The team would love to get Amari Cooper or Kevin White, but those two are expected to be gone within the first 10 picks.
The running back position is one to watch for the Browns in the first round, as the team has two young players in Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West, but after getting rid of Ben Tate they may want some more depth. Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon are potential options in the first round and Gordon has met with the Browns ahead of the draft. Gurley is coming off of an ACL injury and that has some draft scouts looking at Gordon as the better option at running back.
Gordon is facing a suspension and likely will miss the entire 2015 season and that could lead the Browns to add another wideout. The team signed Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline this offseason, but they could use more on the offensive side of the ball. Gordon is an explosive player and that could lead to Perriman or Dorsett being targets, as those two players are some of the fastest in the draft.
Perriman was an explosive player at UCF, while Dorsett had a 4.29 and 4.27 second 40-yard dash at his pro day. Those types of numbers should get scouts' attention and in recent mock drafts, Dorsett, Perriman and Strong have been predicted as picks for the Browns. The team has needs all over the field, but after passing on the chance to take Sammy Watkins last season, Cleveland may not pass on a WR again.
