The Cleveland Browns and the entire NFL is in a state of quiet suspense. This proverbial eye of the storm precedes the upcoming NFL scouting combine taking place in Indianapolis from February 24th to March 3rd. Nothing truly begins until after this event and its subsequent franchise or transition player designations on March 4th. Only then might we begin to see shifts on various draft boards.
The focal point for many remains if Penn State’s Abdul Carter has cemented his position as the Browns’ No. 2 pick. NFL analyst Mel Kiper Jr., who has not refurbished his selections since late January, suggests the Browns might opt for wide receiver/cornerback Shedeur Sanders from Colorado. However, Field Yates, a fellow analyst, respectfully dissents, envisioning selections leaning towards the Penn State defensive end, Abdul Carter.
Given the Browns’ recent request for a trade by Garrett, and Carter’s potential as a candidate, the Browns could consider addressing the quarterback situation in a subsequent pick or during the free agency. It’s plausible that they may be examining the quarterback selection more closely, with players like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders possibly making the cut. Draft choices in the AFC North besides the Browns, according to these analyses, also include the Baltimore Ravens choosing cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. from East Carolina, the Cincinnati Bengals drafting Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, and the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka.
NFL.com’s draft analyst Dan Parr presents an intriguing plot – the Browns trading Myles Garrett to the Dallas Cowboys, thus obtaining the No. 12 overall pick. Retaining the No. 2 overall pick, the Browns then attempt to fill the gaping hole left by Garrett’s departure by drafting Carter. Meanwhile, with their new No. 12 pick, they would look to replace the role of Nick Chubb with Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.
In Parr’s view, other teams in the AFC North could potentially make interesting draft choices too. The Baltimore Ravens opting for Florida State cornerback Azareye’h Thomas, the Cincinnati Bengals selecting Walter Nolen, a defensive tackle from Mississippi, and the Pittsburgh Steelers going for Matthew Golden, wide receiver from Texas.
Dane Brugler, another draft analyst, shares Dan Parr’s faith in the Browns taking Abdul Carter as their No. 2 overall pick. The other AFC North draft selections, according to Brugler, would include the Ravens going for Donovan Jackson, an OT/G from Ohio State, the Bengals setting their sights on Mykel Williams, a defensive end from Georgia, and the Steelers favoring Emeka Egbuka, a wide receiver from Ohio State.
Four other analysts, however, suggest different players for the Browns. These include Mason Graham, a defensive lineman from Michigan, wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter from Colorado, quarterback Cam Ward from Miami, and, once again, Penn State’s defensive end Abdul Carter.
In this unique scenario, the AFC North draft can go in many directions. There’s no consensus for the Ravens’ No. 27 overall pick with names like Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons popping up. The Bengals, on the other hand, seem interested in Michigan tight end Colston Loveland according to two analysts. The Steelers’ No. 21 overall pick has sparked the same differing views among writers.
Jordan Plocher, a draft analyst for Pro Football Focus, also envisions Garrett moving to Texas but proposes a different approach for the Browns’ No. 12 overall pick. In his view, the Cowboys would be fortunate to pair up Myles Garrett with Micah Parsons, forming a potent pass-rushing combination. Back in Cleveland, Plocher foresees the Browns fortifying their defense with the skilled cornerback Will Johnson, who would make a formidable partner for Denzel Ward. He reaffirms the idea of the Browns selecting Carter second overall.
In Plocher’s imagination, the AFC North draft might witness the Ravens selecting Josh Conerly, an offensive tackle from Oregon. The Bengals could lock on Jack Sawyer, a defensive end from Ohio State, and the Steelers might again aim for Emeka Egbuka, the wide receiver from Ohio State as their draft preferences.
Sporting News supports the notion of Abdul Carter being a strong candidate for Penn State. As they suggest, the Browns have a chance to consider their options for the quarterback and wide receiver positions; however, picking Carter for his superb capabilities as a disruptive pass-rusher would be too enticing to pass up. Known for his brilliant defensive and run-offensive skills, Carter’s exit from the Nittany Lions is expected to bring him a huge dividend.
Sporting News proposes some unique picks in the AFC North as well. In their viewpoint, the Ravens could opt for offensive tackle Josh Conerly from Oregon, the Bengals might have their eyes on offensive tackle Josh Simmons from Ohio State, and the Steelers could gravitate towards Emeka Egbuka, a wide receiver from Ohio State.
In essence, the football draft scene ahead of the official NFL scouting combine is speculative and buzzing with myriad possibilities. Multiple scenarios could unfold for the Cleveland Browns and their AFC North counterparts, yet the sphere of uncertainty prevails. All that’s left is to see how the analytical forecasts stand up to the actual draft outcomes.