The Cleveland Browns head into the 2017 NFL Draft with plenty of needs all over the roster, but lots of ammunition in the form of draft picks to do some damage in every round (except the 7th, where they don't have a pick).
MORE MOCKS: 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Fictional Character Edition
Much has been speculated about the Browns this draft and how they will fill the many needs they have. They could solidify the defense, try to find the quarterback of the future, or add a playmaker on offense.
Because they have two first round picks, Cleveland can find a couple of impact players early to help assuage a distressed fan base that a new regime is sending the franchise down the right path.
Here's a look at what the Cleveland Browns could do with their 11 picks in the 2017 NFL Draft:
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Round 1, No. 1 Overall
The pick: Mitchell Trubisky, QB — North Carolina
This is a controversial pick, to be sure, but stay wth me. The Browns have a huge need at quarterback, and not everyone is sold on Myles Garrett as the No. 1 overall selection. Even Adam Shefter has reported that the Browns appear to be conflicted between taking Garrett and Trubisky. Cleveland just can't take the risk of passing on what could be the best quarterback in the draft.
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Round 1, No. 12 Overall
The pick: Deshaun Watson, QB — Clemson
Cleveland desperately needs to find a quarterback. So many first round quarterbacks fail to pan out, so the Browns should hedge their bet on Trubisky and select Deshaun Watson with the 12th overall pick. Watson is a proven winner and is the type of guy you want leading a locker room. He could be the savior this franchise is waiting for at QB.
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Round 2, No. 33 Overall
The pick: Patrick Mahomes II, QB — Texas Tech
This pick hinges on Mahomes' availability. QBs are a hot commodity in the NFL these days, so he might not be around with the first pick in the second round. If he's on the board, the Browns can't pass on his huge arm.
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Round 2, No. 52 Overall (From Titans)
The pick: Nathan Peterman, QB — Pitt
CBS sports ranks Peterman the No. 112 overall prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft, but with the way quarterbacks are over-drafted, he won't be on the board when his third-fourth-round grade comes around. Cleveland needs to act here to get Peterman into their camp.
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Round 3, No. 65 Overall
The pick: Brad Kaaya, QB — Miami
Kaaya made the switch from a shotgun-only QB his first two seasons to a pro-style quarterback in his final year as the Hurricanes' starter. He is raw, but the Browns should be able to mold the Miami product into something workable.
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Round 4, No. 108 Overall
The pick: Josh Dobbs, QB — Tennessee
Josh Dobbs is flying up draft boards during interviews and private workouts because he's a literal rocket scientist — an aerospace engineer. Dobbs will be able to take in the playbook immediately, and pick up the NFL game without hesitation.
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Round 4, No. 142 Overall (Compensatory Pick)
The pick: Jerod Evans, QB — Virginia Tech
This might feel a little high for Evans — projected a 6th round pick, but quarterbacks are at a premium in this draft. Evans might be more of a developmental quarterback, but you can't have too many capable guys in that QB room.
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Round 5, No. 145 Overall
The pick: C.J. Beathard, QB — Iowa
Another guy who's impressing scouts late in the draft process, Beathard might be a steal at the No. 145 overall selection. He's flying up draft boards and the Browns need to strike if they can grab him.
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Round 5, No. 177 Overall (From Patriots)
The pick: Chad Kelly, QB — Ole Miss
The Browns dumped Barkevious Mingo for a fifth-round pick, and with that selection they take a chance on a guy with definite off-the-field issues, but also a ton of raw talent.
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Round 5, No. 183 Overall (Compensatory Pick)
The pick: Alek Torgersen, QB — Penn
He might not be the next Carson Wentz, but the FCS product could make a push to make an NFL roster. Cleveland can give the Penn hurler a try with a late-round selection.
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Round 6, No. 187 Overall
The pick: Bart Houston, QB — Wisconsin
A QB not getting a ton of pub since he didn't play much in his career, Houston has the frame and experience in a pro-style offense that QB coaches can work with. As a project he could be a late-round steal.
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Potential Undrafted Free Agent Targets:
- Seth Russell, QB — Baylor
- Sefo Liufau, QB — Colorado
- Cooper Rush, QB — Central Michigan
- Taysom Hill, QB — BYU
- Mitch Leidner, QB — Minnesota
- Wes Lunt, QB — Illinois
You can never have too many QB's, especially if you're Cleveland.
