Niner Noise
FanSided

2018 NFL Draft: Two-round mock for all 32 teams across the league

By Peter Panacy

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks for an open receiver against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks for an open receiver against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

USC. Sam Darnold. 1. player. 53. . Quarterback

There’s a reasonable thought the Browns won’t grab a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, instead electing to take a high-profile position player elsewhere.

And it isn’t as if they lack the need.

Still, this spot ensures Cleveland gets its hands on whichever prospect it wants, and the smart move would be to grab the highest-ceiling quarterback out of this year’s class.

USC’s Sam Darnold is that guy. And unlike last year’s QB selection, now-Green Bay Packers quarterback DeShone Kizer, Darnold won’t be pressed to start right away after the Browns landed Tyrod Taylor this offseason.

Taylor will take some of the lumps in 2018, as the Browns look to build a solid supporting cast around the position. When that’s improved, Darnold will be asked to finally push Cleveland out of the proverbial dumpster fire.