BBV Community Mock Draft 2011: With The Sixth Pick, Cleveland Selects ...

Marcell Dareus, DL, Alabama.

Playing the role of Cleveland Browns general manager is 'bbobely.' Here is his rationale for the selection of Dareus:

This offseason has once again been marked by tremendous change for the Cleveland Browns organization. Pat Shurmur, former OC for the Rams, was brought in as head coach and Dick Jauron, DC extraordinaire, took over the Browns' defense. In 2010, the Browns ranked 29th in the league for total offense. The splits for passing and rushing were 29th and 20th respectively. A bright spot for the offense was the performance of RB Peyton Hillis who was picked up from Denver in the Brady Quinn trade. Furthermore, Colt McCoy may begin to emerge after getting another year in the West Coast offense, especially with new HC Shurmur who effectively managed Sam Bradford's pro transition.

The Browns' 2010 defense was marginally better than their offense, ranking 21st in the league in total defense. This was partly due to the Browns' 2010 draft focused on improving the secondary as their pass defense was 17th in the league compared to 27th for their rush defense. However, next year could be messy for the defense while they transition from a 3-4 scheme to Dick Jauron's 4-3.

The Browns' 2011 draft could really go in any direction. If AJ Green is still on the board I think that Holmgren might take him to pair with McCoy. With a deep draft for defensive linemen, the Browns could try to trade back (this is what I fully expect them to try and do) to get more picks to help the transition to a 4-3.

My choice?

Marcell Dareus DL Alabama. He's near the top of most draft boards and often ranked as the top DL. He can play inside and he can play outside. He comes from a big program and was a force in a tough conference. Also, he has some "light" character concerns so he's probably a perfect fit for the Browns.

I chose him over Green because of the obvious need for more DL bodies and the expected continued offensive improvement for McCoy and Hillis. I chose him over Bowers because of his versatility and excellent play in a tough conference. Probably the hardest decision was between Dareus and Prince Amukamara. Amukamara and Haden could constitute the best CB tandem in the league and with the deep defensive linemen in this draft there could be quality in later rounds. In the end, getting a player many project at #1 in the six slot, especially at a position of need, is too good to pass up.

My take: This is another pick I find difficult to argue with. Tempting to take a wide receiver as a weapon for Colt McCoy, but there are many who think Dareus is the best defensive tackle in the 2011 NFL Draft. He is great value, especially for a defensively-needy team transition to a 4-3 scheme. There are several ways the Browns could go here, and there is nothing wrong with this choice.

-- The San Francisco 49ers are up next, putting 'pat19' on the clock.

Round 1

Round 2