Updated 2015 NFL Mock Draft: Browns Own Top Five by Erik LambertAug 20, 2014 
Jan 2, 2014; New Orleans, LA, Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) runs after a catch against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first quarter of the Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Chuck Cook-USA TODAY SportsThe pecking order continues to shift with next update of the 2015 NFL mock draft. Who cracks the top five? #1 – Dallas Cowboys – Marcus Mariota – QB – Oregon Nothing about the preseason has happened to counter fears about an impending pitfall for the Dallas Cowboys. Their defense is a wreck and quarterback Tony Romo is in a full block battle with Father Time. Jerry Jones said he was so close to drafting Johnny Manziel in May. He won’t be able to resist using the top pick on the uniquely gifted Marcus Mariota out of Oregon. #2 – Cleveland Browns (f/BUF) – Amari Cooper – WR – Alabama The Buffalo Bills don’t have that look of a very good team in 2014, no matter how many one-handed catches Sammy Watkins makes in practice. The offense has struggled and the defense is missing one of their best playmakers in Kiko Alonso. This is sweet music for the Cleveland Browns, who take advantage of their end of the Watkins trade by using the Bills’ 1st round pick to get a receiver of their own in Amari Cooper. #3 – Cleveland Browns – Vic Beasley – OLB – Clemson Unfortunately, taking Cooper signals how bad the Browns have it in their passing game. Regardless of who wins their quarterback job between Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel, the looming loss of Josh Gordon is going to hurt them badly. However, with two top five picks to work with the 2015 draft could be their springboard up the rankings. Adding dynamic pass rusher Vic Beasley to compliment Joe Haden and their formidable secondary would be an excellent step. #4 – Tennessee Titans – Brett Hundley – QB – UCLA A good showing by Jake Locker in the preseason helped get the Tennessee Titans out of the #1 spot but they need to prove more get out of the top five. As it stands, they still have no definitive answers at the quarterback position so they could look that way next April. Brett Hundley is drawing a lot of praise of late and should be much more polished when he leaves UCLA. #5 – New York Giants – Landon Collins – S – Alabama Something is going on with Eli Manning, and whatever it is isn’t a good thing. He’s thrown 16 passes in the preseason for just 49 yards, no touchdowns and lost a fumble. The New York Giants aren’t sure what’s wrong but are hoping it’s temporary because without Manning their chances in 2014 are as remote as they were last season. As it stands they slip into the top five here and still address their lingering problem at safety with Alabama standout Landon Collins.#6 – Houston Texans – Bryce Petty – QB – Baylor As advertised, the pass rush of the Houston Texans looks like it will be dominant with the addition of Jadeveon Clowney. However, problems linger for the team at quarterback, and it could threaten to undo their season. If so, expect them to fix it early in the draft. Bryce Petty is an intriguing talent with the size (6’3?), mobility and arm strength offensive coaches covet. His understated accuracy will certainly appeal to Bill O’Brien.
#7 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Cedric Ogbuehi – OT – Texas A&M Pass protection is already a major issue for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Josh McCown and the other quarterbacks have endured eight sacks through just two preseason games, raising concerns about whether the offense will be able to function beyond the basics this season. Should that problem come to pass, expect the Bucs to fix it with a particularly strong class of offensive linemen expected next April. Cedric Ogbuehi would be the coup de grace as he is supremely athletic for his size. An ideal blind side protector. #8 – Oakland Raiders – P.J. Williams – CB – Florida State No unit has looked worse during the preseason for the Oakland Raiders than the secondary. D.J. Hayden still hasn’t played. Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers have looked lost at times. There really is no silver lining with the group, which mean the Raiders may need to invest at the position again on day one of the draft. If so, they have to get as close to a sure thing as possible. Swiping the big and agile P.J. Williams from powerhouse Florida State would do it. #9 – Minnesota Vikings – Ramik Wilson – ILB – Georgia It looks like Matt Cassel will hold off Teddy Bridgewater for the time being in the quarterback derby for the Minnesota Vikings. As a team they’ve improved their standing since the last mock draft but still look to add more skill to their middle linebacker position. Ramik Wilson is a leader on the field and has the required athleticism to play every down regardless of situation. #10 – Carolina Panthers – Andrus Peat – OT – Stanford Like the Vikings, it seems the Carolina Panthers have at least quieted their doubters for the time being what with Cam Newton and Kelvin Benjamin showing some early connection. However, there are still concerns regarding the Panthers offensive line and whether it can provide the customary protection it has without Jordan Gross. Not being able to means Carolina goes hunting for his long-term replacement. The uber-talented Andrus Peat from Stanford is as good as they’ll find.link
