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Cleveland Browns draft capsule

Published Apr. 22, 2018 12:31 p.m. ET

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1, 4. CLEVLEAND BROWNS (0-16)

LAST SEASON: Total flop. Coming off 1-15 season in coach Hue Jackson's first year, Cleveland joined 2008 Detroit Lions as only teams in league history to lose all 16 games. Bad decision to start rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer was compounded by team failing to keep competent veteran QB to groom him. Kizer led league with 22 interceptions with several coming in game-deciding moments. Browns averaged league-low 14.6 points per game - 14 less than New England - and offense lacked impact playmakers until WR Josh Gordon returned from suspension for final give games. Rookie DE Myles Garrett, top overall pick in 2017, had solid season but was slowed by ankle injury suffered just before opener. Defense showed some improvement, but couldn't get big stops when needed and finished ranked last inside red zone.

THEY NEED: QB, CB, WR, LT.

THEY DON'T NEED: RB, DL, LB.

POSSIBLE FIRST PICK: QB Sam Darnold, Southern California; QB Josh Allen, Wyoming; QB Josh Rosen, UCLA; QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma; RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State.

OUTLOOK: Jackson has been given third season - and maybe less - to win. New general manager John Dorsey was aggressive during offseason, landing QB Tyrod Taylor and WR Jarvis Landry in trades and rebuilding defensive backfield. Still major needs, none more than franchise quarterback. Taylor will likely start in 2018, but could be pushed by top overall pick, expected to be either Darnold or Allen. Darnold seems safer choice and Dorsey has discounted his turnover troubles last season with Trojans. After passing on chance to take Carson Wentz and Deshaun Watson past two seasons, Browns can't afford to risk skipping top QB. Cleveland has dilemma at No. 4 as Barkley may be irresistible and tough to ignore twice. Another possibility is North Carolina State DE Bradley Chubb, who could play opposite Garrett and give Cleveland fearsome pass rush.

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For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

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