Browns draft preview: Cleveland has a lot of options in first round

The Cleveland Browns hold the Nos. 12 and 19 overall picks in the NFL Draft. In our continuing series, FOXSports.com takes a look at their roster post-free agency and delivers a plan of attack for the last day in April.

With three picks in the top 50, the Cleveland Browns have as much ammunition in this year's draft as any other team. General manager Ray Farmer will use those picks to build around a young core which won seven games last season.

The last four months have been dreadful in Cleveland. After starting out 7-4, the Browns have endured:

*Five straight losses to end the season.

*Star wideout Josh Gordon getting slapped with a yearlong suspension.

*Quarterback Johnny Manziel undergoing treatment at rehab facility.

*Kyle Shanahan being granted release from his offensive coordinator job.

*A $250K fine plus Farmer's four-game suspension for Textgate.

With nearly $50 million in cap space, the Browns allowed cornerback Buster Skrine, outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard, tight end, Jordan Cameron, quarterback Brian Hoyer and nose tackle Ahtyba Rubin to walk in free agency. Instead, the Browns signed veteran wide receivers Dwayne Bowe, Brian Hartline and Marlon Moore. To make up for the loss of Skrine, they signed longtime Packers cornerback Tramon Williams.

Currently, the quarterback plan is a bit hazy. By signing veteran Josh McCown to a two-year, $10 million deal, they have insurance at the position if Manziel isn't able to meet his potential this season.

If McCown were to start a game, he'd be the 22nd different starting quarterback since the franchise returned to the league in 1999. Fortunately, the Browns have a solid offensive line headlined by Joe Thomas, Joel Bitonio and Alex Mack. The rookie running back duo of Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell was productive, running for a combined 1,280 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Positions of need: NT, QB, OLB, WR, TE

Three options to consider at No. 12

Danny Shelton, NT: Shelton's rare combination of size and athleticism will be coveted by a team selecting in the first half of the first round. Shelton's 6-foot-2, 339-pound frame allows him to take on two offensive linemen to free up a playmaking linebacker. Fifth-year defensive tackle Phil Taylor, who is coming off a season-ending knee injury, is also entering the final season of his rookie deal.

Devante Parker, WR: By signing Bowe and Hartline, there isn't a massive need at the wide receiver position, but Parker could be a special talent down the road. Both players were signed to two-year deals, so having a plan at the position for the future would benefit the organization. Parker, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound target, missed seven games during his senior season, but was still able to rack up 855 yards and five touchdowns.

Marcus Mariota, QB: There's no telling if Mariota will be available at this spot. If the Browns were interested in the Oregon product, they'd likely need to trade up to get him. With holes aplenty on the roster, they might not be in the best place to take another risk on a mobile quarterback in back-to-back seasons. With that aside, assuming the Browns tailor the offense to Mariota's strengths, they would have a dynamic, playmaking arm on the team. When's the last time they could say that?

Three options to consider at No. 19

Malcom Brown, DT: If the Browns choose to pass on Shelton, getting the run-stuffer from Texas would be great option. Brown was selected first-team All American and became the first defensive tackle to lead the Longhorns in TFLs and sacks since 1984.

Jaelen Strong, WR: Strong is considered to be in the second-tier of wide receivers in this draft class, but the 6-foot-2, 217-pound wide receiver possesses some rare ability. Strong's basketball background allows him to control his body and go up and get the ball amidst traffic.

Bud Dupree, OLB: The Browns could take the blow of losing Sheard to the Patriots by adding a versatile defender in Dupree. Standing 6-foot, 4, 270 pounds, Dupree's production in college might not be indicative of his high ceiling in the league. Kentucky's team captain lined up all along the defensive front and with good coaching could become an impact defender.