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NFL Mock Draft 2018: Full first round – Who’s the Detroit Lions top pick?

By Michael Kirkland

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: Ezekiel Ansah of the BYU Cougars stands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (L) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders (R) as they hold up a jersey on stage after Ansah was picked #5 overall by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: Ezekiel Ansah of the BYU Cougars stands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (L) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders (R) as they hold up a jersey on stage after Ansah was picked #5 overall by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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Barkley makes a move
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes the football against the Washington Huskies during the second half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Saquon Barkley, RB - Penn state. 4. player. 53. . CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-16). Acquired in 2017 trade down from Texans

The Browns probably aren’t going to sit #1 overall, Sam Darnold, so what’s the next best thing? Give him a home run-hitter for a running back. The Browns need play-makers, and that’s exactly what Barkley is; electricity in a bottle. Barkley’s a true three-down player, and is a good blocker, too.

The Browns have needs in multiple places, they could use a cornerback, another tackle, a wide receiver, almost anything. Providing their rookie quarterback with help is the best thing that they could do, though.

Could the Colts let someone trade up to steal Barkley? Sure, but we aren’t doing that here.

I also know that I just made the argument that spending a Top 5 pick on a runner was a bad idea. The recent success of other Top 10 running backs, their immediate impact on an offense, will convince someone that Barkley is worth the upgrade.

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