2011 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft: Round 2, Pick 37

Our annual 2011 NFL Mock Draft, with picks made by each of SB Nation’s NFL team bloggers, is in full swing. The latest pick in to the podium: the Cleveland Browns, at No. 37 overall.

Chris Pokorny of DawgsByNature.com explains the choice, and our own Dan Kadar reacts to it, after the jump. Make sure you’re grading this pick for the Browns, and checking out Dawgs By Nature for all of your Browns needs.

Chris Pokorny explains: The Browns could use some upgrades at the wide receiver position, but A.J. Green and Julio Jones are the only two players who would have a chance to be a starter immediately. A receiver taken in the second round would probably be listed behind Mohammed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie, and right now this team has a more immediate need than a slot receiver: a starting defensive end.

After grabbing DT Marcell Dareus in the first round, DE Adrian Clayborn is the perfect type of pass rusher to get in the second round to make Cleveland’s defensive line depth issues disappear in a flash. Clayborn has fallen pretty significantly from his original projected value in mock drafts, so this marks the second steal in a row for the Browns. Through the rest of the draft, Cleveland would have the luxury of taking chances on other prospects since other holes, such as safety and depth on the offensive line, can be addressed through free agency.

Dan Kadar reacts: I like this pick in that the Browns have such an enormous need along the defensive line. The team really only has one starting-caliber lineman on roster, and Clayborn would be another piece. He’s not a flashy pass rusher and probably will never lead the league in sacks, but he’s a good all-around player who can hold the edge. Ahtyba Rubin, Marcell Dareus and Adrian Clayborn would be a great young nucleus on the line. In addition, they would give the Browns some scheme flexibility, allowing them to more easily run 3-4 and 3-3-5 nickel sets.

Don’t discount wide receivers Leonard Hankerson (Miami) and Jon Baldwin (Pittsburgh) here. Both have starter ability, which would allow Massaquoi to play the slot, probably his more proper position. [Adrian Clayborn Scouting Report]