Jimmy Garoppolo

Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has a long way to go before he can be an NFL starter.

(Associated Press)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Two weeks ago, I wrote about how the Browns can have a "Grade A" draft in the first three rounds. Since then I received lots of feedback and comments about the piece. I also had a handful of readers asking me whether there was anything Browns general manager Ray Farmer can do in his first draft to receive a failing grade.

I have faith in Farmer. He has been trained well, played in the league and has made some good moves this off-season. I'd like to think the answer is no. But the draft is the true test for a GM. With that in mind, I created a "Grade F" draft for the Browns.

The guidelines I used were the same. Because the draft is filled with pressure-packed decisions and unpredictable results, I used ESPN.com's three-round mock draft from Mel Kiper Jr. to determine which players were available at the time the Browns selected with no trades being allowed.

Top needs: QB, WR, CB, RT, ILB

Round 1 (Pick No. 4): OT Greg Robinson, Auburn

Round 1 (26): QB Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois

Round 2 (35): WR Martavis Bryant, Clemson

Round 3 (71): CB Louchiez Purifoy, Florida

Round 3 (83): RB Andre Williams, Boston College

With this class it would be hard to see Farmer or Mike Pettine being around very long. The first pick creates a negative domino effect on the rest of the draft.

While Robinson is supremely talented, the Browns, with as many needs as they have, can't afford to draft a right tackle in the Top 5. Sure, he would help out the right side of the offensive line in the short term, but offensive line is already a strength for the Browns - ProFootballFocus ranked the group 12th overall in 2013.

The 2014 NFL Draft is Farmer's opportunity to make a difference. The Browns have racked up double-digit losses consistently and they have spent the better part of the last decade in the basement of the AFC North. The Joe Banner and Michael Lombardi regime was a disaster. But they did leave Farmer with 10 picks, including two in the first round. The opportunity to put his mark on the downtrodden franchise is there, but it won't happen drafting a right tackle with the fourth pick.

Joe Thomas still has plenty left – he will continue to anchor the offensive line for years. That means Robinson would have to make the uncomfortable switch from the left side to the right side or even kick inside to guard in the short-term.

Passing on players worthy of the selection that play more important positions such as quarterback, pass rusher or receiver to strengthen a group that is already good would be a baffling choice and a bad way to start the 2014 draft.

Drafting Robinson also means the Browns passing on this year's quarterback class, which isn't nearly as bad as it's being portrayed right now. "Holding off" on the QB spot with the fourth selection could likely mean no Teddy Bridgewater, Johnny Manziel, or even Blake Bortles - players that could solidify the Browns shaky QB spot.

It means selecting a new signal caller from a weaker group, which would do nothing except lead the Browns back to QB purgatory. If the team is serious about improving their quarterback spot this off-season, there are two choices: Bridgewater or Manziel.

While some have latched onto Brian Hoyer because he stood out among the previous pile of garbage that attempted to play quarterback for the Browns, QB is the Browns' biggest need. It has been for the better part of a decade. Passing on one early will only lead to another lost season and more questions about the future.

Garoppolo's numbers (5050 yards, 53 touchdowns and nine interceptions) were off the charts, people rave about his intelligence and he has a lightning quick release. But there are lots of issues. He doesn't handle pressure well, often freezing and dropping his eyes with a rush bearing down. Sometimes he even feels pressure that isn't there. His ball has a tendency to flutter. His deep ball can be flat and inaccurate. He didn't make throws into tight windows. He's making the leap from a shotgun, spread attack against lesser competition to the NFL, which will be quite a jump. Also, for all the size (height, weight and hand) concerns people have with Bridgewater, Garoppolo brings similar measurements.

Garoppolo has a long way to go to become a starter. I want a quarterback that can carry the offense. That's not Garoppolo. Nor is it Hoyer. They are both caretakers.

With a run on wide receivers in the late first round, the Browns grab one in the second, but it's Bryant. While he has the combination of size, speed and raw potential to be a difference-maker, which was shown in flashes, he is far from polished. Drops are an issue and he had little production at Clemson. But teams may reach because of his acrobatic catches, big play ability and upside. The second round is where he is likely to be drafted. Pick No. 35 is too high.

Running back is a need for the Browns. Even though they added Ben Tate in free agency, he has fumbling issues (10 fumbles in less than 500 touches) and injury concerns going back to his college days. Drafting a player in the middle rounds for depth purposes seems smart, but Williams – who the Browns have reportedly shown interest in – isn't the right one. Incredibly productive at Boston College, he profiles more as a two-down back because of his inconsistent hands.

A bigger back, he's going to be asked to move the chains and pound out yardage between the tackles at the next level, but the Heisman Trophy finalist was more effective running to the outside. It will be tough for him to make a living that way at the next level because he lacks great speed and burst.

The only player from this class that would play consistently and bring an immediate impact is Robinson. That's rough for a team that needs impact players and is armed with the picks to get them.