2012 NFL Free Agency : Decision to Tag Cleveland Browns LB D’Qwell Jackson Changes Plans In NFL Draft.

Published: 18^th Feb 12 5:23 pm

by Robert D. Cobb
Cleveland Browns Featured Columnist, Follow me on Twitter, @RobertCobb_76

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Vincent Pugliese-US PRESSWIRE

BEREA, OH – With the Browns rumored to apply the franchise tag to leading tackler in middle linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, Cleveland’s plans in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft may have also been altered.

According to ESPN and Pro Football Talk, the Browns will tag Jackson is they are unable to sign him to a multi-year deal, as first reported by Browns beat writer, Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer.

Jackson, 28, would lead the Browns—and set a career-high in tackles–with 158, second in the NFL.

With Cleveland’s decision to franchise Jackson, does this change the Browns plans in April?

Possibly.

Potential targets for the Browns in the lower half of the first round may include Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict, South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram, USC defensive end Nick Perry and Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright.

If Jackson is tagged, and Hillis—who is rumored to be have a verbal agreement with the Browns—both come back, then Cleveland’s big board changes entirely.

It is no secret that the Browns need help at the defensive end spot opposite Jabaal Sheard, while I have the Browns taking North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples in my Browns Mock Draft 1.0 column, Cleveland’s big board would now have offensive playmakers such as Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon and Alabama running back Trent Richardson at the top—if they both aren’t already at the top of it in Berea.

Cleveland also has a glaring need on the offensive line—specifically at right tackle—and may pull a real shocker in the 2012 NFL Draft in selecting USC right tackle Matt Kalil—or trade down.

This is all mere speculation right now, but depending on what direction the Jackson and Hillis dominos fall, do not be too surprised if these actions become fact.

Follow me on Twitter, @RobertCobb_76 and @The_BoxScore

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