Browns 7-Round NFL Mock Draft: Making sense of Cleveland’s 10 picks following a week of free agency
We are through one week of free agency around the NFL and that means the draft is that much closer. At this point in free agency, just about all of the big names are off the board and the big difference makers have been signed. Still, there are good players out there to be had […]
We are through one week of free agency around the NFL and that means the draft is that much closer.
At this point in free agency, just about all of the big names are off the board and the big difference makers have been signed. Still, there are good players out there to be had that can be an upgrade for teams.
The Cleveland Browns, however, are a team more inclined to build through the draft with where they’re at. Cleveland has made a few free agency moves, but nothing that will turn heads too much. The Browns have 10 selections to make, and I have mocked each one on this Monday.
Round 1, Pick 2: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
I’m starting to get the feeling that Cleveland is indeed going to take a quarterback with their first pick. There are many folks in this space against the Browns doing this, and there are also many smart folks who think it is the right move. The Browns need the QB position fixed or jobs are going to be lost in the end. With this pick, they take the safest selection in the draft. Sanders provides a solid floor with his accuracy, IQ, and toughness.
Round 2, Pick 33: DE Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss
If I were the GM, I’d probably take Penn State’s Abdul Carter with the first pick and try to trade up for Sanders if he were to fall into the late part of the first round. For this draft, the Browns land a pass rusher who has good size and length at 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds. Umanmielen was a productive SEC pass rusher and he would be the eventual starter across from Myles Garrett.
Round 3, Pick 67: RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
Cleveland has to grab a starting-level running back in this draft and Henderson would be a home run pick. Cleveland may have to take him earlier than this, but he would fit the offense like a glove. Henderson can run between the tackles, as well as be a really good pass catcher for Kevin Stefanski’s offense. His ability to be a pass blocker is a plus to his game. There may not be a more explosive running back in this draft.
Round 3, Pick 94: OT Charles Grant, William & Mary
Ideally, the Browns will be starting Dawand Jones and Jack Conklin at tackle all season. The last couple of seasons have shown that the Browns have to have backup options due to injuries. Grant is a great small school prospect at 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds. If he adjusts like many think he can with the jump to the NFL, he’s going to end up a solid starter.
Round 4, Pick 104: WR Xavier Restrepo, Miami (FL)
Cleveland has to get more playmakers on offense and at wideout specifically. To this point, the Browns haven’t made a move yet at wide receiver in free agency. Restrepo is a player that brings quickness, even if it doesn’t show up on the 40-yard time. A great route runner from the slot that can make teams pay once in space.
Round 6, Pick 179: TE Luke Lachey, Iowa
Stefanski and Tommy Rees are going to want to utilize their tight ends and the Browns need depth behind star David Njoku. Lachey is a combo tight end that can play online and he brings underrated athleticism as a former Division I basketball recruit. Lachey is going to end up a better pro than a college player if he can stay healthy.
Round 6, Pick 192: G Joshua Gray, Oregon State
Versatility is a plus and that is what Gray will bring to the NFL. Gray spent the majority of his college career as a tackle, before holding it down as a guard. Gray is a strong player at the POA and should be a good run blocker from the jump.
Round 6, Pick 200: S Dante Trader Jr., Maryland
Trader is a player who would go a lot earlier if he was able to bring more consistency. The Browns could use safety depth badly with Juan Thornhill and D’Anthony Bell being off the team. Trader showed plus flashes in both the run and pass game, and could end up a key special teams player early in his career.
Round 6, Pick 216: LB Jay Higgins, Iowa
Linebacker is another position that the Browns need to add bodies at. After bringing back Devin Bush in free agency, Cleveland shouldn’t be done there. Higgins is a very smart linebacker who makes good reads and can put force behind his pads. If the Iowa product was more athletically gifted he would be going a lot earlier. A very productive college player.
Round 7, Pick 254: QB Brady Cook, Missouri
With 10 picks and the QB position being such an issue, why not throw another dart at the board? Cook is likely just a practice squad guy, which the Browns have shown value in the last couple of years. Cook is athletically gifted, which is what you want from a backup when much of the offensive game plan is out the window. The arm talent flashes at times but Cook’s decision-making wasn’t very good in college much of the time. A prospect worth taking a swing on.
