We are less than a week until the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine begins in Indianapolis, Indiana. Draft season is in full go mode.

It’ll be the last draft for the Browns to not have a first-round pick from the Deshaun Watson trade. Just something nice to look forward to in the 2025 cycle!

With that being said, let’s run a full mock draft for the Browns ahead of the combine next week. 

Round 2 (54): WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky

Corley is a gamer and one of my favorite offensive weapons in this draft. He can line up all over the field as well as in the backfield. Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore are under contract through next season, so the Browns need to continue to add at the position. Corley fits the bill of being a productive college wideout who can make plays with the ball in his hands.

Round 3 (85): RB Audric Estime, Notre Dame

A top-five running back in this class was there on the board and I liked the fit with the Browns. Estime is only 20 years old and played mostly over two years at Notre Dame, where he racked up nearly 2,300 yards. With Nick Chubb coming off of injury, the Browns must add to the running back room.

Round 5 (134): DT Mekhi Wingo, LSU

Browns shaped the defensive tackle room last year around Dalvin Tomlinson and one-year deals. One-year deals will likely be a thing again this year, but bringing in another body in the middle to develop masks sense. Wingo had five sacks in 2023 and is a high-motor player in the middle.

Round 5 (154): S Tykee Smith, Georgia

Smith had four interceptions in 2023, as well as a pair of sacks in the breakout year. Smith is known as a run-stopper first over coverage and is a strong tackler in the box. I went best available on the board here with a player that the Browns can develop for the defense.

Round 6 (204): LB Maema Njongmeta, Wisconsin

Njongmeta recorded 154 tackles and 20.5 tackles for a loss over his last 26 games at Wisconsin. A 6-foot 230-pound linebacker that would provide Cleveland with some depth. The Browns already have Sione Takitaki and Anthony Walker set to be free agents.

Round 6 (207): EDGE Jordan Strachan, South Carolina

Strachan played six years of college football between Georgia State and South Carolina and was productive toward the back end with the Gamecocks. Taking a shot on a pass rusher deep in the draft is always ideal.

Round 7 (240) S Jaylin Simpson, Auburn

While I didn’t expect him to be here, Pro Football Network’s machine had him here and I couldn’t pass. Simpson has a long frame and could end up playing corner or safety in the NFL. The Browns love developing defensive backs and this one fits the mold.

Browns already know what their ultimate success is riding on in 2024 and it won’t be an offseason move

It is now or never for the two.