The Cleveland Browns are picking up the pieces from a disappointing 27-6 blowout loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8. It was an opportunity for the Browns to move to 6-2, a spot nobody had them reaching this early in the season. Instead, Cleveland will try to pick up its sixth win against the New Orleans Saints in Week 9. 

After every loss this season, I’m putting together a 2027 NFL mock draft for the Browns using the A to Z Sports mock draft simulator. This week is a 3-rounder and the draft order is based on reverse Super Bowl odds at this point in the season.

Pick No. 10: Darian Mensah, QB, Miami

If Mensah is on the board when the Browns pick in the first round, this is a no-brainer selection. Mensah has been extremely efficient for Miami with 25 touchdown passes to one interception. He’s also been a good quarterback at every stop of his college career, from Tulane to Duke and now Miami.

Mensah doesn’t have the biggest arm. However, he plays the position in a way that should mesh well with Browns head coach Todd Monken. He gives Cleveland a potential long-term quarterback of the future, something this franchise has been searching for over a long stretch. The Browns could find it here in Mensah.

Pick No. 28: Cayden Green, OT, Missouri

With the Los Angeles Rams’ pick in the back half of the first round, I have the Browns taking Green out of Missouri. He has the ability to play multiple spots along the offensive line, but Green has been at his best at left tackle for the Tigers. That gives me hope he could be Cleveland’s right tackle in the long run, replacing Tytus Howard, who is currently manning that spot.

If the Browns can have three young, long-term pieces along the offensive line in Spencer Fano, Austin Barber, and Green, it would be an ideal scenario. Protecting a young quarterback is going to be key if Cleveland goes that route at No. 10.

Pick No. 42: Xavier Gilliam, DT, Tennessee

Gilliam is having a breakout year at Tennessee after the Volunteers pulled defensive coordinator Jim Knowles over from Penn State. Through eight games, Gilliam has six sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 26 total tackles. If he continues at this rate, he’s simply not going to get out of the first round.

He’s a disruptive force in the backfield as a pass rusher, and his run-stopping game has taken a step forward as well. The Browns do have two good defensive tackles in Maliek Collins and Mason Graham. Still, Cleveland has struggled to stop the run, and continuing to add to that room is a good thing. This is a best player available type of pick for the Browns in the second round.

Pick No. 74: Damon Wilson, EDGE, Miami

Wilson has produced at every stop of his college career, from Georgia to Missouri and now at Miami. He has 3.5 sacks in eight games with the Hurricanes. Last season, he posted nine sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss to go along with an interception for Missouri.

Wilson isn’t a first-round guy, but he’s a productive pass rusher with proven SEC experience who is now getting it done for Miami. He also has a chance to build his resume down the stretch, since Miami is likely going to play in some big games. He’s a second- or third-round target I’d be keeping an eye on for Cleveland.