An aggressive approach to the offseason have left the Browns without a first round pick but that will not stop them from adding talent through the NFL Draft.
Cleveland, led by general manager John Dorsey, are in the midst of one of the most dramatic turn around jobs in NFL history. Looking ahead to the NFL draft, the place where Dorsey makes his money. Last year the haul of Baker Mayfield, Denzel Ward, Nick Chubb, Genard Avery and others were a big part of the turn around the team enjoyed.
Mayfield is a franchise-saving quarterback while Ward, also selected in the top five, has lock down potential on the outside. Those picks set up what is shaping up to be the most important offseason in team history. From the looks of it, another successful one for the Dawg Pound.
Right before the new league year kicked off Dorsey added an enormous piece in a trade for Giants superstar receiver Odell Beckham and pass rusher Olivier Vernon. The move cost them guard Kevin Zeitler (who’s replacement Dorsey drafted early last year), Jabrill Peppers, a first round pick and a third round selection. Overall it is pennies for two players that will play a big role in the Browns plans. Those two players will be enough for the Browns to be considered a winner entering the regular season.
The draft will still be a spot for them to add talent. They are now in the market to improve their defense. Finding a replacement for the cut Jamie Collins will be a priority. Adding a corner to pair with Ward and a strong safety are also atop the pecking order of needs. Still armed with a solid amount of picks, the Browns will likely be active in moving around the board.
This mock draft was done on The Draft Network’s mock draft machine using their predictive board. It will jump right in with the Browns second round pick, since the Giants now own their first, picking at 17.