Browns Draft 2026, Day 2

So of the players who were possibilities for me on Day 1, Denzel Boston & Jermod McCoy are still on the board. Day 2 prospects that I had flagged as potential choices for the 2nd or 3rd rounds who went in the first are Max Iheanachor OT ASU, and Keylan Rutledge G Georgia Tech, so they are off the board.

Round 2, pick #39 

Jermod McCoy CB Tennessee

is my first choice at 39. He's a holdover from my Day 1 selections/possibilities, so you can read what I said about him there. He is very unlikely to be available at 39.

Anthony Hill Jr LB Texas

is my 2nd choice at 39. An athletic linebacker who can play the Will or the Mike. Gets to the QB, while also having the range to track down opponents from sideline to sideline. Pro Bowl potential at the next level. With JOK likely done, This pick solidifies the 2nd level of the defense.

Chris Bell WR Louisville 

is my 3rd choice at 39. Bell was injured last year and missed much of the season. He's a large receiver with speed, excellent acceleration, and excellent hands. Reminding of Josh Gordon a bit, he's probably a boom or bust guy, but if he hits, he could be great.

Chris Brazzell WR Tennessee 

is my 4th choice at 39. Another receiver with ideal size, he can stretch the field, has good hands, and can separate. Would be a good addition to an undersized receiver room.

Emmanuel Pregnon G Oregon 

is my 5th choice at 39. Highly regarded Guard prospect who would start as a depth piece, and hopefully develop into a quality starter. He may not be available at 39.

Chase Bisontis OT Texas A&M What I said about Pregnon also applies to Bisontis. 


Round 3, pick #70 


Mike Washington Jr RB Arkansas  

is my first choice at 70. Quality RB depth with size, speed, quickness, vision, and athleticism to be an eventual high end starter. He may not be available at 70, and is very likely to be a very good running back at the next level.

Gennings Dunker OT Iowa 

is my 2nd choice at 70. A mauler with tons of attitude and aggression, he's a better run blocker than pass blocker, but could develop into a starting OT. At a minimum, excellent depth.
 
Antonio Williams WR Clemson 

is my 3rd choice at 70. A pure slot receiver, he is an excellent route runner with good hands. A bit sneaky, because his athleticism doesn't jump off the screen at you, but one of those solid, steady technicians who move the chains, and is likely to be a major contributor to an NFL Offense.

Connor Lew C Auburn

is my 4th choice at 70. It doesn't appear that Luke Wypler is in the Browns long-term plans, but depth at the position is still needed. Lew won't make any Pro Bowls, but is someone who can contribute as a depth piece. 

Ted Hurst WR GA St 

is my 5th choice at 70. Small school wideout with nice size and athleticism. A depth piece that should contribute.

Round 3, pick 74

I wouldn't have made the trade in which we acquired this pick, so I'm not going to make a pick here, but there will be "left-overs" from earlier picks that will give an indication of which way I would go.

Round 1 2026 Draft

Round 1, pick #6: 

Caleb Downs S OSU 

is my first choice. The Giants could pick him at 5, but I expect them to take Jeremiyah Love, if he hasn't gone yet. One thing is for certain...3 of these guys are going to be available when Cleveland picks, because we know that Mendoza, Reese, and Bailey are virtual locks to be selected before the Browns pick. The mocks are all over the place, although there's a *high* likelihood that Fano and Bain should be available at 6. I just saw a mock that has Arvell Reese falling to 6, and while I don't expect that to happen, I suppose I should put in the caveat that if Reese is on the board at 6, he would be my 3rd choice, after Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles.

So,..we need Offensive Line and Wide Receiver. Why am I drafting a defensive player? Because you win with elite talent. I evaluate Downs as a future Hall of Famer, barring catastrophic injury. There are a couple others that I think have a good probability of putting on a gold jacket, but Downs has the best odds. Caleb Downs has the best instincts in this class. Putting him at one of the Safety positions doesn't just strengthen the secondary, it strengthens all 3 levels of your defense, as Downs is very good against the run. Taking Downs doesn't mean you have to move on from Delpit or Hickman, as 3 Safety sets are becoming more common these days, and depth is always needed. We've got a guy with an extremely high football IQ on the defense already in Carson Schwesinger. Imagine a guy in the secondary with the same kind of high football IQ. Your defense goes from very good to exceptional. The Browns have to think outside the box, because "positional value" does not apply with this guy. He will make everyone better.

Sonny Styles LB OSU 

is my 2nd choice, only if Downs is off the board. Obviously, Styles is a physical freak, with the explosiveness and athleticism just jumping off the screen. He has the speed to chase down runners from sideline to sideline, and the coverage skills to effectively defend tight ends and backs catching the ball coming out of the backfield. He's a Swiss Army Knife at the 2nd level of the defense, and like Downs, he's a force multiplier. He'll improve the whole defense, not just the linebacker corps. I also think this guy could be devastating in blitz packages, and will be more successful at rushing the QB than he was at the collegiate level.

Jeremiyah Love RB ND 

is my 3rd choice at pick #6, only if Downs and Styles are no longer on the board. Jeremiyah Love is the most potent offensive weapon in this class, bar none. Remember, we're going for difference makers. Preferably Hall of Famers and Pro Bowlers. Barring injury, this guy is a lock. He's the best at running the ball, and he's also the best receiver out of the backfield. In fact, he may be better in open space than at the handoff. Why would I consider him when we have Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson? Well, Judkins suffered a serious injury last year, one that had him still in a walking boot in January, according to reports. There's no guarantee he'll fully recover from the injury, although that is hoped for and expected. Sampson is a complimentary, change-of-pace back, and doesn't really factor into my decision. If you draft Love, you may not need Sampson. Love is a threat to score every time he gets the ball. The offense needs explosive weapons. He's by far the best example of that in the draft. It isn't hard.

Carnell Tate WR OSU 

is my 4th choice at #6. Probably the 2nd best WR prospect in the draft, but the highest floor, and NFL ready from day one. Not a burner, but a great route runner, with exceptional hands and body control. While he might not be the type of receiver that would go at 6 in a better draft, which brings up value questions, Tate is still a bust-proof, elite receiver. I'm not certain that he's a true #1, but if he isn't, he's a high-end #2. And so, despite the glaring need at the position, I don't think the value equates, and the guys I have listed ahead of him are greater difference makers. Remember, you're drafting players for the next 10 years at he top of the draft, not just next season. As for the question of his production reflecting double coverage on Jeremiah Smith? Maybe. We'll see. That's why you have to watch the tape, see his game in action. I think he passes with flying colors. In a world where so many wide receivers are prima donnas and divas, Carnell stands out as a quality human being. He'll never be anything other than an asset to your team.

Rueben Bain ED Miami 

would be my 5th choice at #6. He's very likely to be available, but I don't think I'll have to go this deep in my pecking order. Every year, I always think I'd like to go for an Edge to take some of the pressure off Myles, and give the OC 'pick your poison' kind of choices. Bain is an elite pass rusher who will rack up the sacks at the next level. Forget about the arm length nonsense. He was great first step burst, and is very strong. His rushes generate power. He'll only get better as he improves his technique. In the Browns current situation, he's a bit of a luxury, but we all like luxury don't we?

Spencer Fano OT Utah 

would be my 6th choice at #6. He's incredibly versatile, able to play all positions on the OL, and had great production last year at Utah. He has excellent lateral movement and footwork, uses his hands well, and doesn't have a lot of reasons to be concerned. However, his size is not ideal. He doesn't have the ceiling of a Monroe Freeling, but he has a higher floor than the other OL prospects, and should not be a bust.

Round 1, pick #24: 

Olaivavega Ioane G PSU 

The best OL in the draft, with no real areas of concern. Plug & play, and watch him knock 'em down. Almost as good a prospect as Indianapolis' Guard Quenton Nelson, we would be exceedingly lucky to have him available at 24. He won't be, but I had to include him for the "what if?"

Jordyn Tyson WR ASU 

would be my 2nd choice at #24 if he's available. He won't be either. A couple weeks ago, I wasn't sure about his availability here, but teams are getting over his injury history, and rumors are circulating that he'll be the first receiver off the board. Barring that injury history, Tyson is the best WR 1 prospect in this draft, and would have been in play at 6 for me, were it not for that injury history. He is elite, and a legit 1, but he's been injured every season in college, and had a hamstring injury greatly impact his senior season. I'm just not convinced that that won't follow him to the NFL. Why wouldn't it? The injuries aren't an aberration, they're a pattern. The ceiling is high enough to risk it at 24, but not higher.

Makai Lemon WR USC 

would be my 3rd choice at #24. Tough as a receiver can be. Despite being undersized, he wins contested catches regularly. He can fight his way off the line, or through coverage. Great route runner, and great hands. This guy will be a Pro Bowl player at some point in his career. Will he still be available at 24? We'll see.

Monroe Freeling OT GA 

would be my 4th choice at 24. He's the single player I've seen mocked to the Browns, regardless of draft position. He ticks all the measurables. Great size and solid athleticism for the position. However, he lacks experience and needs a lot of work on technique. That's every rookie though, right? I wouldn't consider this guy at 6, but at 24, he's worth the risk.

Caleb Lomu OT Utah 

would be my 5th choice at 24. Versatile OT with a proven track record of production, excellent movement skills, and he's familiar with the left side. Not a giant, but he could develop into a star at the position. 

 

Jermod McCoy CB TN

My 6th choice at #24. Elite cornerback who should still be here at 24, due to not playing last year because of injury. Watch the tape. Assuming a full recovery, he's the best CB in this draft. Not one of our greatest needs, but they need to replace Martin Emerson, and this guy is better.

Denzel Boston WR Washington 

My 7th choice at #24. Hard to say with this guy. His ceiling is Mike Evans, but he's not a burner, and he isn't great at separation. Should be able to be developed into a #2, at a minimum.

Browns Draft 2026, Day 1

 The 2026 NFL Draft is upon us. Here's how I would like to see the Browns draft go. First, this draft is considered to be weaker, top to bottom, than most drafts. That doesn't mean there won't be top, top talent coming out of this draft. That doesn't mean that stars won't come out of the later rounds. What it means is the pool of blue chip blue chip talent is smaller than usual, and if you want to select blue chip talent (which you earned by sucking with both lips,) then trading down probably isn't a good idea. If you just want to upgrade your roster, especially at select positions such a Offensive Line and Wide Receiver, you can probably accomplish that and still trade down for more assets. 

Because the Browns are the Browns, I fully expect them to trade down. 

I would not do that. I would grab the top talent available. Therefore, I'm approaching this draft a little bit different than I usually do, and aim for value. However, not value in the sense that I turned my high picks into players who upgrade the roster, but fail to move the needle. No, I'm looking for greatness, and it is out there. 

Also, unlike other years, I intend to do an analysis of Andrew Berry's draft in the days following the draft in Pittsburgh. 

2025 Browns Draft, Rounds 4-7

4th Round, Pick 126  1) Bhayshul Tuten  RB Virginia Tech  2) Damien Martinez  RB Miami  3) Elic Ayomanor  WR Stanford  4) Jackson Slater OG Sacramento St  5) Lathan Ransom  S Ohio St

5th Round, Pick 166  1) Kobe King  ILB Penn St  2) Robert Longerbeam  CB Rutgers  3) Tyler Baron  Edge Miami

6th Round, Pick 192  1) Shemar James  LB Florida  1) Maxen Hook  S Toledo  3) Caleb Ransaw-n  CB Tulane

2025 Browns Draft, Rounds 2 & 3

 2nd round, Pick 33  1) Mike Green Edge Marshall  

We are on the clock, so I'm not going to make any alternate selections here. We'll probably trade out of the pick anyway. Mike Green isn't Abdul Carter, but should be a fine edge rusher to land at this point in the draft. Great bend and burst, with speed that should have him in the backfield on a regular basis. He was very productive last year, and could be a real steal here.

2nd round, Pick 36  1) Quinshon Judkins RB Ohio St  2) TreVeyon Henderson RB Ohio St  3) Luther Burden WR Texas  4) Will Johnson CB Michigan  

I would make sure that we come out of this draft with 2 Running Backs, and I'm going to take my first one here. It had been my intent to draft Omarion Hampton here, if he had fallen this far. He did not. Imo, Hampton is the best RB in the draft, but there are a lot of excellent RB prospects in this draft. I'm deciding between the 2 Ohio St RBs at this point, and Judkins is more of a bell cow. He can tote the rock, loves contact, and is hard to bring down. He's mainly a north-south runner, but he has some elusiveness to go along with that power. Judkins had a great combine, and showed off a high level of athleticism.  Henderson is a greater home run threat, has good speed and excellent hands. He's elusive, with nice start-stop ability, and can be patient and follow blocks. Excellent vision. However he's smaller than Judkins, a little older, and has had some trouble with the injury bug. With the size and speed of NFL defenders, I'm afraid he's going to be spending too much time on the sideline.

Luther Burden is another WR prospect that could have gone in the 1st. Great speed, which he can adjust as needed in the open field. Deep threat, and a top YAC threat.

Will Johnson is a 1st Round talent still sitting here in Round 2. Great size and athleticism for the position, and quick with excellent body control/hip mobility. Just as effective in zone or man. Has some injury history, which is really the only downside.

3rd Round, Pick 67  1) Jalen Milroe QB Alabama  2) Cam Skattebo RB Arizona St  3) Aireontae Ersery OT Minnesota  4)  Jayden Higgins WR Iowa St  5) Ozzy Trapilo OT Boston College  

Yes, Milroe is raw. He reminds me a little of Randall Cunningham when he first came into the league. He will need work, and patience, and drafting him here wouldn't stop me from drafting a top rated quarterback next year if we are in position to do so. However, I like prospects with a big upside, and Milroe's athleticism gives him the best chance of being that guy. His athleticism also raises his floor. He needs to learn improved accuracy, reading defenses, and pocket presence, but no quarterbacks come in as a finished product. 

I'm very happy that the Giants jumped into the late 1st Round and took Jaxson Dart, so the Browns couldn't make that mistake.

Cam Skattebo looks to me like the poor man's Christian McCaffrey. High motor, excellent receiver out of the backfield. Follows blocks well, and will be better than most scouts are expecting.

Aireontae Ersery  Great size and good athleticism for the position. Can develop into a starter.

Jayden Higgins has great size, a quick first step, good speed and separation. Contests 50-50 balls well.

Ozzy Trapilo is another large man with good athleticism for the position who can provide Offensive Line depth.

3rd Round, Pick 94  1) Harold Fannin TE Bowling Green   2) Miles Frazier  OG LSU  3) Marcus Mbow  OG Purdue  4) Demetrius Knight  LB South Carolina

Harold Fannin is an excellent receiver from the Tight End position. Moves well after the catch, and is a serviceable blocker.  He fills a need at this spot in the draft, while providing good value.

Miles Frazier is another large man who can provide needed OL depth. Has played other OL positions as well, so could add versatility.

Marcus Mbow played a lot of OT, but is projected to move inside at the NFL level. Another needed depth piece.

Demetrius Knight does everything reasonably well, and will provide depth in a relatively thin LB room.

Thoughts On The Browns 1st Round Maneuvers

I'm so infuriated at Berry trading out of 2, that I'm afraid a line has been crossed. Berry and Haslam need to be run out of town. The sooner the better. You win with *elite* talent, not just good players or warm bodies. And while Mason Graham is an excellent player, he is not a game changer. The 2 players in the draft that are most likely to be game changers were right there. All you had to do was choose one and turn in the card. This was such a Cleveland Browns move, and that's not a compliment.

Yes, I know Berry is trying to acquire 1st Round picks for next year, in order to have flexibility to make moves next year that will bring in a top quarterback prospect. All that is "if come." We don't have any idea where we'll be drafting next year. Plus, if you want to move up in a quality QB draft, you're going to have to have a partner to trade with that doesn't need a quarterback, and you're going to have to outbid the other teams that are desperate to land their franchise quarterback. So get ready for another 3 years with no first round pick. That all sounds very risky to me, and doesn't justify passing on a generational talent like Hunter. It reeks of the Julio Jones trade, which we apparently learned nothing from.

Browns Draft, Round 1, post 2

 These fucking idiots have traded out of 2. SMH. How does this make any sense? They're currently sitting at 5, and may trade out. If we stay at 5, I guess Mason Graham DT Michigan. JFC.

2025 Browns Draft, Round 1

 Back this year after a hiatus. Just couldn't work up the excitement without a 1st Round pick, but it's probably just as well. My target for the Browns in the 2nd Round in 2024 was Xavier Legette, WR South Carolina, who was a surprise selection of the Carolina Panthers in the 1st Round, and so wouldn't have been on the board when we picked. Likewise, my 2nd Round target in 2023 was Keeanu Benton, DT Wisconsin, who was taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2nd Round. We traded out of the 2nd and didn't make a selection until the 3rd, so another one we had no chance of drafting. So, with that said, let's move on to 2025!

1st Round, Pick 2   1) Travis Hunter WR Colorado 2) Abdul Carter Edge Penn St. I was all in on Carter from the time that we were slotted at #2, until this week. I think our defense would become a monster, with 2 of the top edge rushers in the league, which I see Carter becoming. His comp is Micah Parsons. Not just because he played at Penn St, but because he is a speed rusher with a similar body type, and has already shown the ability to rush the QB at an elite level. I think he's a can't miss prospect who will be selected to many Pro Bowls. Garrett and Carter would put unmatched pressure on the quarterback, and become the gold standard. The NFL is a copycat league, and the success the Browns D would have with that 2 headed monster would inspire many to try to emulate us. I would really love to select Abdul Carter here, but I've come off the pick. Why? Well, Travis Hunter is such a unique talent, and I'm not talking about him being a two-way player. His route running is top notch, his speed and elusiveness is special, but most of all, his feel for the game is almost unmatched. He is a generational talent. Who does he comp to? I can't really say. Can he be as good as Jamar Chase? I think he can. You can't take the chance on passing on this guy. You just can't.

2022 NFL Draft, Day 3

I'm going to make my selections based on the picks the Browns had coming into the draft, as I wouldn't have made that ridiculous trade and passed up the 2nd Round talent. To say that I'm disappointed in this year's draft would be a major understatement. My main objective for today is solving the Browns' problems with the kicking game.

 4th Round, Pick 118 - 1) Matt Araiza P AZ 2) Zyon McCollum CB Sam Houston St 3) Bailey Zappe QB Western Kentucky

6th Round, Pick 202 - 1) Cade York K LSU 2) Andrew Mevis K Iowa State 3) Cameron Dicker K Texas

7th Round, Pick 223 - 1) Grant Calcaterra TE SMU 2) Andrew Stueber G Michigan 3) Damone Clark LB LSU

7th Round, Pick 246 - 1) Britain Covey WR/KR Utah

2022 NFL Draft, Round 2 & Round 3

I wanted to get my Day 2 picks published before the Draft starts. I'll flesh it out later. It's very difficult to project who will be available when the Browns make their selections, as this is a very volatile draft. It's quite possible that none of my choices will still be available at hte time that the Browns go on the clock, especially for the 2 picks in Round 3. So far, all of my candidates have fallen to the 2nd Round. Needless to say, with the Browns not having a First Round pick, this is a less exciting year, but we can still add talent that will help the team.

My choices for Rounds 2 & 3:

2nd round, Pick 44 - 1) David Ojabo Edge Michigan 2) Travis Jones DT UConn 3) Cameron Thomas DE San Diego St 4) John Metchie III WR Alabama 5) Christian Watson WR North Dakota St. 6) Perrion Winfrey DT Oklahoma 7) Drake Jackson DE USC

3rd Round, Pick 78 - 1) John Metchie III WR Alabama 2) Logan Hall DL Houston 3) David Bell WR Purdue  4) Myjai Sanders Edge Cincinnatti

3rd Round, Pick 99 - 1) Troy Andersen LB Montana St 2) Channing Tindall LB Georgia 3) Cam Taylor-Britt CB Nebraska 4) Nick Bonitto Edge/OLB Oklahoma 5) Isaiah Spiller RB Texas A&M

Cleanup On Aisle 21

 I never came back and posted which of my picks from 2021 were actually on the board when the Browns made their picks, and after figuring it out, it was not pretty. Most of the players I was targeting first in a particular round came off the board by the time the Browns pick came up.

Here's how it sorted out:

Round 1 / No. 26: (LB Zaven Collins, Tulsa) LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame

Round 2 / No. 59: DE Joseph Ossai, Texas

Round 3 / No. 89: (DT Milton Williams, Louisiana Tech) CB  Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse

Round 3 / No. 91 (from Saints): (LB Chazz Surratt , North Carolina) LB Jabril Cox, LSU

Round 4 / No. 110 (from Eagles): (CB Benjamin St-Juste, Minnesota) OL Deonte Brown, Alabama  6'3"

Round 4 / No. 132: DE Joshua Kaindoh, Florida St.

Round 5 / No. 169 (from Rams): (S Divine Deablo, Virginia Tech) S Trill Williams, Syracuse

Round 6 / No. 211: (S Darrick Forrest, Cincinnati)  Not On Board

Round 7 / No. 257 (from Bills): K Jose Borregales, Miami

2 LB, 2 DE, CB, OL, S, K

The names in parentheses are my original selections for those rounds, followed by names not in parentheses of my alternate choices who were available when the Browns selected their picks. For the 6th Round, neither my original choice, nor my alternates were on the board. Since I originally had 2 Kicker options for Round 7, and one was already taken by the Bengals, there was no one to bump up to Round 6, leaving the slot blank. 😒

There's no doubt that Andrew Berry had a much better Draft than I had, but in all fairness, he's making picks as the Draft comes to him, and I'm doing it all at once. Also, there was no way to reasonably predict JOK's slide into the 2nd Round.

Rounds 2 Through 7

 

                                                          Rounds Two & Three

Round 2 / Pick Number 59

1) DE Joseph Ossai, Texas  6'3 5/8"  256  4.65/40  A Young pass rusher / edge defender who's a bit undersized but is only scratching the surface of his potential. Great upside. Might not contribute a lot right away, but could develop into a star. I don't think he will be on the board at 59.

2) S Andre Cisco, Syracuse  6'0"  209 lbs  Playmaker with excellent ball skills. Plays without control at times, and can give up the big play. Coaching needed, but the raw material is there for an excellent playmaking safety. Like most that I favor, a lot of upside. He should be available at 59.

3) CB  Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse  6'2 1/2" 205 lbs  4.48/40  Ideal Cornerback body. Does all aspects well, but not the elite player that the top corners are. Will likely go early in the 2nd, and not available at 59.

4) LB Jabril Cox, LSU  6'3 1/8"  232 lbs  Top coverage linebacker in the draft. Needs work on run defense and attacking the quarterback. Likely a situational player. 50-50 he'll be on the board at 59.

5) C Quinn Meinerz, Wisconsin-Whitewater 6'3"  320 lbs  4.86/40  Athletic AF center from a small school. Great upside, and probably not there at 59.

Round 3 / Picks 89 & 91

1) DT Milton Williams, Louisiana Tech  6'3"  284 lbs  4.62/40  Undersized but very athletic Defensive Tackle. Could develop into a top penetrator in the middle of the line. May not be on the board at 89.

2) LB Chazz Surratt , North Carolina  6'2 1/8"  229 lbs  4.58/40  Smallish, fast linebacker. Developmental player with some upside. May not be on the board at 91.

3) OG Ben Cleveland, Georgia  6'6"  354 lbs  5.05/40  Offensive Line depth that might be able to start in a couple years. 50-50 that he's still there when we pick.

4) OL Deonte Brown, Alabama  6'3"  344 lbs  5.45/40  Offensive Line depth. Should be on the board at 89 or 91.

5) S Jamar Johnson, Indiana  6'2"  205 lbs  4.58/40  Solid safety. Does everything reasonably well. Probably gone by 89-91.

                                                     Rounds Four, Five, Six & Seven

Round 4 / Picks 110 & 132

1) CB Benjamin St-Juste, Minnesota  6'3"  202 lbs  4.51/40  Cornerback with size. Not a burner, but plays the ball and receiver well.

 

2) DE Joshua Kaindoh, Florida St.  6'5 3/4" 260 lbs 4.70/40  Former 5 star recruit that has battled injuries his entire college career. Boom or bust pick.

3) S Divine Deablo, Virginia Tech  6'3"  226 lbs  4.42/40  Big safety who can play some linebacker. Lots of upside, but will need time and polish. I've seen him mocked anywhere between the 3rd and 5th rounds.

4) DE Jordan Smith, UAB  6'6"  264 lbs  4.79/40  Big Edge defender with upside. Raw, developmental player.

5) CB Shaun Wade, Ohio State  6'5/8"  196 lbs  4.43/40  Athletic. Terrible ball skills. Can play the slot. Will need a lot of coaching.

Round 5 / Pick 169

1) S Divine Deablo, Virginia Tech  6'3"  226 lbs  4.42/40  See above.

2) CB Shaun Wade, Ohio State  6'5/8"  196 lbs  4.43/40  See above. He may fall this far, so...

3) S Trill Williams, Syracuse  6'2"  198 lbs  4.42/40  Another Syracuse DB with upside that needs development. Could be long gone by 169.

Round 6 / Pick 211

1) S Darrick Forrest, Cincinnati  5'11 1/2"  206 lbs  4.42/40  Safety / Special Teams depth. Good value at this point in the draft.

2) DT Tedarrell Slaton, Florida  6'4"  330 lbs  5.09/40  Big defensive line depth. Probably would be a practice squad guy.

Round 7 / Pick 257

1) K Jose Borregales, Miami  We need to draft a kicker in case Cody Parkey goes Cody Parkey on us. He's the top kicker in the draft and probably won't be there this close to the end of the draft.

2) K Evan McPherson, Florida  This one may be more realistic.

Needless to say, if someone who was a secondary choice in the previous round is still on the board in a round, they take precedence over the players I listed for that round. I repeated a couple guys in Rounds 4 & 5 due to the difficulty in guessing which round they'll be drafted in.

Looking at the mocks, it's looking like the Cardinals may have their eyes on Zaven Collins. :-(  Enough have mocked that in the last few days (and only the last few days,) that I have to wonder if they have inside information.

Round 1 / Pick Number 26

 

                                                            Round One

Let's take a look at Round 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft. It's possible that my top choice will be off the board when we pick, so alternate choices need to be named, in case of that eventuality.

1) LB Zaven Collins, Tulsa  6'5"  259 lbs  4.67/40  This guy is an athletic freak. Great size, speed and instincts. He is a playmaker, and would add elite talent to our Linebacker corps. Is he a finished product? No, none of these guys are. Zaven represents the highest ceiling among players likely to be on the board when the Browns pick at 26. He's a 3 down player, being excellent in coverage. He also can put pressure on the QB, takes good angles on running backs, and has enough speed to make up for mistakes. He's the kind of player that an OC has to scheme for, and can disrupt an offense like few others in this draft. I think that he will turn out to be a Top 10 player from this draft, looking back, and will be a perennial Pro Bowl selection, giving us elite talent at all 3 levels of our defense. He's been comped to Brian Urlacher, but I think he's more fluid. Definitely my choice in the first round for the Browns, and I expect him to be available at 26.

2) LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame  6'1 1/2" 221 lbs  He's undersized, but fast, smart, and fierce. This guy is a heat seeking missile. His speed allows him to cover a lot of area, and he also excels at several phases of the game. He's a quality coverage guy, good against the run, and can get to the quarterback. If the Browns end up taking him, I'll still be thrilled. I do not think that he will be on the board at 26.

3) LB Jamin Davis, Kentucky  6'3 1/2" 234 lbs  4.47/40  Another very athletic guy, he's a bit more raw than the above 2, but like them, has a very high ceiling. Potential to be a big-time disruptor in the middle of the Browns defense. I think picking Jamin carries a little more risk than some of the others, but the upside makes it a risk worth taking. I won't be disappointed if he is our pick. I expect him to be available at 26.

4) DT Christian Barmore, Alabama  6'4 1/8" 310 lbs  4.93/40  This guy destroyed my Buckeyes in the NC title game, and was initially my choice at 26, after I decided that the defensive ends all carried flaws that were a bigger risk than I would want to take at 26. Barmore is a man. Way faster than anyone his size has a right to be, with good technique to be an excellent penetrator and pressure the QB from the middle of the line. Not consistent, and not always motivated, but he's someone I expect to be a force at the next level. I won't be disappointed if he is our pick. 50-50 that he'll be available at 26.

5) LB Azeez Ojulari, Georgia  6'2"  249 lbs  4.60/40  Can set the edge well, and is strong against the run. Has the speed to develop into an excellent pass rusher. I see him more as an OLB in a 3-4 though, and so not an ideal fit for the Browns. Can become a star in the right system. 50-50 that he'll be available at 26.

6) CB Greg Newsome, Northwestern  6'0"  192 lbs  4.37/40  Doesn't jump off the screen at you, but when the game's over, you notice that he didn't give up catches or yardage. I don't think that Greedy Williams can be counted on as the answer at CB opposite Ward, who himself has durability issues. Newsome would be a nice pick, but I don't think he'll be on the board at 26.

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7) S Trevon Moehrig, TCU  6'1"  202 lbs  4.50/40  Excellent safety prospect, reminds me a lot of Earl Thomas, and having had an Achilles injury, there's no guarantee that Grant Delpit will ever be as good as he might have been had that injury never happened. Still, I'm planning on safety depth down draft, and would prefer not to use my first pick on that position. I do think Moehrig will be available at 26.

8) DE Jaelan Phillips, Miami (FL)  6'5 1/2" 260 lbs  4.58/40  Solid pass rusher in college, and a good football player period. Is a risk due to concussion history, and may have a shorter career than the other guys in this list. Also, he plays a premium position as a Defensive End, but like the other edge rushers in this draft, he's slotted towards the back half of the first round. Elite talents at that position go Top 5. There's a reason that none of the Edge rushers in this draft are expected to go that high. All have flaws, and many have relatively high floors but relatively low ceilings. I don't expect any of the DEs from this draft to become dominant at their position, and that is why, despite it being the Browns number 1 need, I'm not using a first round pick on any of these guys. I do think Jaelan Phillips will be on the board at 26, and I predict that he will be the first round pick of the Cleveland Browns. I will be mildly disappointed.

9) LB Nick Bolton, Missouri 5'11 1/8"  237 lbs  4.59/40  A tackling machine, but not a big-time playmaker. We've had guys like that before. We need a disruptor. Will likely be on the board at 26.

My top 3 picks are Linebackers, but I didn't approach this draft targeting Linebacker as the top position I'd want to address. My first choice would have been to draft a Defensive End. The crop of DEs in this draft are probably serviceable, but not elite. I think we have a chance to get an elite, Pro Bowl level talent at 26, and you win with elite talent. Food for thought: What if Caleb Farley's back surgeries cause him to tumble all the way down to him still being on the board at 26? I would really have to consider it if he checks out well with our medical staff. He's the best CB in the draft at playing the ball in the air. Elite talent. He would be excellent value at a needed position, and for me, it would come down to Farley or Collins. I would probably still go Collins, but oh that would be an interesting situation to have to consider. (I don't think Farley will drop that far.)

Cleveland Browns Draft 2021

 

If I were the Browns GM, and the guys who I think will be available when we pick are available, my 2021 Browns Draft would look like this:

Round 1 / No. 26: LB Zaven Collins, Tulsa

Round 2 / No. 59: DE Joseph Ossai, Texas

Round 3 / No. 89: DT Milton Williams, Louisiana Tech 

Round 3 / No. 91 (from Saints): LB Chazz Surratt , North Carolina

Round 4 / No. 110 (from Eagles): CB Benjamin St-Juste, Minnesota

Round 4 / No. 132: DE Joshua Kaindoh, Florida St.

Round 5 / No. 169 (from Rams): S Divine Deablo, Virginia Tech

Round 6 / No. 211: S Darrick Forrest, Cincinnati

Round 7 / No. 257 (from Bills): K Jose Borregales, Miami

Almost entirely centered on the Defense, some of these guys would start and some would add depth. I would be using this draft to try to shore up the Defense and Special Teams, understanding that some of the guys at the bottom of my draft would likely be placed on the Practice Squad. It's heavy on the secondary because our defensive coaches say they want to play a 4-2-5 Defense much of the time, and also because these guys are athletic and would translate well to Special Teams. It's very unlikely that I would be willing to trade any of my picks in order to move up in any round. This is a draft where I'd stand pat. As for who I would take if the above are not available at those selections in the Draft, I'll address that in the coming days leading up to the First Round on Thursday.

2020 Browns Draft Day 3

Obviously, I'm quite pleased with the selection of Grant Delpit in the 2nd Round. I'm (much) less enthused with our 3rd Round picks. I expect that our two 3rd Round picks are going to be depth and/or Special Teams, and while you need that, the 3rd Round is too early to be drafting for those particular needs.

Anyway, onward.

Round 4  (115)

I don't think he'll be available at 115, and I didn't have him in my picks yesterday because I didn't think he would be on the board when the Browns picked. But, there he is, so...

Akeem Davis-Gaither LB Appalachian St.
Michael Divinity, LB LSU

Davis-Gaither could turn out to be a play maker, and would be excellent value at this point in the draft. Divinity has issues, but also has talent. He would admittedly be a gamble.


Round 5  (160)

We're at the "let's try to catch lightning in a bottle" phase of the draft, so a receiver with size from a small school fits that description nicely. Yes, not a position of great need, but defensive depth/Special Teams can be added to with UFAs. I'd rather try and draft someone who might develop into a weapon. He should be useful in the Red Zone, at a minimum, with his 6' 4" height.

Antonio Gandy-Golden  WR Liberty


Round 6  (187)

Well, I don't expect him to set the world on fire, but he'll be a solid, sneaky possession receiver who will give depth to the receiving corps. and represent excellent value at this point in the draft.

Austin Mack WR Ohio St

2020 Browns Draft 3rd Round

Talent thinning a bit. Our biggest need is Linebacker, but there may not be any future stars at the position still on the board. It wasn't a great Linebacker draft to start with. We have 2 picks in this round, at 74 and 97. The guys on my board for this round are:

1) Adam Trautman TE Dayton
2) Jabari Zuniga DE Florida
3) Michael Divinity, LB, LSU

Hopefully, 2 of these guys will be available when the Browns make their 2 picks. While TE is not a pressing need, I'm going Best Player Available. Trautman could be a star. I correctly identified Travis Kelce, and wouldn't we love to have him?

2020 Browns Draft 2nd Round

My first choice for our pick at no. 41 is Grant Delpit S LSU. Nice size, quality program & opposition. Plays both the pass and run well. If he's gone, I'd go with Marlon Davidson DL Auburn. A quality player who fills a need. If both are gone, I'd go with Antoine Winfield Jr S Minnesota. Has some issues, but can play at a high level and again, fills a position of need.

The 2020 Browns Draft

Well, John Dorsey is gone, and the analytics crowd appears to have increased influence. We'll see what that brings us. Dorsey has left us in better shape than he found us, and the main holes on the team appear to be at OL (especially OT,) Safety and Linebacker. The Browns are slated to pick at No. 10 overall, and should be able to well address a major need from that position.

I'm somewhat torn on what to do here. There are 4 or more potentially elite Offensive Tackles, and at least one of them is certain to be there at 10. The safe pick would be to take one of those Tackles, and shore up Baker's left side for the foreseeable future. However, there's a wrinkle here. If the Browns were to acquire OT Trent Williams from Washington, they could use the pick on another position, and still address their main Offensive Line need. So what to do?

My choice would have been to take Andrew Thomas OT Georgia at 10. Normally, I would go with the player with the highest ceiling, and at OT, I think that's Mekhi Becton OT Louisville in this draft. However, he's 6' 7" tall, and my Quarterback is a little over 6' 00". I don't see that as a good fit. Thomas has excellent footwork, excellent character, and has played against top competition. Well, apparently the New York Giants agreed with me, because they just took Thomas at 4. So, should I roll the dice and pick Becton? I won't be angry if they do, but...I'm going to roll the dice and try to acquire Trent Williams from Washington. I won't give up a 2nd round pick for him, and I know I'm going to have to pay him handsomely. I also think he's an injury risk, so this is fraught with peril. He may only have 3 solid years left. But if I can get him for a 3rd and a 5th, I'll give it a shot. And with the 10th pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select...

1) Henry Ruggs WR Alabama

Even if Isaiah Simmons is on the board. Ruggs can fly, and has huge potential. Put him opposite OBJ, with Jarvis Landry in the slot, and the amount of pressure you can put on a defense is off the charts. I know we have Defensive needs. There's still 6 more rounds to go...

Great pick by Dorsey in the 2nd Round. Don't have a problem with it. Obviously, if Winovich is still there when we pick in the 3rd, he's my choice. If not, Yodny Cajuste t West Virginia would be a solid pick.

The 2019 Browns Draft

Well, we finally have a GM who knows what he's doing. At some point I may write a review of the 2018 & 2019 Browns drafts. This year's edition of how I would approach the draft is going to be short and sweet, as I have not had the time to scout later round picks.

We still have a few positions that need shoring up, and of course depth and special teams are always a need. I wasn't in favor of trading future assets to move back into the 1st Round, and thankfully John Dorsey apparently wasn't either. I had one of 3 players targeted for the 2nd Round pick, currently #49. They are Jeffery Simmons DT Mississippi St, Chase Winovich LB Michigan, and Parris Campbell WR Ohio St, in that order. Simmons is already off the board, and all the mocks I've seen close to the draft have all 3 of these guys off the board by the time the Browns make their pick at #49. Since some of the selections this year are not likely to make the team, I would package some picks to try and move up earlier in the 2nd Round. It should be doable. Beyond that, I would target Matt Gay K Utah with one of the lower round picks. I'd even go as high as 5th Round if necessary. We need to fix that position, and this guy represents a fairly safe option to do so.