Browns mock draft: Buying and selling round after signing a beginning veteran QB

With simply 4 groups left within the NFL playoffs, a overwhelming majority of groups are the place the Cleveland Browns have been for some time: Offseason preparations. As we have a look at choices for the Browns to make use of at #2 within the upcoming NFL draft, you will need to keep in mind that NFL free company comes first which makes mock drafts much more unlikely to foretell the long run.

Given the rumors that we’ve shared about Cleveland’s plan across the offense, it was attention-grabbing to take a look at final season’s high quality quarterback play and the place these QBs had been chosen of their NFL drafts. Quarterback will not be the one place that deserves consideration from the Browns with DE Abdul Carter and RB Ashton Jeanty amongst prospects that may very well be chosen within the prime 5 or ten picks within the upcoming draft.

Including a couple of champions off The Ohio State Buckeyes would even be a pleasant strategy to go for Cleveland this 12 months.

For this week’s Browns mock draft, we’re assuming that the workforce indicators veteran QB Kirk Cousins after he’s seemingly launched from the Atlanta Falcons. Whereas Cousins didn’t play effectively final season, one other 12 months faraway from his Achilles surgical procedure and a return to a system that he has mastered ought to present the workforce with high quality play for a 12 months or two.

Having the veteran starter in place allowed for lots of flexibility however we went into the mock with the plan of constructing positive we acquired one of many prime three quarterbacks within the class.

We used Professional Soccer Focus’ Mock Draft Simulator for at present’s Mock Draft:

Commerce

Cleveland Browns obtain: Picks #7, 42, 145 and 2026 1st rounderNew York Jets obtain: Picks, #2, 217 and 257

The Jets are an undiscussed workforce for a trade-up. Whereas falling to seven is regarding, this draft class could have at the least one or two gamers there that the Browns will love and need to be drafted that prime. The additional second this 12 months and first subsequent 12 months additionally present some flexibility.

1st Spherical – Decide #7

OT Will Campbell, LSU

Whereas Dawand Jones and Jack Conklin may begin subsequent season, having the highest deal with out there right here offers Cleveland with choices at a significant place. CB Will Johnson was the opposite choice right here.

Commerce

Cleveland Browns obtain: Decide #18Seattle Seahawks obtain: Picks #33, 102, 165 and 2026 third rounder

At this level, transferring up 15 spots with out giving up a excessive decide and nonetheless having a second this 12 months and an additional first subsequent 12 months is a steal of a deal. The Seahawks may very well be in rebuilding mode the place additional picks are extra priceless than a middle-of-the-first choice.

1st Spherical – Decide #18

QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama

Followers are understandably involved about banking on Milroe however giving him at the least a 12 months, and, hopefully, two, to develop is significant. The Browns nonetheless have two first-round picks subsequent 12 months in the event that they resolve they should deal with the place once more however growing a hyper athlete who’s a tough employee makes a ton of sense, particularly with Tommy Rees’ expertise with Milroe.

2nd Spherical

S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame

Watts jumped off the web page within the Nationwide Title sport and helps improve the defensive secondary along with his versatility.

third Spherical

RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State

The extra explosive of the 2 Buckeye backs, Henderson may also help present a 1-2 punch in Cleveland’s backfield.

DE Sai’vion Jones, LSU

Any and all assistance on the strains might be thought of a constructive given the route of the NFL. Whereas Isaiah McGuire and Alex Wright are high quality depth items, the Browns can use extra.

fifth Spherical

OL Seth McLaughlin, Ohio State

Top-of-the-line facilities in faculty final 12 months, McLaughlin falls a bit as a result of his harm that ended his season and, seemingly, being solely a middle on the NFL stage. He and Luke Wypler present Cleveland with depth and insurance coverage behind Ethan Pocic with one more likely to begin in 2026.

sixth Spherical

QB Jaxson Dart, Mississippi

As soon as we get to the late rounds, we’re throwing darts. On this case, our dart landed on Dart. Whereas social media appears to have fallen in love with the Mississippi QB, PFF and others are nonetheless very low on his upside. A QB room of Cousins, Milroe and Dart offers the Browns a little bit little bit of every little thing they may want.

LB Gaethan Bernadel, Stanford

Particular groups and potential are keys late within the draft with Bernadel serving to an space on the workforce with little depth at this level.

DL Ty Robinson, Nebraska

Once more, any addition to the defensive position goes to be useful. Robinson has some flexibility in his function.

CB Mac McWilliams, UCF

GM Andrew Berry is probably going so as to add one other cornerback, or two, each draft with McWilliams capable of assistance on particular groups and, seemingly, as a slot nook.

seventh Spherical

DL Thor Griffith, Louisville

We throw darts late whereas Thor throws a hammer (sorry, a giant Marvel fan right here). Very similar to Jowon Biggs final 12 months, including a late-round huge man can typically repay.

You’ll be able to see your entire mock draft under in addition to PFF’s grades for every decide. Clearly they’re much decrease on Milroe than the place we chosen him however that might change once we get to the NFL mix.

What do you consider including Cousins, our two trades and the ultimate haul (which features a 2026 1st spherical decide)?