Another week has gone by and it’s time for another mock draft. Since my last mock, GM Andrew Berry completed the quarterback room with the signing of Josh Dobbs and re-signed safety Ronnie Harrison and Kicker Chase McLaughlin. All three moves make perfect sense. Dobbs is the perfect third-string quarterback, Harrison already knows the system and McLaughlin is protected if the draft and the UDFA don’t work out in signing a kicker. In this week’s mock, I’ll again be using the draft simulator from https://thedraftnetwork.com/, as well as player analysis from their talented staff. Again, this week I’m assuming the Browns will sign a defensive end, (Clowney) a defensive tackle (Sheldon Day) and possibly a veteran wide receiver (no clue at this point). Let’s go.
Pick Number 44. George Pickens, WR, Georgia. The wide receiver position still hasn’t been addressed in free agency so why not. “He is sudden off the line of scrimmage and quickly closes the DB’s cushion. He is fluid and shows good body control as a route-runner, easily attacking leverage against man coverage. He has a very good catch radius and shows tremendous athleticism to contort his body and make difficult catches on off-target throws. He is a natural hands-catcher with strong mitts who easily catches the ball away from his body. He is a matchup problem in slant/fade situations.”-Drae Harris, TDN.
Pick Number 78. Nik Bonitto, Edge, Oklahoma. Even though I have Clowney re-signing, Youth is needed for the future. “Bonitto aligns as an EDGE, playing out of a two-point stance in the Sooner’s multiple-front scheme. He is an undersized defender but offers outstanding overall athleticism for the position. As a pass rusher, Bonitto wins with speed, quickness, body control, and bend. He has excellent get-off to gain the edge and has flexibility in his ankles to bend tight angles.”– TDN Staff.
Pick Number 99. Jeremy Ruckert, The Ohio State. The perfect time in this draft to draft a tight end and the perfect TE to draft. “Ohio State tight end Jeremy Ruckert projects as a viable threat in an NFL passing game. Ruckert’s development as the primary tight end for the Buckeyes has spanned over several seasons—he’s been an enticing complementary piece of the puzzle but never someone who was asked to serve in a starring role as a pass-catcher.”– Kyle Crabbs, TDN.
Pick Number 118. Otito Ogbomia, IDL, UCLA. The Browns need some new blood at defensive tackle to push the current players on the roaster. “Otito Ogbonnia is a senior who aligns as an IDL for the Bruins’ hybrid-like defense. He has been shaded over the center, aligned in a “0,” and also aligned in a 5-tech. He is a sufficient-level athlete with regards to lateral movement and mobility. In the passing game, he is predominantly a bull rusher who lacks an array of tools in his pass-rush arsenal. He can adequately loop or stunt but doesn’t generate consistent pressure on passing downs. In the run game, he is more effective.”– Drae Harris, TDN.
Pick Number 202. Nick Grant, Safety, Virginia. Even though the Browns resigned Harrison, his play in 2021 was average at best and that’s being kind. “Grant became a three-year starter at Virginia. A safety/corner hybrid for the Cavaliers, I like him best as a safety at the next level, but some zone-heavy teams may see an option at cornerback. Grant is a sound processor with timely responses, and he plays with urgency. I love his ability to trigger from deep alignments and play of contact in pursuit. In coverage, he understands how to space the field, take good angles, anticipate routes well, and has the ability to be disruptive at the catch point.”– Joe Marino, TDN.
Pick Number 223. Luke Goedeke, OT Central Michigan. You can never have enough offensive linemen, especially versatile ones. “Central Michigan offensive lineman Luke Goedeke projects as a quality depth option and a possible utility offensive lineman at the next level. A starting right tackle for the Chippewas, Goedeke made a triumphant return from a knee injury that cost him his entire 2020 season—an injury that required surgery. Despite the fact that he’s played right tackle for Central Michigan, I would be more comfortable with him in the pro game serving as an interior offensive lineman.“- Kyle Crabbs, TDN.
Pick Number 246. Neil Farrell, Jr. IDL LSU. GM Andrew Berry loves to stock the trenches with talent. “Neil Farrell Jr. is a senior defensive lineman for the LSU Tigers. As a Tiger, Farrell has spent most of his career as a rotational player. This past year was Farrell’s first year being a consistent starter and his production matched. Farrell finished the year with more than 40 tackles. As an interior defensive lineman, Farrell showcases good athleticism and can beat offensive linemen with his quick first step. Farrell also shows that he has the functional athleticism to flow sideline to sideline.”– TDN Staff.
In my second mock draft, I tended to lean towards the power-five schools. This Browns front office has shown in the past two years they seem to lean the same way as well. As always, tell me what you think. Browns fans are always the most knowledgeable and opinionated when it comes to the NFL draft.