Browns 7-Round Mock Draft, Ver. 1: Attempting to Sustain, Future Proof the Roster

With the trade for Elijah Moore complete, my first snapshot of how the 2023 NFL Draft could play out for the Cleveland Browns.

Pete Smith | Mar 27, 2023

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Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns aren't done in free agency, but the moves they've already made in addition to the trade for wide receiver Elijah Moore provide plenty of direction in terms of projecting what they might do in the upcoming NFL Draft. That trade with the New York Jets, now slated to pick 74th, opens up the options for the Browns in the draft.

The Browns should still be working toward signing a starting caliber three-tech defensive tackle as well as a capable veteran safety for depth. They might also want to sign another pure edge rusher to bolster their rotation. They will make some other moves along the way, but those are the obvious holes remaining to be addressed.

This is the first mock draft I've done this year in no small part because my expectation was that the Browns were going to move off of 42nd pick, whether to add a player now or in an effort to add assets for the future. It's convenient the move was made a month ahead of the NFL Draft because it allows more thoughtful speculation about what they could do with the picks they have now. Contrast that against last year where they traded down the day of the draft only a few hours until they made the first selection.

As always, the goal is to explore and identify prospects that will be targets of the Browns based on the trends under Andrew Berry both as GM as well as when he was working under Executive Vice President Sashi Brown and what the coaching staff appears to want relative to their schemes.

Undoubtedly, depending on which sets of rankings one subscribes, some of these picks may look impossible. Additionally, there will be players that earlier than some might expect. It's a best guess at what might be possible with a focus on players that look appealing for what the Browns want to do.

74. Keeanu Benton, DT Wisconsin

There's probably a world where the Browns would feel comfortable letting Jordan Elliott be the backup nose, hoping to finally realize the potential he had when they drafted him. In that scenario, the Browns love Elliott's potential pass rush viability from the nose and come to the conclusion that if Dalvin Tomlinson gets injured, they are going to have to sign a veteran off the street.

This is not that world and the Browns grab another nose in Benton, who might be the organization's dream scenario with this selection. Nose tackles are difficult to project and so often end up going later than anticipated. Look no further than last year when Travis Jones was expected to go late first, early second round with production, an absurd athletic profile and dominated the Senior Bowl field only to be drafted by the Baltimore Ravens 76th overall in the third round.

Some teams may view Benton as more of a three akin to B.J. Hill of the Cincinnati Bengals, which could open up the number of teams that target him, though it's worth Hill was also a third round pick, selected 69th overall by the New York Giants in the 2018 NFL Draft.

For the Browns and what defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz wants to do, Benton offers some versatility if they want to play bigger against a particular opponent or situation, but he's a base nose.

As a run defender trying to take on blocks, the key for him is pad level. Benton flashes the power to disrupt double teams and dominate the point of attack, but it can be hit and miss. More often, he's winning with angles, hustle and notable balance. When his pad level drifts, he can run into some problems, but the fact he doesn't end up on the ground much allows him to stay alive and find a way into the play. This is an area where Benton will need to continue to improve if he's gong to become a starter.

The part that stands out to the Browns is Benton's ability to get into the backfield. Benton is explosive off the ball and has quick hands that can enable immediate penetration and allow him to blow up runs or put pressure on the quarterback. This is something the Browns always seek on the defensive line which could make it a great fit with Schwartz. Benton is also someone that can be great for stunting, which is likely to be a fixture within Schwartz's defensive scheme, creating more opportunities for him to make plays.

Tomlinson's contract basically runs two years, so Benton could be a valuable role player with the goal of becoming the long term starter in year three.

98. Cartavius Bigsby, RB Auburn

As much as the Browns aren't in a hurry to move on from Nick Chubb, they need to start preparing for that inevitability. Additionally, this running back class is outstanding and grabbing a talented player this year could further add to the Browns offensive attack.

Tank Bigsby played in a mediocre Auburn offense this year against one of the most hellish schedules in the country and was still able to thrive. Bigsby led the team in receptions with 30 and even some of those were on toss sweeps, which is an indication just how limited the team was on that side of the ball. That put more of the onus on the offense on Bigsby when the opponent knew he was coming.

Bigsby stands out purely in the number of ways he can win as a ball carrier. He can run with power and finishes runs going forward and flashes an effective stiff arm, but he will stick his foot in the ground or make a jump cut and leave defenders grasping at air. According to PFF, Bigsby generated 4.16 yards after contact per attempt, a statistic that Chubb has routinely dominated in the NFL. Of Bigby's 970 rushing yards in 2022, 76 percent of them came after contact.

Consistently facing seven and eight man boxes, several touches per game are immediately a fire drill for Bigsby with defenders getting penetration. Often tasked with trying to make something out of nothing, Bigsby has his share of successes in the process and has developed notable survival instincts. When plays work as intended, Bigsby's explosive speed is apparent. His acceleration is impressive and he's able to get to the second level of the defense quickly.

Bigsby was not asked to do much in terms of a route tree. Beyond some toss sweeps, he's often a check down option or flat and arrow routes with the occasional screen or wheel mixed in. Still, when he's thrown the ball, he catches it and is able to transition to run after the catch smoothly to create yardage. Whether he can develop into a more dynamic receiving threat in the NFL remains to be seen, but he can contribute as a pass catcher.

Bigsby can get impatient when he's not finding success and try to force things that aren't there. Additionally, he has a habit of carrying the ball loose and has had his share of fumbles as a result.

Nevertheless, the talent with Bigsby is obvious as is his potential fit with the Browns. In a more spread out offense with what the Browns expect to be excellent quarterback play from Deshaun Watson, Bigsby could feast on lighter boxes and potentially be a better back in the NFL than he was in college.

111. Colby Wooden, DL Auburn

Given their dogged pursuit of Dre'Mont Jones in free agency, the Browns may want someone who has similar characteristics that can straddle the line between playing the 5 and the 3 that would thrive off of movement and slanting. Enter Colby Wooden, who has played an extensive amount of reps up and down the line with a heavy emphasis inside.

Wooden is not a particularly flashy player and isn't as dynamic a pass rusher as the Browns have often targeted, but he's been consistently productive at Auburn. Wooden is a player that just does so much correctly. helping to create plays for teammates as well as himself.

What immediately stands out is Wooden's hand strength. He's got a powerful punch and despite often giving up a ton of weight to opposing blockers, is able to hold his own or drive blockers into the backfield. Unquestionably, there are times when he will get moved off the ball and he's been taken on his share of rides against double teams, but he's a better interior run defender than one might expect.

Those hands are Wooden's best asset when it comes to rushing the passer as well. His punch can be devastating and when he's able to get hands on the opponent, he can drive them into the backfield. Wooden will also slip his share of blocks or create immediate penetration. Combined with a fast get off, Wooden can put opposing blockers at an immediate disadvantage.

Wooden has many of the characteristics that Isaiah Thomas did coming out of Oklahoma last year when the Browns selected him in the seventh round. Put him anywhere on the front and he's going to do his job. He's reliable. Wooden is highly regarded at Auburn with the program telling anyone who will listen about his relentless work ethic and competitiveness.

It shouldn't take much for Wooden to get up to 285 or 290 lbs and be a versatile defensive lineman with a chance to become a fixture in Jim Schwartz's front.

126. Jakorian Bennett, CB Maryland

The Browns could use a more permanent answer to be able to play in the slot and this draft class is absolutely loaded with talented corners. Jakorian Bennett stands out as someone with the physical mentality and the athleticism to play the position at a high level.

Bennett has outstanding physical ability. He's got the ability to play in man and various zone coverages. However, the results have been inconsistent even though he's coming off a pretty strong year. Not only might Bennett benefit from playing in tighter quarters, but some of the attributes he brings to the position might make him that the best place for him.

Bennett did operate from the slot at times for the Terrapins and he showed flashes of why he could succeed in that spot. His physicality and mindset as a tackler stand out. Bennett tackles with a purpose, not not just wrapping up the ball carrier, but often trying to rip the ball out in the process. When he has a clear path to the ball carrier, he's not afraid to assert himself and make an impact tackle.

He does run into some issues when he sees a blocker. Rather than just taking a good angle and blowing up the blocker, Bennett often tries to try to play both the blocker and the ball carrier with little results to show for it. There are times when he does it right and it looks good. Particularly from the slot rather than operating on an island, he should be more emboldened to just click and go, not having to worry that he's the outside most defender. Additionally, Bennett is explosive and he can bring the heat from that spot on the blitz.

In coverage from the slot, Bennett may benefit from simply staying locked in tight man coverage from that position. Nevertheless, it's worth pointing out that when he's in zone, he can effectively disrupt receivers that come into his zone, knocking them off their path. Here again, if he sees a play, he can get downhill quickly and get involved. Bennett has the long speed and experience to take a receiver deep if he's in man and a team wants to try to run a slot fade or wheel against him.

Bennett is not a finished product, but there's so much to like with his game and the Browns might be the right place for him to put it all together. He also has plenty of experience contributing on special teams.

140. Braeden Daniels, OL Utah

A combination of attrition and planning for the future, the Browns need to bolster their offensive line in an effort to find players that can be eventual starters. Over the next two seasons, the Browns will likely be replacing at least one guard and one tackle spot.

Braeden Daniels has been a left tackle for Utah, but looks more suited to be an NFL guard. Like many Utah players, Daniels isn't the biggest or the strongest, but he gives everything he has which makes him easy to like as a player. He's also a good athlete, which might be why so many teams seem to want to bring him in for a visit.

Daniels is a natural bender with excellent leverage. He's got quick feet and has notable speed out of his stance and plays to the whistle. Part of the reason Daniels looks like a good candidate for guard is he tends to struggle locking on defenders as a run blocker. Less space might help with that, but he must improve his ability to lock on and sustain blocks. Far too often, defenders seem to simply bounce off of him and stay alive in the play. Daniels also needs to continue to get stronger at the next level, which could help with this issue.

His lateral quickness stands out on tape and he's able to mirror well. Being able to get hands on the opponent sooner could help him maximize his ability in pass protection.

Daniels has tools and appears to have the desire to be successful, but needs significant polish. He could be a great fit with offensive line coach Bill Callahan and be groomed to play right guard. If nothing else, he provides depth but he has enough potential to be interesting as a long term option.

142. Brenton Strange, TE Penn State

Due to performance escalators, Harrison Bryant's base salary for 2023 is going to be $2.743 million. He's not a bad player by any stretch, but given the move to sign Jordan Akins, they aren't going to want to play a third string tight end that much. There are teams with cap space that would be thrilled to get a shot with a player like Bryant and see if he can take another step and extend him. That may not happen until training camp, but it's something to keep in mind.

With that in mind, the Browns are likely to try to capitalize on the talent in this draft class. The signing of Akins to be an F might be a worthwhile blueprint to follow since David Njoku is the team's Y. Brenton Strange offers similar characteristics as Akins and could eventually replace him. For that reason, Akins might be the perfect mentor for Strange.

Strange is best suited to play H-back or flexed, which is what he predominately what he did at Penn State. He could potentially play with his hand in the ground if the Browns utilize two tight ends on one side with him being the end man on the line of scrimmage, but his lack of length likely limits his inline viability.

Strange is quick out of his stance and gains ground rapidly. He's smooth in his movement and does a nice job setting up his routes to help out his quarterback, be they against man or zone. Strange shows good flexibility in being able to expand his catch radius. That has also included being effective in traffic. He has strong hands and is consistently reliable target, who often was a nice release valve for the Nittany Lions passing game.

Strange excels after the catch. He's able to occasionally make defenders miss, but will fight through some tacklers, able to maintain his balance and continue gaining yardage. 232 of his 362 receiving yards came after the catch. The Nittany Lions often gave him the ball short and let him create. For the Browns, focusing on so much downfield speed, he could chew up yards underneath with space to run.

Strange also has experience in pass protecting, then releasing to be compete a check down or dump off option, something else that could appeal to the Browns. When he is asked to stay in and protect, he's done a solid job. Strange has experience on both kick return and field goal units with special teams on top of everything else.

190. Keaton Mitchell, RB East Carolina

Given the talent available in this class, the Browns should take two running backs. They don't necessarily have to draft both and could grab an undrafted option for example, but somehow they should get two backs. That's not a knock on Jerome Ford as he's also going to be on the team and the Browns need to look to take multiple swings on finding Nick Chubb's eventual replacement or a stable of backs that can add up to a reasonable facsimile of what he's been for the Browns.

One option for addressing running back is taking a player that can also be utilized as a receiver. Keaton Mitchell offers elite speed and open field play making and could warrant some manufactured touches regardless of where they line him up.

This class features a number of these smaller backs with game breaking speed and quicks including Jahmyr Gibbs from Alabama and Devon Achane from Texas A&M. These backs can contribute in the passing game as receivers and are a great fit into a spread offense. Unfortunately for Mitchell, he's easily the smallest and competed against a much lower level of competition. Nevertheless, he could be a good fit for what the Browns want to do.

Whether he's in the backfield or part of an empty formation, Mitchell could have some running room that allows him to get him up to speed and grab chunks of yardage. Mitchell puts significant stress on linebackers because if they can't corral him quickly, he might be off to the races. Mitchell is someone ideally suited to run a drag route and see who attempts to pick him up. Either he gets the ball with space to run or he potentially creates an opening for a teammate.

To Mitchell's credit, he's pretty fearless with his body, willing to run between the tackles even if he's always going to be inclined to bounce plays out to the sideline. East Carolina lined him up out wide at times and allowed him to run a decent route tree. Mitchell has good flexibility and the ability to adjust to passes outside his frame even if he will drop a ball or few along the way.

Stylistically, he could be a great fit with Deshaun Watson because he's not going to be asked to block, which gives Watson space to extend plays while also providing him with a good outlet to throw the ball. Mitchell is also someone with experience on kick returns and could be put back with Jerome Ford.

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229. Gervarrius Owens, S Houston

The Browns are likely going to want to get safety depth somewhere in this draft class and Gervarrius Owens has a wealth of experience in positions that matter to the Browns. He's played a ton of football and the majority of it is as a free safety, some of which has come in split looks. This past season, he ended up playing the deep middle quite a bit. Owens also has experience operating in the slot.

In his role as the center fielder, Owens does a nice job of making sure he's consistently the deepest player on the field to avoid giving up big plays over the top. While he has made some timely plays, he's hardly a ballhawk with iffy hands. He does flash some good instincts to put himself in position to play the ball.

His enthusiasm as a tackler varies. At his best, he flies downhill, wraps up and makes an impact. Owens also flashes far better speed than his 40 would suggest in pursuit. Those long arms have been able to rake out the ball from behind.

Owens is yet another player with experience on special teams, so he could provide safety depth and find a home on Bubba Ventrone's special teams. He's not a flashy player, but in a mediocre safety class, he could just the type of player the Browns need to fill out their roster.

Published Mar 27, 2023

PETE SMITH