Perfect Picks: Cleveland Browns
With the NFL Draft approaching we will be looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we will run a seven round mock using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator and find the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.
We will highlight four players that could help each team. This will feature picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper.
Round 1 - Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Get used to this pick. You’re likely to see it a lot before the draft in April. It’s a huge need for the Browns and their draft spot is prime for taking one of the top receivers in the draft. The departure of Odell Beckham Jr means a figurehead receiver to pair with Jarvis Landry is a must.
Wilson plays bigger than his listed 6’0, he has great leap and is a threat on competed catches. Where Wilson really excels is route running. Excellent body control allows him to sell subtle fakes and gain yards of separation. Whether it is Mayfield or another signal caller, Wilson will be a great help.
Round 2 - Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
Winfrey was one of the biggest risers thanks to his Senior Bowl performance. The Oklahoma defensive tackle found gaps in offensive lines throughout the process, even netting himself the MVP come gameday. Winfrey landed six sacks in an inconsistent year for the Sooners. His pass-rushing ability is the strong point of his game but he will need to show more stoutness in the run game. The Browns need some answers at the position with Malik Jackson set to leave and Malik McDowell having some legal issues.
Mid Round Gem - Micheal Clemons, EDGE, Texas A&M
If you have watched DeMarvin Leal tape then you’ll likely be aware of Micheal Clemons. The Texas A&M edge rusher has the ideal build of an NFL defensive end at 6’5, 270lbs. He took his game to another level in 2021 registering 46 pressures, 8 of which were sacks, according to PFF. Behind Myles Garrett there is a severe lack of edge-rushing depth for the Browns. Both Jadeveon Clowney and Takk McKinley could leave meaning a rebuilding job is needed at the position.
Late Round Sleeper - Otito Ogbonnia, DT, UCLA
We further bolstered the defensive front late on here with UCLA’s Otito Ogbonnia. He has played mostly as a nose tackle but has some versatility which would be welcomed to a group lacking a true identity. He has more bulk than Winfrey so in this scenario, they could form a strong pair, with Ogbonnia providing more of the run-stuffing role. Ideally, you would hope to develop Ogbonnia further behind a more experienced free-agent acquisition before handing him a starting role.
Draft In Full:
13. Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
44. Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
78. Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State
104. Michael Clemons, DE, Texas A&M
115. Thayer Munford, iOL, Ohio State
154. D’Marco Jackson, LB, App State
193. Bo Melton, WR, Rutgers
222. Otito Ogbonnia, DT, UCLA
