The State of the Browns:
It’s been a rollercoaster of an offseason for the Browns. First, they tell Baker Mayfield he’s their quarterback then they pursue Deshaun Watson. Watson tells the Browns they are out of the running, then reverses course and chooses to sign with the Browns.
Now, the Browns have both Watson and Mayfield on the roster at quarterback, as Mayfield is still waiting to see where his next destination is going to be. Not to mention they’ve also signed Jacoby Brissett and Joshua Dobbs.
In the meantime, the rest of the roster isn’t in terrible shape. A few hits in this year’s draft and the Browns could be set up nicely for a big run in 2022. However, they don’t have a 1st-round pick. What they do have is three picks on Day 2, which is where a lot of the meat in this class is located. Let’s check out some options for their three Day 2 picks.
#44 Overall
Walker’s ability to defend the run and play in zone coverage make him an intriguing prospect at his size and athletic profile, and if he can continue to improve his instincts, he has the potential to be a high-level starter at the next level.
Cleveland’s current linebacker room is young and talented, but adding Walker to the mix would give them more depth and versatility with him being in the mix for the Mike job by year 2.
Skyy Moore – WR – Western Michigan
Moore is a lightning-quick receiver with room to grow and the innate skills that allow him to be a dynamic playmaker for a creative offense at the next level, especially if his refinement and development go as planned.
The receiving corps has been spread a little thin since Odell Beckham was traded and Jarvis Landry left in free agency. Moore is a dynamic receiver who should step into a slot role right away and give Watson a strong weapon in the middle of the field.
Jones is a physical and technical defensive tackle who has the strength and hand use that transition to the NFL, though he needs to get more agile and improve as a pass rusher in order to see time on all three downs.
While Jones isn’t rated in our Top 101, he’s still growing as a pass rusher, and one has to think getting out of UConn and into an NFL room will be a huge step in the right direction for him. He should fight for rotational snaps on the interior D-line right away.
#78 Overall
Cole Strange – OG/OC – Chattanooga
Strange has the reactive athleticism to mirror defenders, consistent leg drive to move them, and the nastiness to finish through the whistle, but he’ll need to improve his balance, footwork, and awareness to maximize his potential.
The Browns are in very good shape at the guard position, but lack some interior depth. Strange is a versatile player who can fill any of the interior offensive line positions, whether that be at guard or center.
Josh Paschal – Edge – Kentucky
Paschal is a strong run defender and brings power as a pass rusher, but needs to get much more consistent and detailed with his pass rush plan in order to really be a three-down player at the next level.
Paschal wore a lot of hats on Kentucky’s defensive line, but lining him up at edge and letting him reduce down on occasion will be a huge benefit to the defensive front.
#99 Overall
Woods is an adequate receiver and blocker with the smarts and physicality to see time as a backup tight end, though he’ll need to get faster and improve his functional strength once he gets to the next level.
Woods went from rarely seeing passes in four years at Oklahoma State to having a breakout receiving campaign in his lone year at Virginia. Woods should bring another athletic option to the tight end room that still has David Njoku and Harrison Bryant.
Bryant doesn’t have elite speed and needs to become a better tackler, but is an intelligent and athletic corner who has the field awareness and ball skills to be a long-time starter at the next level.
The 2021 Jim Thorpe Award winner is somewhat forgotten behind his teammate Sauce Gardner, but Bryant is a smart corner who has plenty of instincts and ball skills to be productive at the next level.
To learn more about the Browns and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.
