NFL.com’s Chad Reuter released a three-round mock draft that includes the Cleveland Browns trading down in the first round.
Before absolute panic ensues, here this one out. Chad Reuter put together a three-round mock draft and Cleveland does something that many fear. Trading down from 10. While this will be extremely unpopular, the logic here makes sense. The team has a ton of holes and needs to address them in the best way possible. This particular avenue has the draft being the answer to the needs of the Cleveland Browns.
Now, let’s get started. Cleveland trades down with Atlanta to acquire the 16th overall pick and Atlanta’s second rounder.
16: Andrew Thomas OT Georgia
Will Andrew Thomas actually be available here? Depends on who you ask. Some draft experts have him lasting this long while others have him going much earlier. If the Browns were to trade down and Andrew Thomas is still on the board that would be a win. If this is a scenario Cleveland is betting on actually happening they are playing with fire. The Browns could easily get burned by not just taking Thomas at 10.
41: Leki Fotu DT Utah
Defensive tackle is an interesting selection here. Perhaps Reuter believes that the team will move on from Sheldon Richardson this offseason, creating another need on their offensive line. Leki Fotu could help address that area if the team does to go in a different direction next to Larry Ogunjobi.
55: K.J. Hamler WR Penn State
Reuter mentions the possibility of Cleveland taking a wide receiver in this draft with the Browns pick at 10. The reasoning? A potential trade of Odell Beckham Jr. While that is a possibility, Jarvis Landry’s extended absence may play a bigger factor here. Add this into the uncertain future of Rashard Higgins and Cleveland truly needs to find a wide receiver in one way or another. K.J. Hamler is Reuter’s pick for Cleveland as a possible solution to their wide receiver problem.
74: Ben Bredson OG Michigan
In addition to the tackle position, right guard is an area of need. While the Browns could attempt to thread the needle with Wyatt Teller, there needs to be another option available to them. Ben Bredson may be the option for Cleveland in Round 3 after they have already addressed two areas of need and made one questionable selection.
90: Akeem Davis-Gaither LB Appalachian State
There is a possibility that both Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey are not on the team next season. If that is indeed the case, Cleveland needs to draft at least one linebacker. Mack Wilson had some moments last year, but like the right guard position they cannot go into next year with the current players at the position. Akeem Davis-Gaither out of Appalachian State could help the Browns transition with a new group of players at the linebacker position.
