Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller tweeted out a mock draft Tuesday with some interesting selections for the Cleveland Browns.
This would be an interesting draft if that if this is what the Cleveland Browns decide to do in April. Matt Miller completed a mock draft on twitter Tuesday.
10th: LB Isaiah Simmons
Matt Miller opted to go with Isaiah Simmons out of Clemson instead of a tackle at 10. This is understandable due to Jedrick Wills Jr. and Andrew Thomas both being selected before Cleveland could pick. This could be a projection that Joe Schobert does not return or that Cleveland moves on Christian Kirksey. Maybe both.
41st: OT Austin Jackson
Austin Jackson in Round 2 seems like a must. The Browns tackle situation is sub-optimal and they are desperate to improve the position. Greg Robinson and Chris Hubbard are both very much replaceable. Going with the USC tackle prospect at 41 after missing out on Wills Jr. and Thomas in Round 1 makes sense.
74th: EDGE Anfernee Jennings
A position that was ignored by the previous regime was depth on the defensive line. Good news! Matt Miller has Cleveland selecting Anfernee Jennings out of Alabama to solve that problem. The lack of depth on the Browns defensive line was exposed after the indefinite suspension of Myles Garrett. The likes of Chad Thomas, Bryan Cox, and Porter Gustin saw playing time in Garrett’s absence and the results were less than stellar.
91st: WR Devin Duvernay
The final pick for the Browns in Miller’s three round twitter mock is Devin Duvernay, wide receiver from Texas. This could be a guess that popular receiver Rashard Higgins does not return. It could also be just looking to boost a receiving corps that is very thin after Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry. KhaDarel Hodge and Damion Ratley saw their fair share of time on the field and while they did their best, an upgrade is not the worst idea.
The best case scenario for this mock is that Cleveland also finds a solution at tackle in free agency. Coming away with just one player at the position when the tackle play last year was abysmal is a bit curious. Maybe Cleveland takes another tackle after Round 3. Maybe they don’t. A lot things can change between now and draft day.
Not impressed with the picks. I’d trade up to take one of the two top tackles. Taking a WR is not good. Higgins is a fine WR#3. A sane coach will play him. EDGE that early? Are they dumping Vernon? Yes, need depth at EDGE but need starter at slot CB and both FS and SS much more. I don’t like this mock.
Not going to be too worked up about it. It’s an early mock and there is a lot roster moves that will still be made. Questions at wide receiver, defensive line and linebacker are definitely reasons for why those picks were made. As far as Vernon goes, his contract expires after 2020, may have to find a replacement.