Dawgs By Nature
Adding a veteran QB in NFL free agency opens up Browns options in the NFL draft
With just four teams left in the NFL playoffs, a vast majority of teams are where the Cleveland Browns have been for a while: Offseason preparations. As we look at options for the Browns to use at #2 in the upcoming NFL draft, it is important to remember that NFL free agency comes first which makes mock drafts even more unlikely to predict the future.
Given the rumors that we’ve shared about Cleveland’s plan around the offense, it was interesting to look at last season’s quality quarterback play and where those QBs were selected in their NFL drafts. Quarterback is not the only position that deserves attention from the Browns with DE Abdul Carter and RB Ashton Jeanty among prospects that could be selected in the top five or ten picks in the upcoming draft.
Adding a few champions off The Ohio State Buckeyes would also be a nice way to go for Cleveland this year.
For this week’s Browns mock draft, we are assuming that the team signs veteran QB Kirk Cousins after he is likely released from the Atlanta Falcons. While Cousins didn’t play well last season, another year removed from his Achilles surgery and a return to a system that he has mastered should provide the team with quality play for a year or two.
Having the veteran starter in place allowed for a lot of flexibility but we went into the mock with the plan of making sure we acquired one of the top three quarterbacks in the class.
We used Pro Football Focus’ Mock Draft Simulator for today’s Mock Draft:
Cleveland Browns receive: Picks #7, 42, 145 and 2026 1st rounder
New York Jets receive: Picks, #2, 217 and 257
The Jets are an undiscussed team for a trade-up. While falling to seven is concerning, this draft class will have at least one or two players there that the Browns will love and deserve to be drafted that high. The extra second this year and first next year also provide some flexibility.
OT Will Campbell, LSU
While Dawand Jones and Jack Conklin could start next season, having the top tackle available here provides Cleveland with options at a vital position. CB Will Johnson was the other option here.
Cleveland Browns receive: Pick #18
Seattle Seahawks receive: Picks #33, 102, 165 and 2026 3rd rounder
At this point, moving up 15 spots without giving up a high pick and still having a second this year and an extra first next year is a steal of a deal. The Seahawks could be in rebuilding mode where extra picks are more valuable than a middle-of-the-first selection.
QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama
Fans are understandably concerned about banking on Milroe but giving him at least a year, and, hopefully, two, to develop is vital. The Browns still have...
