Draft Mockery 1.0
It’s April which means it’s NFL draft month. About damn time, because we all know the Browns haven’t really done much this off-season (sarcasm). Every NFL team’s draft picks have been officially set and the Browns are picking 44, 78, 99, 118, 202, 223 and 246. That’s quite a gap on day three between pick number 110 and pick number 202. As we approach this year’s draft, I have a feeling Browns GM Andrew Berry is done trading for players, but not done trading picks to move around in the draft. He’s done it the last two years so why stop now. The last three picks on day three are ripe for movement. For my first mock draft I’m going to assume the Browns sign DE Jadaveon Clowney, a veteran wide receiver, probably Will Fuller and one maybe two interior defensive linemen. Also, I’m using https://thedraftnetwork.com/ draft simulator and their analysis of the players. Let’s go.
Number 44. Edge/DT Logan Hall, Houston. A versatile player who can play both inside and outside. ” As a run defender, Hall shines when he gets opportunities to shoot gaps but is also fully capable of fighting pressure with pressure and remaining stout at the point of attack. With that said, his lack of mass will be challenging to do the same in the NFL if asked to play on the inside on run downs. Hall’s versatility will be an asset at the next level as teams continue to become more and more multiple with their fronts. In year one, Hall has the upside to crack the rotation and situationally make an impact.” – Joe Marino, TDN.
Number 78. TE Isaiah Likely, Coastal Carolina. I was surprised Likely was still available at 78. ” Likely is an athletic tight end that thrives at stretching the field vertically. He has good speed to not only get vertical but can run away from most Sun Belt defenders. At Coastal Carolina, they lined him up in multiple different positions and he thrives at all of them. He has shown to be a natural hands-catcher and can turn up the field to be a good run after the catch option for offenses. In the NFL, Likely will be best served as an offensive weapon, he has the athleticism, toughness, and natural hands to play all over the field and should serve as a mismatch for offenses.” – TDN Staff.
Number 99. S Nick Cross, Maryland. Pick number 99 might be a little early for Cross, but his potential would make this pick a steal. ” Maryland used him at times as a WILL linebacker in sub and other times let him drop down into the slot—near the goal line, you often saw him stacked overtop of tight ends and asked him to use his size to match in coverage. I think Cross is someone you can do a lot with; you just need to brush up on his angles and consistency closing in space and continue to work on his route combination recognition to help him continue to level his game up.” – Kyle Crabbs, TDN.
Number 118. WR Alec Pierce, Cincinnati. I know many Browns are sweating waiting until pick number 110 to draft a wide receiver, but that’s how the board fell, and this is the perfect spot for him. “Pierce is a receiver that “catches everything” and is an alpha in everything he does on the field. He brings the fight as a blocker and demonstrates toughness when competing against press coverage, dealing with contact as a route-runner, and winning at the catch point. While he hasn’t been overly productive after the catch in college, Pierce is decisive and physical with the ball in his hands, and he accelerates quickly. When it comes to areas of growth, Pierce can still find more variety with his release package and do a better job of not offering as much surface area when competing against press coverage. He would also benefit from continuing to add functional strength to maximize his style of play at the next level. Pierce has the makings of a productive No. 2/3 receiver in the NFL, and it shouldn’t take him long to produce for his offense.” – Joe Marino, TDN.
Number 202. DT MarQuan McCall, Kentucky. A true nose tackle who would be a great rotational player. “McCall brings to the table and his low center of gravity and mass combine to make him someone who isn’t easy to uproot off the line of scrimmage. As a matter of fact, most of the times in which McCall is moved is on his own account when he is looking to disengage from blocks and continue in pursuit of the football after an initial stalemate at the point of attack. McCall nicknamed “Bully” is every bit of a space-eater in the middle.” – Kyle Crabbs, TDN.
Number 223. Luke Wattenberg, Washington. Wattenberg played guard and center in college. Because of his size, would make a better center in the NFL. “In the run game, he is dominant on double teams. He is physical and tough inside and seeks to generate vertical movement in the run game. He can get to the second level and sufficiently engage moving defenders. In the passing game, he is effective. He is heavy at the point of attack and can anchor against power rushers. His good strength also assists him against power rushers and his overall flexibility is adequate enough to suffice.” – Drae Harris, TDN.
Number 246, Kicker Cameron Dicker, Texas. Dicker could be signed as a UDFA, but I’m not passing on “Dicker the kicker” and the Browns need a kicker.
As we get closer to the NFL draft, it will become clearer who the Browns are focusing on because of pro days and personal workouts. For now, tell me what you think of my first mock draft of 2022.
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