Well folks, it’s almost here. The annual NFL Draft will be upon us in only a few days. While this draft is one of the most stable that fans have seen in a while, many mocks have still changed. Players like Patrick Mahomes II have soared up draft boards, while others like Teez Tabor have fallen rapidly. Finally, everything will “go down for real” this weekend. Lives and the NFL itself will forever change, and the league will see the birth of new stars. So, let’s take a look at what a final Cleveland Browns mock draft has in store.
Note: This mock draft took place on Fanspeak’s Mock Draft Simulator.
Cleveland Browns Mock Draft 2.0 (Final)
Round One, Pick One: Myles Garrett, defensive end, Texas A&M
Let’s get one thing for certain. Despite all the rumors of North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky going first, it’s just not going to happen. The Browns know what they have in Myles Garrett; one of the defensive prospects fans have seen in years. Taking Garrett with the first pick is an absolute no-brainer. Simply put, he is a bookend defender that will be reliable for a decade, possibly even longer.
Round One, Pick 12: Patrick Mahomes II, quarterback, Texas Tech
At this point in the mock draft simulator, Trubisky was already gone. If that’s the case in the actual draft, and Cleveland still wants a quarterback, they should select Patrick Mahomes II. Mahomes has an absolute rocket for an arm, so much so that it’s almost John Elway-esque. If Mahomes can develop into a quarterback even a fraction as good as Elway was, Cleveland fans rejoice. You will now, finally, have your franchise quarterback.
Round Two, Pick One (33rd overall): Marlon Humphrey, cornerback, Alabama
Getting Marlon Humphrey in the second round would be a bargain for the Browns. During his time with the Crimson Tide, Humphrey was a shut-down corner. In college, he started all 26 games he was active in, and was a playmaker in every one of them. On a defense that was considered nearly NFL caliber, Humphrey had shining moments. He held his own and kept a starting job on the most stifling defense in the country. Marlon Humphrey is ready for prime time, and the Browns would be happy to have him.
Round Two, Pick 20 (52nd overall): Raekwon McMillan, linebacker, Ohio State
With a draft so full of defensive talent, it makes sense for a player like Raekwon McMillan to drop. Sure, McMillan is a stud in his own right, but he’s not the top of this year’s class. However, if Reuben Foster and Haason Reddick didn’t exist, he just might be. McMillan is a freakish athlete with incredible potential, but he isn’t completely ready. Give him a year or two and McMillan could be one of the league’s best.
Round Three, Pick One (65th overall): Marcus Sanders-Williams, free safety, Utah
As a centerfielder, Marcus Sanders-Williams can be a bargain pick in this Browns mock draft. Not only is his timing impeccable, but his size and physical ability is amazing. His vertical jump was an astonishing 43.5″ and he ran a 4.56 40 at the NFL Combine. Not only that, but his work ethic is incredible. One thing is for sure; the Browns would be remiss if they didn’t take a chance on Sanders-Williams.
Round Four, Pick One (108th overall): Dede Westbrook, wide receiver, Oklahoma
For whatever reason, scouts are really sleeping on Oklahoma’s Dede Westbrook. This guy was a Heisman finalist, and yet…he’s going in the fourth round? Something doesn’t add up here. In any case, this pick was all about getting reliable weapons for Mahomes. Standing at 6’0″, Westbrook is a big reliable target for Mahomes’ rocket arm. Hopefully, the Browns can establish this connection for years to come.
Round Five, Pick One (145th overall): James Conner, running back, Pittsburgh
James Conner was one of the feel-good stories of this college football season. After an amazing comeback from cancer, Conner lit it up in 2016. Before cancer, James was considered one of the top running backs in the class. However, his stock seemed to decline, even though he had an amazing comeback year. If the Browns can snag him in the fifth round, he could turn into something amazing.
Round Five, Pick 31 (175th overall): Josh Reynolds, wide receiver, Texas A&M
Going back to the A&M well once again, this Browns mock draft picks Josh Reynolds. Reynolds is a huge target for Mahomes, standing at 6’3″. Mahomes has a cannon for an arm, and Reynolds has the hands to bring it down. Really, it’s that simple.
Round Five, Pick 37 (181st overall): Charles Walker, defensive lineman, Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s Charles Walker is a huge physical specimen. Adding him to the crowded mix of Browns defensive linemen could be a huge help on defense. If they throw enough at the defensive lineman wall, something is bound to stick. This late-round choice could help that process.
Round Six, Pick One (185th overall): Brian Allen, cornerback, Utah
Utah’s Brian Allen has great hands to go with his great frame. Standing at 6’3″, the Browns’ analytics department would be thrilled with Allen on the squad. Additionally, his mental prowess is just as intimidating. The Browns secondary needs help, and they could get it in the late rounds here.
Round Six, Pick Four (188th overall): Jonnu Smith, tight end, Florida International
While this draft is stacked with defensive talent, the Browns do need some offensive help. Sitting there at tight end could be FIU’s Jonnu Smith. Sure, he might not be a premier tight end yet. However, he does have incredible potential in his future. Hopefully, either Kessler or Mahomes could find him streaking down the field for big plays. And with that pick, the final 2017 Browns mock draft is over.
