Cleveland Browns early 2021 mock draft: Getting value at linebacker

It’s tough to distinguish where the Cleveland Browns needs are before the 2020 NFL season begins. They filled a lot of holes in free agency and the 2020 draft, so projection comes into play here.

A lot of work went into the offensive line this past offseason, so things shift to the defensive line this time around. While both Sheldon Richardson and Myles Garrett are under contract through 2021, Larry Ogunjobi is a free agent after the 2020 season. If the Browns let Ogunjobi walk in free agency, there are plenty of options in the 2021 NFL Draft.

One of those options is Pittsburgh defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman. Twyman recently opted out of the college season to focus on training for the 2021 NFL Draft. While scouts won’t get another look at his tape, there’s plenty to like from his 2019 campaign.

Twyman had 10.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss, which is fantastic production for a defensive tackle. He primarily aligns at the three-technique for the Panthers but has been versatile enough to line up all over the line. Twyman shows good quickness off the snap and attacks gaps very well to get into the backfield.

He’s a dynamic pass rusher with exciting upside, but Twyman needs to work on his leverage at the point of attack to be a three-down defender. Still, he’d be fun on the Browns defensive line.