Cleveland Browns mock draft: Browns solidify defense for Super Bowl run

The Cleveland Browns have been one of the more active teams this offseason with Jadeveon Clowney, Tak McKinley, John Johnson III, Troy Hill, Anthony Walker, Sheldon Day and Malik Jackson topping the list of signees for the team. While the Browns have been no stranger to free agency over the last few seasons, this year’s actions come with even more purpose.

Not only did the Cleveland Browns post a winning season during the 2020 season, but they made the playoffs and tallied a postseason victory as well. Now, the Browns brass has their eyes set on something much larger, the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance and Lombardi trophy.

It still might seem a little awkward to read Cleveland and Super Bowl in a non-sarcastic way, much less as a possibility, but that’s the reality that is happening for the Browns. For now, the front office remains focused on this week’s 2021 NFL Draft, which just so happens to be in their backyard.

With so few holes remaining on the roster, the Browns can, for the first time in a long time, allow this draft to come to them rather than needing to reach for specific positions. Even last year, there was a clear need at left tackle and safety. This year, the initial holes were addressed in free agency, so the team can focus on adding depth and bolstering the roster for a deep playoff run.

Note: This mock draft was completed by using the mock draft machine at The Draft Network. 

Round 1, Pick 26

As mentioned above, the Browns kickoff this mock draft by letting the draft come to them. While linebacker may end up being the top priority for Cleveland, taking one here is not a must by any means. With Micah Parsons going to Arizona, Zaven Collins to Las Vegas and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah to Washington in this mock, the Browns opt for a different position in this mock draft.

Cleveland has already signed Malik Jackson and Sheldon Day this offseason and they should get Andrew Billings back who opted out of the 2020 season. However, all three are under contract for just one season. That paired with releasing Sheldon Richardson and losing Larry Ogunjobi to free agency creates a long-term hole at the defensive tackle position and opens the door for Christian Barmore.

Over two seasons at Alabama, Barmore put together a strong stat line over 22 games that was highlighted by 15.5 tackles for loss. On top of that, he added 10 sacks, eight of which came in 2021, along with 63 total tackles and three forced fumbles.

Given the future need of the position in Cleveland and the impressive sample size of Barmore over two seasons at Alabama, this pick is becoming more and more clear as the draft nears.