Cleveland Browns avoid first round WR in 7-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft

Round 2, Pick 44: Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis

With Cleveland putting off wide receiver in the first, they will need to address that need in the second. Here, I have them staying put at 44 for what’s left on the board, but there’s also the chance they could move up. The team has the draft capital to make a move like that and in this mock Jahan Dotson, Drake London and David Bell all went in the last four picks of the first, which is within trade range for Cleveland.

If they stay put, there’s still plenty of talent for the Cleveland Browns to select here at the wide receiver position. One name that is climbing boards is the speedster playmaker Calvin Austin III. With the current roster, Austin provides a big missing piece. Jarvis Landry is the possession wide receiver. Donovan Peoples-Jones is the big target with blocking ability. Austin, a two-sport athlete, gives Cleveland a literal track star to stretch the defense.

Anthony Schwartz could fill this role, but what we saw in 2021 from him doesn’t lend the needed confidence to stick with him. He can be a solid depth piece, but isn’t ready for a bigger role just yet.

Austin’s stats speak for themselves from his time at Memphis. He totaled over 1,000 receiving yards each of the last two seasons and scored a combined 19 touchdowns over his 23 games. He also racked up 137 receptions over those two years.

The question for Austin at the NFL level will be his size. He’s listed at just 5-foot-9 162. If he can put on a bit more weight and not sacrifice his speed in doing so, he could be a real weapon for this offense.