Now that free agency has calmed down, I thought I would turn my focus to the NFL draft. The Browns have nine picks, number 26, 59, 89, 91, 110, 132, 169, 211 and 257. Do I expect Browns GM Andrew Berry to use all nine picks? Nope. Hopefully he’ll spare Browns fans the wait of number 257, three picks away from “Mr. Irrelevant.” The endless “blah, blah” by the third string ESPN personalities late on a Saturday afternoon is mind numbing. For my first draft, I’m going to draft based on the current roster. Personally, I think Andrew Berry will sign one more defensive end and an outside cornerback in free agency. So let’s play 2021 Cleveland Browns mock draft 1.0.
26. Greg Newsome, II, CB, Northwestern. Newsome allowed a passer rating of only 31.7 and a completion percentage of 35.3% in 2020. he posted a 4.39 40 yard dash time. I fell in love with this kid when I watched the Ohio State vs. Northwestern game.
59. Tommy Togiai, DL, Ohio State. The Browns need a run stuffing defensive tackle to back-up DT’s Andrew Billings and Sheldon Richardson. Togiai has great body leverage and hand usage to get under the pads of offensive linemen. He also has great lateral movement.
89. Joe Tryon, Edge, Washington. Explosive and athletic off the edge. Versatile enough to be an outside linebacker and a defensive end in the 4-3.
91. Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse. Had thirteen interceptions and fourteen pass break-ups in 24 games. He is a ball magnet. Can be a starting free safety that primarily plays deep.
110. Nick Eubanks, TE, Michigan. His best scheme fit is a run heavy, play-action passing offense featuring misdirection and multiple tight end sets. Sound familiar? Will probably be no better than a number two tight end in the NFL.
132. David Moore, G, Grambling State. A very aggressive interior lineman. Great run blocker. Athletic enough to pull on screen passes and perimeter plays.
169. Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky. I doubt Davis will be on the board at number 169, however, the draft simulator I used had him there. He might fall because he was a one year starter. Rangy, tall and explosive. Had several big plays in the passing game. Projects as a Will linebacker in the NFL.
211. Rico Bussey Jr., WR, Hawaii. A very explosive and dynamic route-runner, who is willing and able to block in the run game. Can also contribute on special teams as a returner.
257. Jordyn Peters, CB, Auburn. Can play safety or corner. Was a special teams ace blocking four punts in his Auburn career.
There you have it, my first official dawgpoundsouth mock draft of the season. Tear it apart, tell me player so-in-so won’t be there when I have him drafted or that guy stinks why did you draft him. Whatever you want. Everyone stay safe, get vaccinated and Go Browns.