As those who been reading my blog since 2019 know, I love the NFL draft. Always have, always will. However, once Andrew Berry became the GM of the Browns, I’ve altered my view of the draft. Berry uses free agency to stock key positions and drafts for depth. A key guardrail for the Browns is “never pay for depth.” Rookie contracts are the cheapest contracts. Because of injuries in 2023, Cleveland was forced to play rookies, and some did quite well. Right tackle Dawand Jones, quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and safety Ronnie Hickman come to mind. While I’m doing deep dives into free agents, and you can find my thoughts by watching and listening to my podcast, The Cleveland Browns Dawgpound South Podcast which is part of Fanatical Elfz Network, I thought I would play around with a draft simulator. Here goes.
Pick 54. Ja’Lynn Polk, WR Washington.
Pick 85. Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson.
Pick 135. Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Ohio State.
Pick 155. Ray Davis RB, Kentucky.
Pick 205. Dallin Holker, TE, Colorado State.
Pick 208. Julian Pearl, OT, Illinois.
Pick 228. Jaylx Hunt, ED, Houston Baptist.
I used the Draft Simulator provided by https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/. I tried to pick players the Browns could use at the positions of need. They need to add a wide receiver, running back, linebacker and defensive linemen. I also thought a number three tight end would be easy to find on day three of the draft. This is a deep offensive tackle draft, so they could pick one anywhere from round four to round seven. Let me know what you think. Stay safe and Go Browns.