Now that the first wave of free agency is over, it’s time to start playing with mock drafts. Browns GM Andrew Berry drafts for depth and future starters and not need. He’s only drafted for need once, his very first draft when the Browns selected LT Jedrick Wills. After that pick the Browns let the draft come to them. They have moved around in each draft and seldom use their seventh-round pick. The Browns will use it in packages to obtain future picks and use their time during the seventh round to call potential undrafted rookie free agents. Players like A.J. Green, D’Anthony Bell and Ronnie Hickman. This strategy seems to work. Currently the Browns have 71 players on their roster and will need to get to 90 prior to training camp. With only five draft picks, they don’t appear to be finished with free agency. Here’s my first mock draft.
Pick 54. Junior Colson, LB, Michigan. Colson is a quick strong linebacker. He can play both the run and is very good in coverage. Has excellent lateral movement. Can attack the open spaces and has the ability to get around offensive tackles. A three-down linebacker.
Pick 85. Kiran Amegadije, OT, Yale. Amegadije has the physical tools to be a high end starting left tackle in the NFL. He’s an explosive, physical athlete. Dominant in run blocking. In pass protection, has multiple offensive sets at his disposal depending on the type of defender.
Pick 155. Malik Washington, WR, Virginia. Washington has a great short yardage burst. Maintains his speed when changing direction. Uses his hands effectively to push off defenders and can make a catch while getting hit. Great yards after the catch.
Pick 205. Isacc Guerendo, RB, Louisville. Guerendo is a very decisive runner. He is very impressive in size, speed and strength. Has very subtle lateral shifts. Can plow through arm tackles and is an excellent pass rush blocker. Great hands for catching the ball out of the backfield.
Pick 243. Trey Knox, TE, South Carolina. Knox is a great open field runner. Has good ball tracking skills and can adjust to off-target throws. Has strong hands when going after contested catches. Can go from receiver to runner quickly and has the speed to provide decent yards after the catch for a tight end.
I feel the Browns greatest draft need is linebacker. They still might sign Matthew Adams who led the team in special team tackles last year, but another young fast linebacker wouldn’t hurt. The other four needs are tight end, wide receiver, running back and offensive tackle. If the Browns move on from Wills, Amegadije would be your starter in 2025. Even if Nike Chubb is ready or not for the start of the season, Guerendo will make the starting 53. Wide receiver is an interesting position, Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore are all free agents in 2025, so drafting a wide receiver is not out of the question. I’m not sure Giovanni Ricci is the answer as the third tight end. Hell, I’m not sure Jordan Akins is the answer as the second tight end. I do know this a good draft for a third string tight end. Like I said earlier, I’m not sure the Browns will have their seventh-round pick come day three of the draft.
Let me know how you feel about this mock, the one thing I know, Browns fans have their opinions. Stay safe and Go Browns.