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Cleveland Browns mock draft: All defense edition

By Thomas Moore

Nov 28, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Jalen Ramsey (8) against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Jalen Ramsey (8) against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Jalen Ramsey celebrates a turnover against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Jalen Ramsey celebrates a turnover against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports /

1st Round (No. 2 overall) – Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State

Jalen Ramsey has moved up most draft boards to become the top defensive prospect in the draft. He was the first freshman to start an opening game at cornerback for Florida State in 30 years, a season where he earned Freshman All-American honors. He followed that up with All-American and first-team All-ACC honors in both 2014 and 2015.

According to his draft profile at NFL.com, Ramsey is a:

"Press ­cover corner with disruptive length to fluster receivers and the makeup speed/leaping ability to stymie downfield attacks. Ramsey made more plays on the ball from the slot last year, but his ability to jam and trail receivers limited playmaking opportunities this year. Ramsey has all-­pro potential and traits, but could use a little more bravado and attitude play in and play out."

No matter if the Browns were to play Ramsey at cornerback or safety, he would be an instant asset to the defense. At cornerback he could take over for Tramon Williams and help erase the mistake of drafting Justin Gilbert; at cornerback he could make up for the loss of Tashaun Gipson.

Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is sacked by Clemson Tigers defensive end Kevin Dodd (98) in the third quarter of the 2015 CFP Semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is sacked by Clemson Tigers defensive end Kevin Dodd (98) in the third quarter of the 2015 CFP Semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2nd Round (No. 32 overall) – Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson

With the release of Randy Starks, the Browns are a bit thin at the defensive end position with Desmond Bryant and John Hughes as the only viable players currently on the roster, giving Clemson’s Kevin Dodd the perfect opportunity to grab playing time.

Dodd grabbed a starting position in 2015 and finished the year with 23.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. An honorable mention All-ACC selection, he saved his best game for last as he had five tackles for loss, including three sacks, in the Tigers national championship loss to Alabama.

According to his draft profile at NFL.com:

"The arrow is pointed up for Dodd who finished the season with a streak of five consecutive games with a sack. Dodd already looks the part of an NFL defensive end and his desire to make plays coupled with his physical traits and talent should have him shooting up draft boards. His lack of college snaps could preclude him from being “pro­ ready”, but his instincts and football intelligence should expedite the learning process."

Put Dodd next to second-year nose tackle Danny Shelton and the Browns could have a strong nucleus on the defensive line for the foreseeable future.

Next: Rounds 3 and 4

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