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Mike Mayock mock draft: Cleveland Browns select Joey Bosa

By Thomas Moore

Sep 26, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Joey Bosa (97) lines up versus the Western Michigan Broncos at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 38-12. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Joey Bosa (97) lines up versus the Western Michigan Broncos at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 38-12. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns selected Ohio State’s Joey Bosa in NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock’s 2016 Mock Draft.

NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock released his only mock draft of the 2016 season and in it he has the Cleveland Browns selecting Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa.

The 2016 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night in Chicago with the Browns currently holding the No. 8 overall selection – although that may change at some point as the Browns are widely rumored to be looking for an opportunity to trade down.

Related: Browns talking to teams that want Ezekiel Elliott

The selection of Bosa would certainly excite Browns fans, especially those who long for the team to draft each and every former Buckeye available.

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

"Body beautiful college end who has the talent and upside to play with a hand down or standing in the pros. Bosa might not have the pure edge speed to be an elite pass rusher, but his hand usage and ability to generate push as a bull-rusher should make him a very good 4-3 base end or a 3-­4 outside linebacker. Bosa has a few more flaws than some may be willing to admit and his upside might be good rather than great, but his traits and growth potential as a player make him a safe selection. Bosa might be at his best with a defensive coordinator willing to move him around the field."

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Bosa was the 2015 Big Ten Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year and one of four finalists for the 46th Lombardi Award. It was the second consecutive year that Bosa was named a finalist for the Lombardi award, joining a prestigious group of Buckeyes who have been named a finalist twice: linebacker Chris Spielman (1986-87), offensive tackle Orlando Pace (1995-96), linebacker Andy Katzenmoyer (1997-98) and linebacker James Laurinaitis (2007-08).

Related: Cleveland Browns draft profile: Joey Bosa

Bosa was an anchor of an Ohio State defense that ranked No. 2 nationally in scoring (14 points per game) and 10th in total defense (303.5 yards per game). This season he had 47 tackles, 16 tackles-for-loss, five quarterback sacks, four pass break-ups, 14 quarterback pressures,  an interception and a forced fumble.

While there is some question of whether or not Bosa can handle the responsibilities of playing end in a 3-4 defense, the reality is that with NFL teams passing the ball more than they run it, there will be plenty of opportunities for Bosa to line up in his more-familiar 4-3 end slot.

The 2016 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday at 8 p.m. As it currently stands, the Browns have the following draft picks: first round (No. 8 overall), second (No. 32), third (Nos. 65 and 77), fourth (Nos. 99, 100 and 138), fifth (Nos. 141, 172 and 173), sixth (No. 176) and seventh (No. 233).

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