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Cleveland Browns: 3-round February mock draft

By Damon Kecman

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Jake Butt (88) makes a a catch in front of Florida State Seminoles defensive back A.J. Westbrook (19) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Jake Butt (88) makes a a catch in front of Florida State Seminoles defensive back A.J. Westbrook (19) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 3, Pick 1 (#65 Overall): TE Jake Butt, Michigan

Before his injury where he tore his ACL in the Orange Bowl, Michigan tight end Jake Butt was seen as the top tight end in a draft class with many good prospects at the position. At 6-foot-6, 250 pounds, Jake Butt is one of the biggest, most reliable targets at the tight end position in college football.

There’s something crazy about Butt that he is able to go up and grab any and pass that seems to be contested. Some knocks against Butt is that he isn’t the best run blocker and he could work on his route running skills but that all seems like it’s just finding things to get him to refine a tad.

The Browns haven’t been very good when it comes to scoring when they get in the red zone over the past few years, last year only successful on 54 percent of their tries. A big target like Jake Butt should surely help that number go up, especially with his ability to go up and get the ball.

Next: Weighing the first-round options

Now I understand we just signed Gary Barnidge to a three-year deal in 2016 but he is aging and will be 32 this year. Barnidge’s contract expires in 2018 where he would be a restricted free agent and the Browns are going to need some to fill his roll. Jake Butt did have successful surgery in Janurary to fix his ACL and will have a road to recovery. I couldn’t think of a better value pick here to fill Barnidge’s roll than taking Jake Butt in the third round.

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