Cleveland Browns: Joint 7-round mock draft, the week of

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JACKSONVILLE, FL – OCTOBER 27: Mecole Hardman #4 of the Georgia Bulldogs returns a kick during a game against the Florida Gators at TIAA Bank Field on October 27, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Writer: Martin McConnell

Round 2, Pick 49: Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State

Simmons looks to be the apple of Dorsey’s second-round eye, and if he does fall to 49, I fully expect the Browns to pull the trigger. He may not be ready as a rookie, but he doesn’t have to be, with all the talent on Cleveland’s defensive line. Simmons is a great talent with some character concerns, but that didn’t stop Browns brass last year when they selected wide receiver Antonio Callaway. Simmons’s ability to get to the quarterback as a defensive tackle is unmatched in this class.

Round 3, Pick 80: Amani Hooker, Safety, Iowa

The 6-0 Hooker is a smart safety who brings a ton of ball-hawking skills to the table. Although the Browns weren’t able to nab Nasir Adderley in the second round, Hooker is a great find near the end of the draft’s second day. He had his best year in 2018 with 65 tackles and four interceptions, and at only 20 years old, Hooker’s arrow is pointing straight up.

Round 4, Pick 119: Mecole Hardman, WR, Georgia

The Browns take a flyer on Mecole Hardman here, Georgia’s 5-11 receiver. The Browns have a great starting receiver group, but depth is a bit of a worry spot; Cleveland aims to remedy that here. Hardman did not get a ton of usage at Georgia, racking up only 34 catches in his final season. But he made those receptions count, as he scored seven touchdowns on 532 yards, showcasing his explosive ability.

Round 5, Pick 144: Bobby Evans, OT, Oklahoma

Another depth flyer, the Browns grab Bobby Evans with their first fifth-rounder. The 6-5, 300-pounder may be a bit short to play the tackle position, but he could develop into something down the line if Greg Robinson doesn’t work out in 2019. Evans and quarterback Baker Mayfield have some history together at Oklahoma, and this pick could blossom into a steal if Evans develops.

Round 5, Pick 155: Brett Rypien, QB, Boise State

The Browns go from protecting Mayfield to selecting his insurance policy. Brett Rypien had a tremendous career in Boise, throwing 90 touchdowns and just 29 interceptions over four seasons. Rypien could turn into one of the league’s premier backup quarterbacks, but should only be seeing the field if, knock on wood, something were to happen to Mayfield.

Round 6, Pick 170: Anthony Johnson, WR, Buffalo

It’s a wonder how Anthony Johnson lasted this long. The Mid-American Conference star got some buzz from draft analysts early on, but it appears his stock has definitely cooled down since then. Still, the Browns could take a chance on him and see if he can develop into a starting receiver. At this point, Cleveland can just draft on best player available, but this pick could really turn into something in time.

Round 6, Pick 189: Drew Sample, TE, Washington

The Browns need some depth behind starting tight end David Njoku. With Seth Devalve unlikely to make the team in 2019, the Browns could be seeing a new face: Drew Sample. The Washington product is a solid blocker, but didn’t have much production in 2018. 25 catches for 252 yards and three touchdowns doesn’t exactly scream explosive talent, but he will likely be a nice depth piece.

Round 7, Pick 221: Deshaun Davis, LB, Auburn

The Browns bolster their linebacker corps with their final pick. Deshaun Davis, Auburn’s tackling machine, racked up 102 total tackles in 2018, along with 3.5 sacks. Although he’s very undersized at just 5’11, his tackling acumen causes the Browns to take a chance on him in the seventh round.

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Cleveland Browns: Joint 7-round mock draft, the week of the main event

By Randy Gurzi | Apr 22, 2019