2020 NFL Draft: 25-pick mock, Cleveland Browns get their guy

With the NFL Draft under two weeks away, all fans have started to speculate who their teams will take. Let’s evaluate what happens in the first 25 picks of the 2020 draft and see who the Cleveland Browns land.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Roger Goodell has made it clear the draft must go on as scheduled, although instead of having large war rooms at team headquarters, it will consist of virtual video chats. This seems like one technical issue away from being a complete disaster. Let’s hope the Cleveland Browns coaches paid their internet bill for March.

While there is some risk to having the draft this way as communication will certainly be limited compared to everyone being in the same room. I must admit I am happy to see the draft happen if it does so safely. U.S. sports fans are in a depression after losing NCAA March Madness, The Masters, and the beginning of the MLB season. Let’s not forget the NBA and NHL are currently halted with no sign of resuming.

The draft gives sports fans something to be excited about, and surely Goodell is looking to capture that in ratings. What’s most exciting for me, given the new “social distancing” norms? WE GET BACK TO THE TAPE. Pro days are out, and instead of seeing how, big and athletic a player is, teams must-watch films to evaluate a player.

Call me old school, but I’m tired of seeing teams reach for “combine freaks” that can’t put it together on the field. This strategy will certainly help those players who have mastered their technique and have a high football IQ.

With that, what will the Browns do with pick No. 10? Will they stay put or look to move up or trade back? Past teams with analytical mentalities have looked to trade back and acquire additional assets. However, analytically minded regimes also place a high value on left tackle, which the Browns desperately need right now.

After Andrew Berry shelled out over $100 million in free agency this year, look for the Browns to stay in “win now” mode vs. rebuilding, which leads me to believe Berry will do what it takes to get his guy. The question now that only a few folks know, who is Berry’s guy?

I previously had the Browns trading pack to pick 14, but now with the four top tackles gaining momentum, I’m not sure Berry will risk not having one of the tackles available to him. If the Browns were too aggressive and missed out on a top tackle a veteran like Jason Peters would be the best option for left tackle next season, which would not be ideal. Let’s begin the journey through the first round to see how the pieces fall.