Cleveland Browns: Defensive stud landed in 7-round 2021 mock draft

The one thing that Andrew Berry has done that leads to early criticism is the way he allowed the linebacker corps to deteriorate. This isn’t a huge criticism though, he simply didn’t have this position as the No. 1 priority — and it could be argued this was done for a good reason.

New defensive coordinator Joe Woods is expected to run a 4-2-5 defense, meaning there will primarily be two linebackers on the field for the Browns. Considering the lack of usage, he was uncomfortable giving Joe Schobert the big-money contract he got from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Berry was also unwilling to risk paying Christian Kirksey top dollar when he can’t stay healthy, which is why he was released.

Whether or not you agree with those moves, the fact is Cleveland’s linebacker corps has more questions than answers right now. Mack Wilson, B.J. Goodson, Sione Takitaki, and rookie Jacob Phillips are in the mix for the starting jobs but none have proven they’re the long-term answer.

For that reason, the Browns are predicted to add a linebacker with their first pick in this 2021 mock draft. At this point, the top option for them is Dylan Moses from Alabama, who most likely would have been a first-round pick this season had he not decided to return to school.

In doing so, he’s going to solidify himself as a day one pick and while Cleveland’s defense isn’t going to lean heavily on using several linebackers, someone with Moses’ skill will make any defense better.