Cleveland Browns stockpile defense in 7-round 2021 mock draft

Throughout the first two weeks of the season, there’s been one thing that’s really stood out — the Cleveland Browns linebackers have been a mess. Part of the problem has been injuries as Mack Wilson has hardly seen the field — only a few snaps in Week 3 — and Jacob Phillips has also missed most of the season, getting one tackle in Week 1 before he went down with an injury.

Another problem is simply the level of talent. Even before Wilson and Phillips went down, the Browns were suspect here. Wilson was adamant that the linebacking corps shouldn’t be slept on, but the truth is most of the players are unproven — or in the case of former Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith, past their prime.

If we are looking for good news, it’s the fact that Sione Takitaki has improved but that’s not enough to keep them from going for a linebacker early in the 2021 NFL Draft. Ideally, they would get someone such as Dylan Moses or Micah Parsons, but neither are likely to be available when Cleveland is on the board in Round 1, so they wait and end up with Nick Bolton from Missouri here.

The Tigers linebacker is coming off his best season after recording 108 tackles as a sophomore. A converted safety, Bolton has a couple of career picks and can make things happen in pass coverage but he’s going to make his name as a run defender who is willing to deliver the hits. He should be a day one starter and will instantly improve the team’s defense at one of their weakest spots.