Cleveland Browns 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft Week 6 edition
By Sam Penix
A seven-round Browns 2021 NFL Mock Draft heading into Week 6
The Cleveland Browns may be 4-1 with a huge game against the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers this week, but it’s never too early for a Browns mock draft. We’ll be using The Draft Network’s simulator for this mock, which currently has Cleveland picking 18th overall. If the season ended today, the Browns would be picking in the mid-to-late 20s, but there is still plenty of football remaining.
Based on what the team has shown through its first five games, there are a few key takeaways to keep in mind. First, it seems like Kevin Stefanski is a legitimate NFL head coach. Five games is still too early to make a judgment, but the returns to this point are more promising than any other Browns coach since the team returned in 1999.
Cleveland’s offense is mostly set, but could definitely use a speedster at running back and a third wide receiver. Perhaps Donovan Peoples-Jones becomes that guy, but until that happens, the position needs to be addressed.
Their defense is missing two key members in Grant Delpit and Greedy Williams and has been flat-out bad. The Browns lead the NFL in takeaways with 12, and once that breakneck pace dries up, things are going to get ugly. The defensive line is in fine shape right now but will need another rotational defensive tackle and a starting EDGE to replace Olivier Vernon.
The linebacker position has been marginalized by the team, and, as expected, opponents have been able to take advantage of that. The Browns want to eventually run a base dime defense, but in order to do that, you need to have a good all-around MIKE. Maybe Jacob Phillips ends up becoming that guy, but if given the chance, Cleveland cannot afford to pass on a better prospect.
As for the secondary, that unit has been a mess this season. Denzel Ward and Terrance Mitchell have played well, but defensive coordinator Joe Woods’ rotations in the back half have been head-scratching at best. He declined to play Ronnie Harrison and Sheldrick Redwine until injuries forced them into the game. Kevin Johnson’s playing time has been extremely unpredictable, despite no slot depth behind him. There is practically zero communication in the secondary, and blown coverages are a consistent event. There needs to be quite a bit of talent injected into that group, but the coaching also has to improve.
With all that outlined, let’s begin improving the Browns.