Cleveland Browns 7-round 2021 NFL mock draft Week 8 edition

The Browns have lost Odell Beckham Jr. for the season, and while they likely won’t be moving on from the superstar wide receiver, there will be changes in that position group next season. Jarvis Landry will either be released or his contract will be renegotiated to lower his cap hit. Rashard Higgins may or may not return.

The point is that the Browns understand the importance of the receiver position, and if a prototypical X were to fall to them, they’d strongly consider taking him. And in this scenario, that prototypical X is the best player available.

As a sophomore for the Golden Gophers, Bateman hauled in 60 passes for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging over 20 yards per reception. He earned an excellent 89.0 receiving grade from Pro Football Focus, and firmly cemented his status as a future first-round pick.

Bateman initially decided to opt out of the 2020 season as it appeared the Big Ten would not play football, but once that reversal was announced, Bateman was back. At 6-2 210 pounds, Bateman has good size which is augmented by his shrewd route running and impressive agility, not to mention his fantastic ball skills.

Adding Bateman to the Cleveland offense would give Baker Mayfield yet another weapon to throw to, and hopefully Bateman’s presence doesn’t actually make Mayfield play worse (only half-joking).