Cleveland Browns fix defense in bye week 7-round 2021 NFL mock draft

Another repeat player, Elijah Molden was perhaps the best slot corner in college football last season. Right now, the Browns have Kevin Johnson in that role, and while he’s been solid, he’s also a free agent at the end of the season. Cleveland needs a long-term slot, and Molden could very well be that guy. He was excellent in 2019, picking off four passes, making 5.5 tackles for loss, and forcing three fumbles. He’s a strong tackler despite his 5-10 190-pound frame, and durability will be the biggest worry for him at the next level. If he can stay healthy, he’d be a fantastic value in the fourth round, and would likely start right away.

Justyn Ross is one of the most talented receivers in the class, but he will not play in 2020 due to a spinal injury. He stands 6-4 205 pounds and in his 28 career games, has caught 112 passes for 1,865 yards and 17 touchdowns. It remains to be seen whether or not he’ll even enter the 2021 NFL Draft, and there will be serious concerns surrounding his health. But at this point in the draft, with an extra fourth-round pick, Ross is far too talented for the Browns to pass on.

The team lacks a true X receiver, and the futures of Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. are hardly set in stone, to say nothing about depth players such as Rashard Higgins and KhaDarel Hodge. Ross is the type of player you just can’t afford not to take here, and his selection could end up paying off massively for Baker Mayfield.