Cleveland Browns 2021 NFL mock draft Week 13 edition offers defensive makeover

A Cleveland Browns mock draft heading into Week 13

The Cleveland Browns may be 8-3 and preparing for a pivotal faceoff with the Tennessee Titans, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still look ahead to the 2021 NFL Draft. For this week’s mock, we’ll be using Pro Football Network’s simulator, and the Browns are sitting at pick No. 24 in the first round.

Cleveland’s defense may be trying to de-emphasize the linebacker position, but in reality, it will never be where it needs to until Joe Woods can stop worrying about covering for poor LB play. And that means the team shouldn’t write off taking one in the first round, especially if it’s Zaven Collins.

He was quite good for the Golden Hurricane over his first two seasons, but in 2020, Collins has become college football’s best linebacker. In six games, he’s totaled 49 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, four interceptions, two passes defended, two fumbles forced, and two defensive touchdowns. He’s lined up at both inside and outside linebacker, slot corner, and EDGE. Calling him versatile is an understatement, and Collins’ elite pass-rushing and coverage abilities are accentuated by his incredible physical tools.

Listed at 6-4 260 pounds, Collins looks like an EDGE but moves like a strong safety. He’s as prototypical an LB as you’ll find, and while his aggressiveness against the run can get the best of him, he’s got everything he needs to be a fantastic player at the next level, and the kind of linebacker the Browns can leave on the field alone with six defensive backs.