Cleveland Browns land shutdown corner in 2021 NFL mock draft at Week 17

Linebacker is going to be a big need this offseason, but it’s unlikely the Browns will be willing to invest significant capital into that position, at least until their defense is an LB away from being elite (which may never happen, sadly). The team will be seeking value there, and Utah’s Devin Lloyd could present that here in the fourth round.

He has good size at 6-3, 230 pounds, produced at a high level (91 tackles in 2019, 48 in five games in 2020), and is capable in coverage. He’d likely have some MIKE-WILL versatility as well, which could be important given the lack of durability in Cleveland’s LB room. B.J. Goodson and Malcolm Smith will be free agents, and while it’s entirely possible that one or both could be re-signed, the team will explore upgrading, and Lloyd could provide that, and if not right away, he’d at least be good depth.

Paris Ford is a versatile strong safety who has racked up 131 tackles over his last 19 games and has picked off six passes in that span as well. He’s a former corner who is still adjusting to the safety position, but i’s easy to see the progress he’s made throughout his career.

Tackling consistency was a concern heading into 2020, but he did a good job quieting those fears. His CB history contributes to his versatility, which is what you look for at this point in the draft, especially when you have a defensive coordinator who requires it.