Cleveland Browns land Zaven Collins in 2021 7-round mock draft

Quinn Meinerz, Guard, Wisconsin-Whitewater

Round 6, Pick no. 188

One of the biggest “small school” names in the 2021 draft is offensive lineman Quinn Menerz from Division III powerhouse Wisconsin Whitewater. Meinerz was a first-team all-American in 2019 and could be a guy that improves his stock before the draft.

Some experts believe Meinerz could be a round 4 or 5 prospect, but he has yet to prove that. He has a tremendous first step and strength, but at times can lose technique because of his strength. While that can all be fixed with coaching, his strength won’t carry him in the NFL like it did in Division III which is still a fear of scouts.

The Browns are solid upfront for 2021 but do have long-term contract questions with Joel Bitonio and J.C. Tretter who will likely receive big paydays on the open market. 2020 rookie Nick Harris looks poised to fill one of those slots and Meinerz could be a great draft option who could sit a year or two before starting.

Garret Wallow, Linebacker, Texas Christian

Round 5, Pick 155

One of my favorite prospects in this year’s draft is linebacker Garrett Wallow from TCU. Not only is he a guy who has a high ceiling, but he is also an athletic linebacker who was formally a safety. While Wallow doesn’t have elite speed, he has the hips of a defensive back and the size of a linebacker

In 2019 Wallow had a massive season starting all 12 games with 125 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and an interception. This stat line earned him All-Big 12 first-team honors and a strong senior bowl could increase his stock to a third our fourth-round prospect.

Wallow is a perfect fit for the Browns who want to run the 4-2-5. At 6-2, 230 pounds, Wallow can’t move to safety, but he can be the third linebacker when needed with strong coverage skills and the ability to stop the run. The Browns defensive front isn’t strong enough to fully adapt to the 4-2-5 yet and Wallow could be the perfect transition piece to go with Jacob Phillips, Sione Takitaki, and Mack Wilson.

Olaijah Griffin – Cornerback, USC

Round 7, Pick no. 222

The Browns could be getting a dark horse steal if they were able to land cornerback, Olaijah Griffin from USC. The only reason he finds himself on the board this late in the draft is injuries in his first two seasons with the Trojans. Truthfully, Griffin is one who could have substantially increased his stock with a healthy senior season in southern California.

Griffin was the top corner for the Trojans last season and excelled in man to man coverage. In a shortened season Griffin had one interception and four pass breakups while only allowing 38% of passes to be completed against him. Griffin could be an immediate force with his speed on special teams and could eventually be a nickel corner in man to man situations.

As we saw last season, this Browns secondary could certainly use some help.