Cleveland Browns defensive back-heavy 7-round 2021 NFL mock draft

Cleveland Browns. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Cleveland Browns mock draft
Cleveland Browns mock draft. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

CB. Syracuse. IfeatuMelifonwu. player. Pick Analysis. 827. Scouting Report. 2.59

If Ifeatu Melifonwu were to fall to the Browns in the first round, he’d be an easy pick, which makes this selection even more obvious. He stands 6-3, 213 pounds, and possesses rare athleticism and speed for his size.

He has all the physical tools to become a top-flight corner but needs to be coached up in order to reach his ceiling. The first order of business will be to improve his ability and aggressiveness in press coverage. Melifonwu has the frame to dominate receivers, but he must learn how to use it properly.

His older brother, Obi, was drafted in the second round, with the then-Oakland Raiders betting on development that never happened. Ifeatu is a better player out of college than Obi, which should give teams some comfort.

The value is too much to pass on at this point in the draft, even after taking a CB in Round 1. A defense can never have too many good corners, and as of now, the Browns have one. Taking that number to three would be a tremendous boost, and Melifonwu has the talent to end up as one of the top players in this class. He’s also taken some snaps at safety, and that versatility should endear him to defensive coordinator Joe Woods right away.