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

It’s likely that the Browns will find a starting-caliber EDGE in free agency to start this season. It’s still a good idea to take a talented prospect on Day 2 in an attempt to find Myles Garrett a long-term complement.

Patrick Jones II has a prototypical 6-5, 260-pound frame and an elite first step. He was productive in college, but not to the level that he should have been with his natural talent. He’s still raw and on the weaker side for the position despite having four years of experience.

Cleveland could bring Jones along slowly as a designated pass-rusher until he can get stronger and learn to string together pass-rush moves. He’ll likely be an early second-round pick, but stranger things have happened in the NFL Draft.

The Browns are set to devote the third-highest amount of cap space to the WR position in 2021, and that’s without Rashard Higgins and KhaDarel Hodge. The current room (outside of Odell Beckham Jr.,) lacks the ability to beat man coverage, win down the field, or generate yards after the catch.

Elijah Moore does all of those things, and while he is just 5-9, he is a well-built 184 pounds with the toughness to take hits over the middle. He has the speed and quickness to win both in the slot and on the outside and is a force with the ball in his hands. Moore would add a much-needed dynamic to the Cleveland offense as a rookie, and could be a replacement for one of the two pricey contracts in the WR group at some point.