Cleveland Browns trade-happy 7-round 2021 NFL mock draft

The Browns need versatile depth in the secondary, and Jacoby Stevens can provide that, in a way. He shouldn’t be asked to play outside of the box, and doesn’t have the athleticism to hold up in man coverage against faster players. He does not, however, possess good size, physicality, and tackling ability. He can be a special teamer as a rookie and earn a spot as a rotational ROVER, playing the role of a nickel linebacker.

While he played EDGE in college, Elijah Ponder and his 6-3, 275-pound frame is better suited to play inside at the next level. He has an intriguing blend of burst and bend for a defensive tackle, and his motor and physicality are both excellent.

He’d play the role of fourth DT, likely backing up Sheldon Richardson (or his replacement) at three-tech. At this point in the draft, you look for players with athleticism, production, and/or translatable skillsets. Ponder has two seasons as a quality pass-rusher in addition to very good run defense. That’s worth drafting in the seventh round.

With this class, the Browns have added plenty of uber-talented players, multiple instant contributors, improved their depth on both sides of the ball, and accumulated three more draft picks for 2022, including two extra second-round selections.