Cleveland Browns 7-round mock continues defensive rebuild

After landing some new defensive starters, we again look at how the 2021 NFL Draft could go for the Cleveland Browns

General manager Andrew Berry and the Cleveland Browns have been busy the last two weeks with free agency in full force.

Now based on moves, the draft becomes a bit clearer on how Berry will attack.

One thing is for sure, the focus will continue to be on the defense in the draft.

After bringing back Malcolm Smith and singing Anthony Walker, the Brown’s biggest need may very well be at defensive end. Unfortunately, the defensive end draft class is limited with elite talents, and with the Notre Dame linebacker, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, falling to No. 26, the pick must be made.

Owusu-Koramoah is exactly what the Cleveland Browns need at linebacker. He’s explosive and athletic, with a real nose for the football. Perhaps one of the biggest changes in the NFL over the last decade is the increased passing in the league. Owusu-Koramoah is tremendous in coverage and could also have an instant impact as a blitzing linebacker.

Owusu-Koramoah’s biggest flaw currently is his one on one tackling skills and block shedding. Of course, this is a concern, but you can easily coach a guy up on shedding blocks, but it’s much tougher to teach a guy to have the ball instincts that he already has.

It’s easy to say the Browns may have a bit of a crowded linebacker room at the moment, but if Owusu-Koramoah is available and there isn’t an edge rusher worth taking available, Sione Takitaki and Mack Wilson may be on the outside looking in on making this roster.

Joe Woods is going to push the 4-2-5 scheme as much as possible and it appears that Walker and Jacob Phillips will see most of the snaps with Smith coming off the bench. If the Browns can add a guy like Owusu-Koramoah, there is a good chance that both Takitaki and Wilson are cut before the start of the season.