Cleveland Browns mock draft: Post Jadeveon Clowney edition
By Sam Penix
A 7-round Cleveland Browns mock draft after signing Jadeveon Clowney
The 2021 NFL Draft may be less than two weeks away, but the Cleveland Browns aren’t quite finished with free agency.
After a lengthy courtship, the team finally signed EDGE Jadeveon Clowney to pair with Myles Garrett, giving the team two No. 1 overall pass-rushers. How should the addition of Clowney affect Cleveland’s draft plans?
It shouldn’t. Clowney is here on a one-year deal and the team has no EDGES under contract past 2021. Clowney is not the long-term Robin to Garrett’s Batman; that player has yet to be found. Perhaps that player will appear at some point over the first two days of the draft…
GregNewsome II. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. CB. Northwestern. 1.26. 882
But not in the first round, at least in this scenario. The Browns biggest need at the moment is an outside cornerback to complement Denzel Ward. Greedy Williams is on the roster, but he should not be counted on due to the nerve damage in his shoulder. If he can contribute, great, the team has too many good cornerbacks to start all of them.
Greg Newsome is young and athletic with solid size and had a great 2020 season. He’s twitchy and fluid in man coverage and his explosiveness makes him a threat in zone. The biggest concern with him is a lack of experience; he’s totaled just about 1,200 snaps over three seasons, while most collegiate cornerbacks log 80 percent of that number in a single year.
He’s dealt with ankle and groin injuries among others, so medical checks will be important. If he can stay healthy in the NFL, Newsome has the makings of a top-flight player.