Cleveland Browns make shocking pick in first-round NFL Mock Draft

The Cleveland Browns go with the best player in this Day 1 mock draft, but that player isn’t a defensive star, which might be a shock at first

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And no, we’re not talking about Christmas.

No, this is all about draft season, which is some of the most fun us football-crazed nerds will ever have.

For Cleveland Browns fans, this used to even be the Super Bowl where they would control much of the draft due to their early picks. But now, they’re drafting near the bottom of the first round which isn’t the norm — but they still can land some elite talent.

That’s exactly what happens in this full first-round mock, even though they don’t go with a defensive layer, which could be frustrating for Cleveland fans — even if it’s not a bad move.

With that being said, let’s dive right into our first-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

This is easily going to be the least shocking pick this year. Trevor Lawrence is going to join the Jaguars, the only question is whether or not he can turn this team around.

2. New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

Some would say Justin Fields is a superior prospect, but that’s only because he is. Still, the New York Jets seem set on Zach Wilson and he’s going to be their guy.

3. San Francisco 49ers (via Houston Texans through Miami Dolphins): Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

Another player that shouldn’t go before Justin Fields is Mac Jones — but it seems as though he will. Kyle Shanahan seems set on Jones with the No. 3 pick and that could be a problem for them long-term if he proves to be incorrect about his talent.

4. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

There’s no doubt the Atlanta Falcons already have a lot of talent on offense but it’s hard to pass up on Kyle Pitts here.

5. Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

Reuniting Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase would make a lot of sense for the Bengals. Yes, they need offensive line help but they can still get someone capable in Round 2. There won’t be anyone close to the talent Chase offers in that round.

6. Miami Dolphins (via Philadelphia Eagles): Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama

Will Fuller’s addition will help the Dolphins but adding DeVonta Smith here could put them over the top.

7. Denver Broncos (via draft-day trade with the Detroit Lions): Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

Our first predicted trade comes here as the Broncos jump up a couple of picks in a trade with the Lions to make sure they get Justin Fields out of Ohio State. He’s the only one who can be close to the level of Lawrence and shouldn’t go this late, but the Broncos won’t be upset by it at all.

8. Chicago Bears (via draft-day trade with Carolina Panthers): Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

A second trade in a row happens as the Chicago Bears give up a bounty to the Carolina Panthers to land Trey Lance. They can tell us all they want that Andy Dalton is the guy, but they need to make a move like this to contend anytime soon.

9. Detroit Lions (via draft-day trade with the Denver Broncos): Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

The Lions added more draft picks to move down and they still end up with a stud in Micah Parsons from Penn State.