Browns mock draft: Malik Willis surprise pick at No. 13

Browns mock draft Round 4 pick: Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State

With the first of their two selections in the fourth round, the Cleveland Browns decide to stick to improving the offensive side of the ball by adding in-state collegiate talent from Ohio State. Jeremy Ruckert is a solid tight end who is a really good pass catcher, but can also provide quality reps as a blocker at the end of the line.

The addition of Ruckert would immediately allow the Browns to look to move on from tight end Austin Hooper, who has disappointed after signing a four-year, $42 million contract in 2020. Having significantly underperformed on his contract thus far, the Browns would be better off sticking with David Njoku and Harrison Bryant and adding a talented option in Ruckert.

The biggest reason to draft him, however, is because of his abilities in the red zone. While he didn’t get a lot of targets at Ohio State because of the wealth of talent around him, he always made the most of his opportunities, especially in the red zone. His sure hands would surely be a welcome addition to the Cleveland Browns tight end room.

Browns mock draft Round 4 pick: Andrew Stueber, OT, Michigan

One of the biggest reasons for the disappointing follow-up in 2021 to the 2020 playoff season for the Cleveland Browns was the injuries on the offensive line. After starting left tackle Jedrick Wills suffered an ankle injury in Week 1, the injury nagged him all season and affected his play the rest of the season. There were also several other injuries to the offensive line, as three offensive linemen missed at least one game this season.

The Browns don’t need to look to add a starter to their offensive line, but they do need to look to add depth in case a similar injury situation arises in 2022. Selecting offensive tackle Andrew Stueber out of Michigan with their second fourth-round pick would be a quality selection to make.

Stueber has played both guard and tackle at Michigan, but projects as a right tackle. He isn’t the most gifted athlete, but he is someone who plays with an edge and loves to hit people. He would also provide quality leadership to the Browns offensive line unit, as he has a high football IQ from being a multi-year starter against some of the best pass-rushers in the nation.

Stueber’s biggest asset is the fact that if needed, he can play multiple positions on the line. While he’s likely only a developmental prospect for a few years, he could develop into being a quality rotational piece to the offensive line in time.