Cleveland Browns switch focus in post-Amari Cooper mock draft
By Randy Gurzi
The Cleveland Browns no longer seem desperate for a wide receiver, so they switch their Round 1 focus in our latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft
On Saturday, the Cleveland Browns made a bold move when they traded for Amari Cooper, landing them a true No. 1 wideout.
Cooper’s addition could change the way things shake out for the Browns who were expected to be taking a wide receiver at No. 13 overall. That decision was already in doubt when it became clear that they could lose Jadeveon Clowney in free agency but the addition of Cooper means they could now very well change their plans in the 2022 NFL Draft.
With that being said, this latest mock draft goes in a different direction as the Browns wait to land a No. 2 wide receiver while using their first pick to replace Clowney.
Cleveland Browns Round 1 Pick: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
Jermaine Johnson has been a climber on many draft boards after a big season in 2021 with the Florida State Seminoles. He added to his value with a strong combine that included a sub 4.6 time in the 40-yard dash.
He even spoke highly of Myles Garrett while being interviewed at the combine, saying he wants to be feared in the same way Garrett is.
"“Myles Garrett, Khalil Mack, I like Aaron Donald, obviously,” Johnson said at the NFL Combine according to Anthony Poisal of ClevelandBrowns.com. “People fear them, and that’s what I want to be at the next level. I want to be feared.”"
Johnson took a different path to the NFL as he was a community college player for two years who headed to Georgia for another couple of seasons before his redshirt senior campaign at FSU put him on the map.
He’s a resilient player who could be a great option as the second edge rusher in Cleveland.