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.
Cleveland Browns Round 2 Pick: John Metchie, WR, Alabama
Amari Cooper being in Cleveland means they no longer need a No. 1 receiver. They could use more depth, however, especially with the news that they have allowed Jarvis Landry to seek a trade. The good news is, there are a lot of talented receivers in this class that should be on the board in Round 2, including John Metchie of Alabama.
Metchie entered 2021 as a first-round prospect but was surpassed by Jameson Williams who transferred from Ohio State. Even with Williams being in Tuscaloosa, Metchie had 96 receptions for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns.
He’s a great athlete who can play on the boundary and in the slot. Metchie is also coming off a torn ACL but as long as he’s healthy, he could be a great second option across from Cooper.
Cleveland Browns Round 3 Pick: Zachary Carter, DT, Florida
With their first of two picks in the third round, Cleveland decides to bolster the interior of their defensive line with the selection of Zachary Carter from Florida. He’s listed at 6-foot-4 and 282-pounds making him a little light for the 3-tech but his ability to generate a pass rush makes him worth the selection.
Carter also has the ability to play on the edge similar to what they had in Sheldon Richardson. He could work in a rotation with Jordan Elliott and Tommy Togiai, giving the Browns an improved interior.
Cleveland Browns Round 3 Pick: Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State
The Cleveland Browns offensive line was a problem in 2021 as injuries continued to pile up. Jedrick Wills battled an ankle issue all season and Jack Conklin ended the year on IR after a knee injury. Their top backup, Chris Hubbard, was also out all season.
James Hudson was taken in the fourth round last season to be a swing tackle but he struggled at times, meaning Cleveland should be looking for a player who could start in a pinch. That’s why Rasheed Walker is the choice here.
Walker could play right tackle from the start and be serviceable but also has the tools to be a left tackle with some development. He could be the swing tackle right away and give them some insurance if Conklin isn’t 100 percent by Week 1.
Cleveland Browns Round 4 Pick: Nick Cross, S, Maryland
Ronnie Harrison seems to be on his way out and if Cleveland can’t bring M.J. Stewart back, they could use some more help in the secondary. In an effort to find that, they pick up Nick Cross from Maryland with the first of two picks in Round 4.
Cross is listed at 6-foot-1 and 215-pounds and is a great fit as a strong safety. He could slide into the role left empty by Harrison and keep the Browns defense on track.
Cleveland Browns Round 4 Pick: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
Cleveland sticks with defense in Round 4 as they add Quay Walker from Georgia. With Anthony Walker set for free agency, they need more depth and the Bulldog linebacker could help them build that.
Quay Walker had 65 tackles and 1.5 sacks this past season for the Bulldogs. He was overshadowed by Nakobe Dean but showed off his athleticism with a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash.
Cleveland Browns Round 6 Pick: Matt Hankins, CB, Iowa
With their sixth-round pick (which was originally the Cowboys selection), Cleveland adds Matt Hankins from Iowa. He’s a 6-foot-1, 175-pound corner who has all the makings of a late-round steal. With several other big names at corner, Cleveland is able to land a player who flies under the radar but could develop into a starter down the road.
Cleveland Browns Round 7 Pick: MarQuan McCall, DT, Kentucky
With their final pick in this mock, the Browns add MarQuan McCall from Kentucky giving them a massive nose tackle to put in their rotation. McCall measured in at 6-foot-3 and 342-pounds at the Combine and Cleveland needs a big body like that on their D-line.
McCall won’t offer much as a pass rusher (which is why he lasts as long as he does) but he can fill the gaps and cause issues in the run game.