Cleveland Browns mock draft: Strengthening all 3 units
By Jacob Roach
The 2022 NFL draft is less than a month away and the Cleveland Browns still have holes to fill on all 3 units, let’s look at how they might fill them.
The long wait for the 2022 NFL draft is finally almost over with the draft now less than four weeks away at the end of April. The Cleveland Browns have made two splash trades in acquiring Deshaun Watson and Amari Cooper, but roster holes still remain.
The Browns currently need some help on defense, and offense, and do not currently have a solution for either punter or kicker.
Though many expect the Browns to make at least a couple more moves for veterans in free agency let’s look at how they could attack all three units in the draft.
Cleveland Browns pick number 44- Cameron Thomas, edge, San Diego State
The Browns have been looking for a long-term solution to start opposite Myles Garrett for several years now. Though many believe Jadeveon Clowney will return that deal isn’t likely to be longer than two years. Cameron Thomas may be one of the best scheme fits for what the Cleveland Browns want in a player opposite Garrett.
Thomas fits the mold of bigger defensive ends the Browns like at 6-foot-4 and weighing 267 pounds. The Browns love defensive ends that can set the edge and play the run in addition to rushing the passer and that is exactly the type of player Thomas is.
He is explosive off the line of scrimmage and may have one of the best first steps off the line in this draft class. His hand fighting is really impressive, if he can’t get past the lineman right away he does a great job to keep fighting until he can. He is even better at setting the edge in the run game, which was a strength that made Clowney so effective for the Browns in 2021.
Thomas finished his senior season at San Diego State with 10.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss, he is one of the more well-rounded prospects in this class.