Cleveland Browns mock draft: Strengthening all 3 units
By Jacob Roach
Cleveland Browns pick number 78- Alec Pierce, wide receiver, Cincinnati
The Browns still need to add more talent to makeover a receiver room that was lacking last season. For what they are missing Cincinnati’s Alec Pierce may be the perfect fit to round out the room and create a strong passing offense. Pierce does a lot of the same things Jarvis Landry does but is both younger and faster than Landry.
Pierce can play both outside and in the slot, having the versatility to the lineup in multiple positions will add to his value. Pierce flashed some borderline elite speed at the NFL combine running a 4.41 40 yard dash also showing off some really impressive next-level athleticism.
Pierce has incredibly reliable hands and an impressive catch radius, he understands how to create separation and can make the tough contested catches as well. If you watched much Cincinnati Bearcats football last season it was hard not to notice and be impressed by Pierce.
Cleveland Browns pick number 99- Nick Cross, safety, Maryland
Maryland safety Nick Cross seems like the perfect fit for the Browns to play in Joe Woods’s three safety sets as the deep roaming centerfielder. Cross has elite-level speed and athleticism to read and react to plays while playing deep. He flashed his speed at the combine and really turned some heads when he ran a 4.34 40 yard dash.
The Browns have safeties that can play and excel in the box in Grant Delpit and John Johnson III, they must find someone to play centerfielder to allow the other two to move around the field freely. Cross would be perfect for what the Browns need and at only 20 years old he hasn’t yet hit his prime.
Cross has great ball skills and he reads the play in front of him and diagnoses it at a high level, for a team looking for a third safety Cross would fit like a glove.