Cleveland Browns mock draft: Deepening the defense first

OU's Nik Bonitto (11) celebrates after a sack during the Big 12 Championship Game against Iowa State last Dec. 19 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.bonitto
OU's Nik Bonitto (11) celebrates after a sack during the Big 12 Championship Game against Iowa State last Dec. 19 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.bonitto /
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Browns Mock Draft
Oct 16, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Matthew Butler (94) rushes around Mississippi Rebels offensive lineman Nick Broeker (64) during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

Browns Mock Draft Round 4, No. 118: Matthew Butler, DL, Tennessee

After the fans of Cleveland get their wide receiver in the draft the team returns to strengthening the defense by adding another excellent collegiate prospect in Matthew Butler out of Tennessee. The big defensive lineman stands at 6-4 and 300 pounds.

His speed off the snap is top-tiered and he has an explosiveness that will put fear into offensive linemen. He has a powerful ability to move along the line and shed blockers to get to the ball.

He finished his career with the Volunteers credited with 152 tackles and 9.5 sacks. He had five sacks and 47 talks this last season. He also has forced two fumbles in the last two seasons at Tennessee. The sky is the limit for Butler and scouts around the league see him rocketing up draft boards. Cleveland would be wise to grab this stud of player here.

Browns Mock Draft Round 6 No. 202: Derrick Deese Jr., TE, San Jose St.

The Browns offense always needs to add tight ends to their group and with the departure of Austin Hooper recently, the team can use this late pick to take a chance on a pretty talented but raw talent in Derrick Deese. The tall and lanky prospect stands at 6-3. He has good hands and can take contact and still reel in the football.

Sitting behind David Njoku and Harrison Bryant and getting some work in during the season on the special teams units is likely a good starting point for Deese. He’s considered a strong blocker too and will only help the team in that department on plays the team may insert him in on offense.

Deese had a nice career at San Jose. In his senior campaign, he finished with 47 catches for 730 yards, and a 15.5 yards after catch average that included four touchdowns.