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Cleveland Browns 2022 Draft: Day two mock draft

By Greg Newland

Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver John Metchie III (8) looks on before the 2022 CFP college football national championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver John Metchie III (8) looks on before the 2022 CFP college football national championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns
Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis (48) reacts as he walks off the field after losing to the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Browns Round Three, Pick No. 78 – Phidarian Mathis, Alabama

It seems strange that the Cleveland Browns could take two former Alabama players on the same night, but in a program with so much talent, I’ve seen stranger things.

Phidarian Mathis is a textbook nose tackle that can clog up a line of scrimmage. At 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, he could be the exact missing piece the Browns need on the interior defensive line. I was hopeful that one of the top defensive tackles would slide to pick No. 44, but with all the defenders coming off the board, they didn’t last long.

In 2021, Mathis had 53 tackles, 12 for loss, and nine sacks. I’m not saying that will translate to the NFL, but those numbers are insane for a defensive tackle, especially a guy with his size.

Mathis has the size and strength to hold his ground on the interior line and has shown the ability to hold two gaps when needed. He likely fits best as a 3-4 nose tackle, but also fits the five-technique in a 4-3 defensive which the Browns are desperate for.

Mathis struggles latterly and makes only be a run-down player as a rookie. He is a developing pass-rusher against higher-end pass blocking but has the upside to eventually be an every-down player in the NFL.

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