Receiving corps gets boost in 7-round Browns mock draft

Round 3: Byron Young, DT Alabama

It’s safe to say the biggest area of concern right now for the Browns is the defensive tackle position. They’re starting former first-round pick Taven Bryan, who never lived up to expectations for the Jacksonville Jaguars and signed a one-year deal this offseason. Next to him will be Jordan Elliott, who they are counting on to take a step forward this season.

There’s also Tommy Togiai and Perrion Winfrey but both were fourth-round picks and Winfrey has yet to play in the NFL. Unless the youngsters on the team show out, Cleveland is likely going to be searching for more depth. That’s why they grab Alabama’s Byron Young with their Round 3 selection.

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 292-pounds, Young is known for his power and ability to hold the line of scrimmage in the run game. He won’t bring much in the way of pass-rushing, but the Browns have players who can provide that. What they don’t have, is a run-stuffer such as Young.

Round 4: Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland

Not too long ago, the Browns had a great offensive line. In 2022, that might not be the case.

The guards are great but starting center Nick Harris was lost for the season, leaving them with Ethan Pocic in his place. Their tackles have talent but Jack Conklin is in the final year of his deal and is coming off a serious injury. Across from him is Jedrick Wills who has yet to show the consistency needed to be a franchise left tackle.

James Hudson was taken in the 2021 draft and struggled when called upon as a rookie. For that reason, we grab Jaelyn Duncan from Maryland with the first of two picks in Round 4. At 6-foot-6 and 320-pounds, Duncan is a huge prospect that Kyle Crabbs from The Draft Network says can play at a high level based on his film late in the 2021 campaign.

Even if he’s not a starter anytime soon, Duncan gives them some much-needed depth at the position.