Cleveland Browns mock draft: Deep safety added to solve secondary concerns
By Randy Gurzi
Round 4: Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, OT, Oregon
James Hudson was a pleasant surprise in Weeks 1 and 2. As Jack Conklin was working back from a knee injury suffered last season, Hudson started in his place and wasn’t just serviceable — he was actually pretty good.
That was a huge change from his rookie campaign where he struggled when called upon but clearly, he’s starting to get things figured out. This is important since Conklin is set for free agency in 2023 and while he wants to stay, it might not make financial sense for the Browns.
If they do let the veteran walk in favor of Hudson, they’ll need a new swing tackle — especially with Chris Hubbard also hitting free agency. That’s why they take Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu from Oregon with their second pick in Round 4.
Described as violent and aggressive, Aumavae-Laulu stands 6-foot-6 and 325-pounds with incredibly long arms. He moves people with ease, has a great football IQ, and should have no problem developing under O-line mastermind Bill Callahan.
Round 5: Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
Even after somehow acquiring Amari Cooper with a fifth-round pick, Cleveland still has two selections in this round. The first is used on Keeanu Benton from Wisconsin, who joins a defensive tackle group that could use a little more power.
Benton has that to spare. A former wrestler, the 6-foot-4, 315-pound one-tech is a bully on the field and can help the Browns slow down opponents that boast a power-run game. He won’t likely be a starter but he can play some meaningful snaps at a position of need.