Browns focus on defense in 2023 NFL Mock Draft

Round 3: J.L. Skinner, S, Boise State

Ronnie Harrison is a free agent and while he did return on a one-year deal this offseason, it’s not likely that will happen again. Cleveland does still believe Grant Delpit and John Johnson III are their starters in 2023 even though there have been several miscues on the back end of the defense this year.

They still need more depth, especially if Harrison is gone. That’s why J.L. Skinner from Boise State is the choice with their second pick of this mock. A big safety at 6-foot-4 and 218-pounds, Skinner has four career picks and 9.5 tackles for a loss. He could slide into the role Harrison plays and perform at a high level.

Round 4: Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin

There’s no denying Cleveland needs a big body in the middle of the line. They continue to try and use defensive tackles known for their pass-rushing talent and that led to them being absolutely gashed by a late-round pick and former undrafted free agent against Atlanta on the ground.

It’s time they add someone who can punish the running back and that’s what Keeanu Benton does. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 317-pounds, Benton has been a nose tackle for Wisconsin and while he won’t light up a box score, he’s going to clog up running lanes and keep the interior linemen from pushing the line of scrimmage forward.