Browns mock draft: Defensive tackle answer found in Round 2

The Cleveland Browns need to add more talent on the defensive side of the ball, which they do in our latest 2023 Mock Draft

At 2-5, the Cleveland Browns aren’t where they expected to be at this point in the season, but there’s still time to salvage their campaign. While their coaching staff and front office focus on what has to happen this year, we can look ahead to the offseason and see what they need to do to improve in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Of course, it will be tougher than normal to add talent since Cleveland doesn’t have a pick in Round 1 but that doesn’t mean it will be impossible. For example, they find themselves a capable defensive tackle in Round 2 of this mock draft as they begin to rebuild their defense.

Cleveland Browns 7-round mock draft

Round 2: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt

In Round 2, the Browns go for a defensive tackle after realizing (hopefully) that they can’t build the interior of their line with patchwork additions. Former top picks that flamed out elsewhere aren’t cutting it as starters, which is why they roll the dice on Calijah Kancey from Pitt.

The one concern with Kancey is his size as he stands 6-foot-0 and weighs 275-pounds. However, the same concern surrounded Aaron Donald, who also hailed from Pitt. This isn’t to say he can be another Donald, but it’s not crazy to think he can make it as a pro.

Kancey is a great pass rusher from the interior and has the speed to drive blockers crazy. Of course, Cleveland will still need a run-stuffing defensive tackle, but Kancey could replace Taven Bryan as the 3-tech.