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.

Round 3: Trey Dean III, S, Florida

One of the primary issues in the Cleveland secondary this year has been the decline in the performance of their safeties. Both John Johnson III and Grant Delpit have struggled, especially in coverage. Johnson’s popularity with the fan base also took a hit when he called for more effort from teammates then was seen practically avoiding contact in their very next game.

With all that being said, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Browns look for more youth at the position which is why they select Trey Dean III from Florida with their Round 3 selection. Dean can play either safety position and also has experience at corner. But what really stands out is the way he can play in coverage while also delivering as a tackler — as noted by Keith Sanchez of The Draft Network.

"“Dean appears to be a good athlete from the way he can play sideline to sideline. Against the run, Dean does a good job of flowing downhill to the line of scrimmage to meet the ball carrier. Dean is a contact seeker that likes to deliver the big blow. In pass coverage, Dean’s experience shows in his ability to play the ball in the air. On deep throws, Dean has the speed to run with receivers down the field and locate the football.” — Sanchez, The Draft Network"

Throw in the fact that he stands 6-foot-3 and 207-pounds and it sounds as though Dean is exactly what they need in the back end of the secondary.

Round 4: Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Virginia

Entering the year, Dontayvion Wicks was expected to put up some huge numbers after recording 1,203 yards and nine touchdowns on 57 receptions during 2021. However, he’s had just 29 catches for 416 yards and two touchdowns this season for Virginia.

Even with the dip in numbers, he’s a deep threat that averages 18.9 yards per catch. He also has good size for a wideout at 6-foot-1 and 210-pounds. That makes him worth a flier with their first of two picks in Round 4.

Round 4: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan

For the second time in this mock, we grab a defensive tackle, and while Calijah Kancey came in as an undersized option, Mazi Smith is the exact opposite. The Michigan Wolverine is listed at 6-foot-3 and 326-pounds, which is exactly what Cleveland needs in the middle of their defensive line.

They’ve been pushed around far too many times in the run game and Smith has the power to keep that from being an every-game occurrence. Many Cleveland fans aren’t thrilled to see Michigan players drafted by the Browns, but Smith is a player who will become a beloved member of the team in no time due to his impressive style of play.

Round 5: Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, OT, Oregon

At 6-foot-7 and 345-pounds, it’s impossible to miss Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu. The Oregon offensive tackle is a mountain of a man and while there will be calls to move him inside — which is everyone’s favorite thing to say about a tackle — keeping him on the outside would be the plan for Cleveland.

Offensive line coach Bill Callahan has worked wonders with young players, see the leap James Hudson made from year one to now, and would surely love the chance to mold this young man into a future starter. With Jack Conklin likely gone in free agency, Hudson will move to a starting role and Aumavae-Laulu can serve as a powerful swing tackle.

Round 5: Brenton Cox Jr., EDGE, Florida

Jadeveon Clowney is going to be a free agent and after another season where he’s been missing time due to injury, the Browns should be ready to move on. Alex Wright has been playing in his place and is showing a lot of progress which means he should have a chance to start.

Still, Cleveland will need more depth which is why Brenton Cox, Jr. is selected here. After spending one season at Georgia, Cox transferred to Florida and has 13.5 sacks in three seasons. He’s not a polished starter at the next level, but he checks off a lot of boxes and can be a solid rotational piece.

Round 6: Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas

There are rumors that Kareem Hunt will be traded before the Nov. 1 deadline and if so, the Browns will then turn to D’Ernest Johnson as the primary backup to Nick Chubb. However, Johnson is a free agent in 2023 and with no guarantee that he’s going to come back, they could look to the draft for a replacement.

That’s what happens here as they take Roschon Johnson from Texas. Johnson would become the No. 3 back with Jerome Ford stepping up in the rotation. While with the Longhorns, Johnson has been overshadowed by Bijan Robinson but has made the most of his chances. The 6-foot-2, 232-pound back has 2,003 yards and 20 touchdowns in his career with a 5.6-yard per carry average. He’s also a nightmare to try and tackle due to his size.

With Chubb as the primary back and the explosive Ford behind him, Johnson would offer an intriguing third option capable of serving as a power back while also offering solid receiving skills.

Round 7: Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati

With their final pick, the Browns stick with offense as they bring in Josh Whyle from Cincinnati. A 6-foot-6, 235-pound tight end, Whyle had two seasons in a row with more than 300 yards and six touchdowns. So far in 2022, he has 19 receptions for 192 yards and two scores.

Cleveland has their top two positions figured out here with David Njoku and Harrison Bryant, but adding Whyle gives them another option — which isn’t a bad idea as we see how quickly the depth gets thin with one player injured at tight end right now.

3 wide receivers Browns could target at the NFL trade deadline

As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the Browns have to make a crucial decision of whether to become buyers or sellers. But buying could make sense.