Cleveland Browns 2023 NFL mock draft bye week edition

Round 5 pick 142- Mazi Smith, defensive tackle, Michigan

It wouldn’t be much of a surprise to anyone if the Browns were to double-dip at the defensive tackle position in April. Still, in need of a block eater, the team looks at Mazi Smith who is exactly that at 6-foot-3 and 337 pounds. The defense has been gashed by the run up the middle and adding a unit like Smith to that line could help to fix that issue.

Round 5 pick 145- Brenton Cox Jr, edge, Florida

Continuing to add rushers around Myles Garrett to create depth is never and bad thing and Brenton Cox is a player that has shown flashes. Last season for Florida he totaled 14.5 tackles for loss and 8 sacks through 8 games this year has only totaled two sacks. He has been inconsistent in college but could be worth a day-three flyer.

Round 6 pick 173- Payton Wilson, linebacker, NC State

Getting a tackling machine like Payton Wilson in the middle of this defense could really raise the level of play. Wilson played in just two games last season but in 2020 for NC State he had a monster season with 108 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions. He could also be a good candidate for playing special teams which the Browns continue to struggle at.

Round 7 pick 204- Rasheen Ali, running back, Marshall

During Ali’s redshirt freshman year at Marshall, he rushed for 1,401 yards and 23 touchdowns finishing top 10 in both categories. With Kareem Hunt, likely leaving and possibly D’Ernest Johnson as well more depth at the position is key with how the Browns like to run the ball. Ali does come from a small school but with that level of production is well worth the shot in the seventh round.