Browns 2023 NFL mock draft: Mike Morris kicks off 7-round mock

Browns mock draft Round 4: Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin

General manager Andrew Berry has shown a reluctance to go after a defensive tackle too early. Since taking the job, Jordan Elliott was his highest selection at No. 88 in 2020. Other than Elliott, he’s taken Tommy Togiai (2021) and Perrion Winfrey (2022) in the fourth round.

There’s a desire among the fan base for him to go higher but it might not happen unless the right player falls to them in Round 2. In this mock, that didn’t take place so again, it’s Round 4.

The good news is that we land a steal in Keeanu Benton, the 6-foot-4, 315-pound nose tackle from Wisconsin. Benton has exactly what Cleveland needs at defensive tackle — incredible power. He won’t offer much in the passing game, which is why he’s there in the fourth, but he would instantly improve their run defense.

Browns mock draft Round 4: Ronnie Hickman, S, Ohio State

Entering the 2022 season, it appeared Cleveland was solid at safety with John Johnson III, Grant Delpit, and Ronnie Harrison. Now with only a few games left to play, it’s being pointed to as one of the team’s biggest weaknesses.

The problem might not all be on the defensive backs since the front seven isn’t getting enough pressure on the quarterback — well, other than Myles Garrett that is. For that reason, they might not make any rash moves, which is why they can hold off until Round 4 to add another safety.

Here, they bring in Ronnie Hickman from Ohio State — which means he’s going to be an instant fan favorite.

Hickman is a former receiver who can make plays on the ball. However, he’s much better closer to the line of scrimmage.

He could end up replacing Johnson, should the Browns elect to move on. They’ll still need a safety capable of playing in deep coverage but Hickman could develop into a starter in the near future.