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

Even with a win over the Ravens this weekend, the Cleveland Browns don’t have much hope of making the playoffs. Instead, they look to play spoiler, which is what they did to Baltimore as they knocked them out of first place in the AFC North.

In addition to upsetting rivals, Cleveland needs to evaluate their roster and decide where improvements need to be made. Here, we try and make some of those improvements with our latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

Browns mock draft Round 2: Mike Morris, EDGE, Michigan

Jadeveon Clowney is a free agent this offseason and with the Browns being close to the salary cap ceiling, they might elect to look elsewhere. Alex Wright has been a good rotational player but he might not be ready to be a full-time starter. Even if he is, there will be no depth behind him and Myles Garrett in such a scenario.

That’s why the first pick in this mock draft is used on Mike Morris from Michigan. Morris is well-built for the position at 6-foot-6 and 278-pounds and has been a rising star this season.

Entering 2022 with just a half-sack to his name, he’s recorded 7.5 this year. He’s also excellent against the run and very disciplined. Adding him will give Cleveland two capable players to pair with Garrett.

Browns mock draft Round 3: Warren McClendon, OT, Georgia

Jack Conklin continues to say he wants to stay in Cleveland but the Browns aren’t loaded with cap space. That means it would take quite the sacrifice on Conklin’s part to return.

In the end, that might not happen, which would mean James Hudson is in line to start in 2023. He did much better in the first two weeks of this season than he did as a rookie but there’s no reason to bank on him being the answer. That’s why Warren McClendon from Georgia is the selection in Round 3.

A 6-foot-4, 300-pounder, McClendon has been a starter on the right side for the Bulldogs and has more than held his own. He’s often overshadowed by Broderick Jones, but he too has the makings of an NFL starter.

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.

Browns mock draft Round 5: Olusegun Oluwatimi, C, Michigan

With the first of two picks in Round 5, we grab Michigan center Olusegun Oluwatimi. A former starter at Virginia, he finished his career with the Wolverines and continued to showcase his ability as an anchor in the middle of the offensive line.

Not only is he very experienced, but Damian Parson of The Draft Network praised his reliability while also touching on his agility.

"“The Virginia transfer Olusegun Oluwatimi has a ton of experience and reliability. In three seasons, he has played 2,552 snaps at center. Oluwatimi plays with a good base, allowing him to maintain good balance during his reps. Oluwatimi properly passes and picks up twists/stunts, showcasing his lateral agility.” — Parson, The Draft Network"

Cleveland would surely love to bring Ethan Pocic back but considering he and Nick Harris both ended up on the IR, some reliable depth is a must.

Browns mock draft Round 5: Ivan Pace, Jr., LB, Cincinnati

A Cincinnati native, Ivan Pace, Jr. began his career at Miami of Ohio before transferring to the Bearcats for the 2022 campaign. All he did in his new home was record 119 tackles and eight sacks while becoming the highest-graded linebacker according to PFF.

He’s not the tallest linebacker at 6-foot-0 but he’s well-built at 235-pounds. His ability to get home on the blitz would be a welcome addition to the Browns’ defense since they can use some more help for Myles Garrett in terms of pressuring the quarterback.

Browns mock draft Round 6: Jalen Wayne, WR, South Alabama

Donovan Peoples-Jones has finally become an all-around wideout who has a shot at crossing the 1,000-yard mark this season. He’s also shown a great rapport with Deshaun Watson, meaning we could see even better numbers from him going forward.

With him and Amari Cooper, the Browns are set with their starters. However, there are more questions than answers behind them. There’s still hope David Bell can be the No. 3 guy but it would be wise to keep throwing darts at the board.

That’s what they do in Round 6 with Jalen Wayne from South Alabama. Wayne is built like an NFL wideout at 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds. He also put up some solid numbers with 794 yards and nine touchdowns in 56 receptions.

However, he did have seven drops this year which is definitely something he needs to clean up.

Browns mock draft Round 7: Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State

Kareem Hunt and D’Ernest Johnson are likely gone in 2023 and Jerome Ford will take on more of a role in the base offense. With that being the case, the Browns could use another No. 3 back and they land that in Deuce Vaughn from Kansas State.

Vaughn was a production machine for K-State but is undersized at 5-foot-6 and 172 pounds. That could lead to a fall in the draft for him, and taking a flier this late isn’t a bad idea.

Not only would he add an explosive element to the offense that can be sprinkled in sparingly, but he has some experience in the return game and could take over Ford’s role there, allowing him to play more on offense.

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