Browns 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Wide receiver early, defense often
After a disappointing season under head coach Kevin Stefanski, with quarterback Deshaun Watson and hiring a new DC in Jim Schwartz, the Cleveland Browns go wide receiver early and defense often in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
For Cleveland Browns fans, unfortunately, the team did not make the playoffs. So what does that mean for a football-focused city? It means shifting the focus to the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite not having a first-round pick following the Deshaun Watson trade last offseason, Cleveland still must capitalize on the eight picks that they currently have.
The Browns roster has some clear holes on both sides of the ball when looking ahead to the 2023 NFL season. Especially after hiring a new defensive coordinator already this offseason in Jim Schwartz, the defense will need to be revamped going forward.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Tennessee. player. Wide Receiver . JalinHyatt. 42. 53
Browns Mock Draft Round 2: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
Jalin Hyatt is the perfect weapon to add to this Cleveland Browns offense. Both Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones had great years in 2022 with Jacoby Brissett and Deshaun Watson at the helm. Adding Hyatt could round out an optimal wide receiving corps for what head coach and play-caller, Kevin Stefanski, could look for next season.
Cooper is a route technician who can get open at any level of the field. Peoples-Jones is a physical, big-body target with impressive hands to make tough catches and win jump balls. What the Browns potential spread-type offense could be missing is a true deep threat that can take the top off of the defense, and also be a threat to take any short throw to the house. They get that with Jalin Hyatt.
Hailing from the Tennessee Volunteers, Cleveland fans already know that owner Jimmy Haslam will be petitioning for Hyatt. Not only is he from Haslam’s alma mater, but he is truly a dynamic playmaker who can elevate a Cleveland Browns offense led by Deshaun Watson.
Not only does Hyatt have the speed to blow by the secondary, but he has the ball skills, body control, hands, and athleticism to be a well-rounded receiver at the next level. Hyatt may be my favorite player that I’ve scouted to this point, and I am confident that he’s what the Browns thought Anthony Schwartz would be, and will round out a very impressive offense going forward.