Browns 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Tuli Tuipulotu kicks off seven-round mock

The Cleveland Browns don’t have a pick until Round 2 but end up with a versatile weapon for their defensive line in this seven-round mock draft

Andrew Berry and the Cleveland Browns have their work cut out for them this offseason. They’re trying to turn things around following a 7-10 campaign but need to make additions with limited cap space and no first-round pick.

That doesn’t mean it will be impossible to improve, and we take a look at which rookies they might be able to add with this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

Browns 2023 NFL Mock Draft

Round 2, Pick 42: Tuli Tuipulotu, DL, USC

Even though they don’t have a first-round pick, the Browns are on the clock early enough in the second round that they should be able to find a starter. They do exactly that with the selection of USC defensive end Tuli Tuipulotu at No. 42.

Tuipulotu was a multiple-time Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week who recorded 13.5 sacks in his final season with the Trojans.

What stands out with Tuipulotu is his versatility. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 290-pounds, he played on the edge for USC and even stood up at times in a two-point stance. He was able to use a mix of speed and power moves to dominate against defensive tackles but can also slide inside and play the 3-tech.

In this role, he’s excellent since his speed is too much for most guards but he also has enough functional power that he won’t be bullied off the line. Paired with Myles Garrett, Tuipulotu would give the Browns a formidable defensive line — and Jim Schwartz will know how to get the most out of this duo.

Round 3, Pick 98: Parker Washington, WR, Penn State

Cleveland could very well go out and add another wideout in free agency to push David Bell for the No. 3 role. However, they also should find someone to push Anthony Schwartz at WR4. They land a player who can do that in Parker Washington from Penn State.

Washington is built like a running back at 5-foot-10 and 210-pounds and plays like one as soon as he makes the catch. He didn’t put up elite numbers with the Nittany Lions but could be developed into a playmaker and has experience in the return game as well, which is always a plus.

Round 4, Pick 111: Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama

David Njoku was signed to a massive extension last year as the Browns let it be known they had all the faith in the world in him as the No. 1 tight end. He did well in that role but they didn’t get enough from Harrison Bryant in the No. 2 role.

Bryant, a former fourth-round pick in 2020, is entering the final year of his rookie deal and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him play elsewhere in 2024. That means Cleveland will look for an upgrade and they find that in this mock draft with Cameron Latu from Alabama.

At 6-foot-5 and 245-pounds, Latu has a  build similar to Bryant but has more upside as a blocker. He won’t threaten anyone with his speed but would be a great complement to an athletic freak such as Njoku.

Round 4, Pick 126: Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane

The Browns were snake-bitten at linebacker in 2022 with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Anthony Walker, Jacob Phillips, and Sione Takitaki all on the IR by season’s end. Even if they were all healthy, there’s a need for more playmaking at the position, and they land that with Dorian Williams from Tulane.

Like JOK, he’s undersized at 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, but never let that stop him from making a huge play. Williams showed off sideline-to-sideline speed throughout his career and broke out during his senior campaign with 132 tackles, five sacks, and two picks.

He proved he can hold his own in coverage while being a nightmare against the run due to his ability to see the play and get to the ball in a hurry. The one question is how his talent translates from the American Conference to the NFL but he’s more than worth the selection at this point.

Round 5, Pick 142: Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama

With their first of two picks in Round 5, the Browns head back to the offensive side of the ball — and again target an Alabama prospect in Tyler Steen from Alabama. Steen doesn’t fit the normal “guardrails” for Andrew Berry as a redshirt senior but they proved with Isaiah Thomas last season that they’re more relaxed on day three.

A former Alabama starter, Steen transferred to Alabama for one final season and proved to be a reliable blocker in the passing game and has plenty of athleticism. James Hudson didn’t do enough to win coaches over when he got a shot in 2022 and now has some competition to deal with.

Round 5, Pick 144: BeeJay Williamson, S, Louisiana Tech

On the third day of the draft, it’s all about finding traits to work with. BeeJay Williamson is far from a complete product — with issues in tackling and a slight frame — but he’s instinctive, fast, and versatile. He played in the slot for much of his career but spent his final campaign playing deep safety, where he excelled.

Cleveland could use someone capable of defending the deep ball, and that’s something he can help with.

Round 6, Pick 190: PJ Mustipher, DT, Penn State

The Browns add another from Penn State as they add PJ Mustipher in the sixth round. Mustipher is another player who doesn’t fit into the guardrails due to his age but the fifth-year senior was a force in 2022.

Listed at 6-foot-4 and 323 pounds, Mustipher is a mammoth nose tackle known for shutting down the running game. He won’t play on third downs but he has a non-stop motor and can help the defense get into passing situations — which will allow them to unleash their edge rushers.

Round 7, Pick 231: Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern

Right now, Nick Chubb and Jerome Ford are the only pure running backs on the roster. Demetric Felton is there as well but he’s spent as much time at receiver as he has running back and had some major fumbling problems in 2022.

That’s why it makes sense to add some depth to the position. That’s where Evan Hull from Northwestern comes in. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back had 1,922 yards and 12 touchdowns in his final two seasons and added 88 receptions for 810 yards and four touchdowns as a receiver in that span as well.

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