Browns mock draft: Mazi Smith headlines 2023 class
By Randy Gurzi
Round 5, Pick 144: YaYa Diaby, EDGE, Louisville
At 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds, YaYa Diaby moved along the line for the Louisville Cardinals but is best projected as a defensive end for the Browns. He spent much of his career in a reserve role but finally broke out in 2022 when he had 37 tackles and nine sacks.
A former Georgia Military College product, Diaby developed into a weapon for the Cardinals thanks in large part to his incredible length. He will need to continue to develop pass-rush moves but has the raw traits to become a rotational threat.
Round 6, Pick 190: Trevor Reid, OT, Louisville
In Round 6, we stay with Louisville as the selection here is Trevor Reid. A one-year starter at left tackle, Reid looks the part at 6-foot-5 and 307 pounds. He also has more than enough foot quickness to deal with speed rushers.
The issue will be his lack of experience. Reid will be far from a complete project but the Browns don’t need him to start in 2023. They need someone who can develop into a reliable player and that’s the hope here.
Round 7, Pick 231: Carrington Valentine, CB, Kentucky
Greedy Williams is likely on the way out so Cleveland needs depth at cornerback. With the final selection in this Browns mock draft, they find that with Carrington Valentine from Kentucky. A former wide receiver, Valentine plays with an aggressive nature and could be a weapon on special teams.
