Browns mock draft: Mazi Smith headlines 2023 class

The 2022 NFL Season is officially over as Super Bowl LVII is in the books. Congrats are in order for the winner but the Cleveland Browns and the rest of the NFL are already at work trying to figure out how they can be in the big game one day.

Here, we try and help re-tool their roster with our latest seven-round Browns mock draft. They’re not on the clock until pick No. 42 due to the Deshaun Watson trade but they can still land themselves a quality starter.

7-Round 2023 Browns mock draft

Round 2, Pick 42: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan

With their first selection in this mock, the Browns fill the biggest need on their roster. While there will be calls for a defensive end, safety, or wide receiver, those positions all have at least one player who can produce at a high level. That’s not the case for defensive tackle.

Right now, there are no guaranteed starters which is why Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith makes so much sense at No. 42. Smith is a massive human at 6-foot-3 and 337 pounds and he plays with plenty of pure power. He’s also incredibly athletic for such a big man.

There will be those who hate this pick since Smith isn’t necessarily a three-down player but what’s the point of employing pass rushers if teams never get to third down? Smith helps them get into situations where those who can attack the quarterback will be unleashed.

Round 3, Pick 98: Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is going to be a very happy man if the draft does indeed start this way. After adding Mazi Smith to the defensive line, he now gets a new safety in Brandon Joseph from Notre Dame.

Joseph began his career with Northwestern before heading to South Bend and while he didn’t improve his stock greatly, he’s still a ball hawk capable of playing deep coverage. Right now, Cleveland has a lot of safeties that can play in the box, so Joseph gives them exactly what they need.

Round 4, Pick 111: Brevyn Spann-Ford, TE, Minnesota

When Cleveland moved on from Austin Hooper this past year, it showed their faith in Harrison Bryant as the No. 2 tight end. Unfortunately, Bryant didn’t do enough to secure the job full-time. He should still be in play this season but expect there to be some competition.

Here, they add Brevyn Spann-Ford from Minnesota as a player capable of pushing Bryant. At 6-foot-7 and 270 pounds, Spann-Ford is a huge tight end that can line up on the line of scrimmage. He’s not an overly athletic tight end but he did have 497 yards receiving this past season.

Round 4, Pick 126: Olusegun Oluwatimi, IOL, Michigan

Ethan Pocic was a huge find for the Browns in 2022 but is now a free agent. They would love to have him back but he might be able to make more money elsewhere. Should he leave, they would feel good about Nick Harris but he’s still an unknown after being hurt in the preseason.

With their second pick in Round 4, they land some insurance with Olusegun Oluwatimi from Michigan. A high-IQ lineman, Oluwatimi was the one calling line adjustments for the Wolverines and could wind up being the starting center down the road.

Round 5, Pick 142: Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State

Wide receiver is a need but with Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones on the roster, it’s not something this front office will panic over. They also still have high hopes for David Bell.

That’s why they wait until Round 5 to make a move, which is where they land Xavier Hutchinson from Iowa State. A large target at 6-foot-3 and 205-pounds, Hutchinson isn’t exactly explosive but he’s great at hauling in contested passes and is an excellent route runner.

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.

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