With the start of the new NFL year right around the corner, every team is busy trying to come up with their game plan for the offseason. For the Cleveland Browns, that entails trying to fill a few holes on offense while also attempting to retain a few of their pending free agents on defense.
Since taking over as general manager, Andrew Berry has gone a great job of filling out a competitive roster — evidenced by their 11-6 record despite several key injuries. Free agency was a huge key for him but the Browns have also drafted well as of late. Here, we look ahead and try and see what players they could land in the 2024 NFL Draft with our latest Browns mock draft.
Round 2, Pick 54: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
Thankfully, this is the final draft where Cleveland will be without a pick in Round 1 due to the Deshaun Watson trade. They’ve also traded their second round pick in each of the past two years, but in this mock, they stay put and make their selection.
At No. 54, the Browns add Ja’Lynn Polk from Washington. The 6-2, 204-pound Polk possesses the size, speed, and explosiveness to be a game-changer at the next level. At Washington, he averaged 17.1 yards per catch and scored 16 touchdowns. He can stand to improve against press coverage and needs to expand his route running. If he manages to do that, Polk has the potential to be a No. 1 wideout down the road.
Until he's ready for that role, he will be an excellent addition alongside Amari Cooper. His presence could even open things up for Elijah Moore to take another step this season.
Round 3, Pick 85: Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
Back on the clock at No. 85, the Browns wind up with another high-value selection with Braden Fiske still being available. The 6-foot-5, 297-pounder has proven to be a strong run defender who had a remarkable career at Western Michigan. As a redshirt senior, Fiske spent his final campaign at Florida State and continued to hold his own.
In 2023, he had 43 tackles with nine going for a loss. He was also impactful in the passing game with six sacks.
On the Browns defensive line, he could quickly find a home as a 3-tech who can hold up against the run and pass. With Maurice Hurst, Jordan Elliott, and Shelby Harris all set for free agency, Cleveland will most likely need to add depth to the position. Landing Fiske at this spot feels like a home run.
Round 5, Pick 135: Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville
The first pick in the fifth round belongs to the Browns and they use it in this mock to bring in Louisville running back Isaac Guerendo. After spending four years at Wisconsin where he was unable to see the field much, Guerendo transferred to Louisville and had a successful season.
Guerendo, who stands 6-1 and 225, racked up 810 yards with 11 touchdowns. He averaged 6.1 yards per attempt and had 543 yards after contact — which is something the Browns offense lacked without Nick Chubb this past season.
Round 5, Pick 155: Jaheim Bell, TE, Florida State
With Harrison Bryant set for free agency, the Browns could be looking for another tight end to fill out their depth chart. With the presence of David Njoku, who had a massive season in 2023, they’re not going to be desperate for a starting-caliber player. Instead, they can wait until Day 3 which is where they land FSU tight end Jaheim Bell.
At 6-3 and 239 pounds, Bell is on the slighter size for a tight end but he does possess excellent athleticism. He’s also better at blocking than he gets credit for.
Bell spent three years at South Carolina and had 497 yards as a sophomore. Expectations were high after that but he finished with just 231 yards and two touchdowns through the air. He was utilized in the ground game, however, with 261 yards and three touchdowns.
Looking to improve his stock, Bell went to Florida State for his final season and had 503 yards receiving. The talent is there and he could be a great developmental prospect behind Njoku.
Round 6, Pick 205: Jaylan Ford, LB, Texas
In need of linebacker help — especially with Anthony Walker, Sione Takitaki, and Jacob Phillips all hitting free agency — Cleveland adds Jaylan Ford from Texas. The 6-2, 221-pound linebacker had more than 100 tackles in each of the past two seasons.
Ford is much better in run defense than he is in coverage but the Browns should have no problem finding a role for him.
Round 6, Pick 208: Donovan Jennings, OT, USF
It won’t be popular waiting this long for an offensive tackle but it might be how the real draft plays out. We saw in 2023 that this front office had more faith in their backup running backs than the fans did. After months of mock drafts adding a back, the Browns didn’t take anyone at the position.
That could be the case with offensive tackles. With Jed Wills struggling on the left side, there are expectations that a new blindside protector will be on the way. The problem is that the Browns picked up. The fifth-year option on Wills’ contract. That means he has a fully guaranteed deal and is likely going to be the starter once again.
They do at least get some depth with the selection of Donovan Jennings from USF. Listed at 6-5 and 333 pounds, Jennings has the size to hold up in the NFL and spent the majority of his collegiate career playing left tackle. He’s far better in pass coverage than the run game but that’s where this team needs improvement.
Round 7, Pick 228: Marcellas Dial, CB, South Carolina
With their final pick in this mock, the Browns land South Carolina cornerback Marcellas Dial. The 6-0, 190-pound redshirt freshman showed a lot of improvement this past season, especially in man coverage.
Also strong in run support, Dial mostly played on the outside for Carolina but could be an option in the slot. Wherever they use him, he has some traits to work with and that’s all you can ask for in a seventh-round pick.