Browns mock draft: Four big contributors found in middle rounds of 2023 NFL Draft

There's a growing sense that the Cleveland Browns can't find contributors in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft since they don't have a pick in Round 1 or Round 2 following their recent trades. But that's not necessarily going to be the case.

Not only did they find a starting-caliber player in Round 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft with Martin Emerson, but Cleveland has also done a solid job building their roster to where they won't have to reach for any position, which plays in their favor.

Being able to take the best player on the board will be key for them and with that strategy, they land four potential contributors with their first four selections in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

Browns pick Round 3, No. 74: Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn

Defensive end is one of the few positions left that can be called a "need." The good news is, it's not a major need at this point with Myles Garrett and Ogbo Okronkwo as the starters. They also like both Alex Wright and Isaiah Thomas as reserves but if the right player is there at No. 74, they have to take him.

That's what happens in this mock as Derick Hall from Auburn is still on the board. Hall is a 6-foot-3, 255-pounder who ran a 4.55 in the 40-yard dash and covered 10-foot-7-inches in the broad jump.

A former team captain, Hall possesses all the intangibles to be a star and has a high football character as well. He could wind up pushing Okoronkwo for time before long — and there's never such a thing as too many pass rushers.

Browns pick Round 3, No. 98: Parker Washington, WR, Penn State

Just as there can never be too many pass rushers, it's hard to have too many wideouts. Cleveland has seen in recent years that the talent falls off quickly as they go down their depth chart and they've already tried to fix this.

They added Elijah Moore in a trade with the New York Jets as well as Marquise Goodwin, who they signed in free agency. As good as those moves were, they would be wise to take another talented wideout, should the value be there.

That's the case at No. 98 as Parker Washington from Penn State is still on the board in our mock. Washington played primarily in the slot for Penn State and that's a position where the Browns can still use help. Many have assumed Moore would take that role but he's an outside player, which is also where David Bell was at his best in college.

As for Washington, the 5-foot-10, 204-pounder is built like a running back and can be just as dangerous as one in the open field. He's hard to tackle and can turn short passes into long gains in the blink of an eye.

Browns pick Round 4, No. 111: Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas

Taking another offensive player at this point won't be popular but again, we're going after the best available players and that's Roschon Johnson from Texas. A bulldozer of a back at 6-foot and 219 pounds, Johnson would be a perfect complement to Nick Chubb.

He's also used to sharing the carries as he spent his entire career with the Longhorns being overshadowed by Bijan Robinson. But when he would get a chance, he rarely disappointed.

Cleveland does have Jerome Ford but adding competition is always a good thing. And that especially includes competition for backup spots.

Browns pick Round 4, No. 126: Keondre Coburn, DT, Texas

Drafting defensive tackles in Round 4 has been a mixed bag for Andrew Berry. In 2021, they took Tommy Togiai from Ohio State and he's been struggling to make an impression. They then went back to the same round in 2022, taking Perrion Winfrey from Oklahoma.

Winfrey excited fans right away as he was a ball of energy who said all the right things. Then when the season began, he was finding himself in the wrong dog house, even being disciplined by the team.

The good news is, as the season went on, he got better. He seemed to be on the right path and was starting to show spurts of that pass rusher we saw with the Sooners. He even has a chance to start next to Dalvin Tomlinson this season.

As for the rest of the D-tackles, Cleveland needs to keep throwing darts. Jordan Elliott is entering his final season under contract and neither Trysten Hill nor Maurice Hurst should be guaranteed a spot. That's why adding Keondre Coburn from Texas is a wise move.

Coburn is a mountain at 6-foot-2 and 332 pounds and has more athleticism than he gets credit for. He would be a run-stuffer but can also cause disruption in the passing game, making him an ideal candidate to rotate in the Cleveland D-line.

Browns pick Round 5, No. 140: Jarrett Patterson, G, Notre Dame

The Browns were down two centers at one point last season and had Hjalte Froholdt starting for a couple of weeks. That need for versatile depth along the interior is why Jarrett Patterson is the choice here.

Another former team captain, Patterson played center and guard for Notre Dame. He's not considered a dominant individual player but he's a savvy player who shines when working in unison with his teammates.

Browns Round 5, Pick 142: Luke Haggard, OT, Indiana

Cleveland sticks with the offensive line in Round 5, this time bringing in Luke Haggard from Indiana. As it stands now, James Hudson is the swing tackle and with the durability concerns they have had with Jack Conklin, Hubbard is likely to get called into action at some point.

That's why it would be a good move to continue to add tackles to the mix. Haggard looks the part at 6-foot-7 and 305 pounds and is exceptional in pass blocking. He would need more work in the run game but right now, the Browns are focused on making Deshaun Watson comfortable and Haggard would help in that regard.

Browns Round 6, Pick 190: Brenton Strange, TE, Penn State

With Jordan Akins now signed, the Browns have their top two tight ends figured out. As for the TE3 spot, Harrison Bryant should have that in hand but there's no denying he disappointed in 2022 when he was elevated to the No. 2 role.

Bryant will also be a free agent in 2024 and rather than wait to replace him, Cleveland should take advantage of a loaded class this season. This class is so strong that someone as talented as Brenton Strange has been criminally overlooked.

Strange might have a hard time doing much in 2023 due to the talent on the roster but before long, he would be able to secure a role. It would be too hard to keep him off the field.

Browns Round 7, Pick 229: DJ Dale, DT, Alabama

With their final pick in Round 7, the Browns go back to the defensive line and add DJ Dale from Alabama. At 6-foot-3 and 307 pounds, Dale looks the part and had 4.5 sacks the past two seasons for the Crimson Tide despite not being a regular starter.

He's a developmental piece but one that could pay off in time.