Browns 7-Round Mock Draft: Deshaun Watson worry leads Cleveland to a quarterback

Last year's fairytale ending is over, and the Cleveland Browns move forward in the Deshaun Watson era.

After undergoing shoulder surgery, the hope is that Watson is healthy for the start of the 2024 season. But, at this point, that's a ways away and the Browns already have a contingency plan in the form of Jameis Winston.

This Cleveland roster is pretty well-rounded and could be right back in the AFC mix in the coming season. But, where could they choose to look in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft? Without a first-round pick, the Browns will have five selections to work with (also without a pick in the fourth).

Where do they turn in this mock?

The Browns begin this 2024 NFL mock draft addressing the defensive trenches

Their first pick comes at no. 54 overall, and it's Clemson defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro.

Orhorhoro is a physical specimen and plays like he's shot out of a cannon. At 6-foot-4, 294 pounds, Orhorhoro draws comparisons to the Ravens' Justin Madubuike. If the Browns can get a similar type of player here in the second round, they will have found one heck of a value.

Good against both the run and the pass, Orhorhoro has the potential to be even better rushing the passer. As an interior lineman, Orhorhoro totaled 8.0 tackles for a loss each of the last three seasons, including 5.0 sacks last year for the Tigers.

Combined with his quickness and compact, strong frame, Orhorhoro has active hands and uses great technique to get past his opposing linemen. He has the makings of a future Pro Bowl player at his position and the Browns defense should go from just outside the top-10 against the run to finding their way into that top-10 in 2024.

In the third round, the Browns find themselves a potential cornerstone piece on defense by going with the son of a former Philadelphia Eagles great, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. At just six feet, 228 pounds, Trotter might be viewed as a bit undersized. However, the guy is a purebred football player with an extremely high IQ.

Trotter is a sideline-to-sideline middle linebacker who is seemingly always in on or at least near the end of a play. He finds a way to make plays all over the field, stuffing the stat sheet on a weekly basis. Because of his quick footwork and elusiveness, Trotter is able to quickly bypass blockers and finish plays on a regular basis.

Trotter is the perfect example of a player who gets the job done at all costs. No matter how out-manned he may look, whether it's in coverage or against the run, Trotter doesn't see his size as a disadvantage. And he certainly doesn't play like it's a disadvantage. The guy plays as though he's four inches taller and thirty pounds heavier.

Over the last two seasons, Trotter has totaled 172 tackles, including 28.5 for a loss and 12.0 sacks, 10 pass breakups, four interceptions, three forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns.

In Round 5, the Browns take their shot on a polarizing prospect.

The Browns have reportedly expressed interest in Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton, and that's exactly the pick, here. The Volunteer with a cannon arm comes to Cleveland.

Deshaun Watson recently said he believes he'll be healthy for Week 1 after shoulder surgery, but between his health and off-field questions still lingering, I'm not so sure anyone is confident regarding his future with the Browns, or even the NFL, at this point.

That's why signing Jameis Winston made so much sense. But, the Browns also take their chances on a quarterback that's been getting a lot of love. Milton's arm has been the talk of social media for a while now, especially since we saw this ridiculous video from the Combine.

Milton has his question marks, but his ability to make all of the throws necessary is what draws interest in him as a potential starter in the NFL. He is one who could use a year or two of learning and sitting, and because Cleveland could afford him that, this landing spot makes a ton of sense.

Between Watson and Winston, the Browns should be in decent shape for the 2024 season at the very least. But, again, Watson's future might not be set in stone.

Last season, Milton accounted for 20 passing touchdowns to just five picks, along with seven rushing scores for Tennessee. He will need to be better at throwing with anticipation, but the arm strength allows him to make any throw from any part of the field. Refinement is what's going to get him to the next level.

In Round 6, the Browns start focusing on their offensive line depth and try to find a gem in Miami's Javion Cohen. Previously playing for Alabama, the Miami transfer comes in relatively quick for a bigger, interior lineman. Cohen stands 6-foot-4, 324 pounds and has excellent length he uses specifically in the run game.

Cleveland's starting line should be pretty set right now, but Cohen gives them a developmental guy who could potentially turn into a starter down the road.

To round out their draft, the Browns once again attack the offensive line, going with South Florida's Donovan Jennings. Almost identical in size and stature to Cohen, Jennings stands 6-foot-4, 328 pounds. He comes into the NFL having played tackle, but might be best suited at guard.

Still, having the versatility to play either position is going to be a plus for Jennings' chances at making the roster.