Updated Cleveland Browns 7-Round Mock Draft after Elijah Moore trade

The Cleveland Browns recently acquired 22-year-old wide receiver, Elijah Moore, in a trade with the New York Jets. In exchange, the Browns moved their first selection in the 2023 NFL Draft down from pick 42 in the second round, down to pick 74 in the third round.

While Moore lacked production in 2022 with some underwhelming and inconsistent quarterback play, he showed his upside as a rookie in 2021 with a six-game stretch with 34 catches, 459 yards, and five touchdowns, before missing the rest of the season with a quad injury. The former second-round pick (34th overall) is still a young, promising player, still on a rookie contract.

In addition to trading for Moore, the Browns will also be bringing back veteran linebacker and defensive leader, Anthony Walker, on a one-year deal. Walker played just three games last season before suffering a quadriceps tendon tear. In 13 games in his first season in Cleveland, Walker racked up 113 tackles at the center of the Browns defense.

The Browns have now addressed nearly all the clear holes that the team had in their roster. Edge rusher, center, defensive tackle, free safety, tight end, and now both wide receiver and linebacker have been bolstered this offseason. This leaves the team with plenty of options heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. They will not be forced to address a glaring position of need, but rather freed to draft the best player available when they come on the clock next month.

Here, we complete an updated 7-round mock draft with the Browns new set of picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Using the NFL Mock Draft Database Mock Draft Simulator.

Round 3, Pick 74: Derick Hall, Edge Defender, Auburn

While there is a very good chance that Auburn edge rusher Derick Hall will be off the board when the Browns pick first, now at pick 74 in the third round, never say never. Highly-touted prospects fall in the Draft each and every year, and in this mock draft that I ran, he was still available, making this selection a no-brainer.

Hall actually reminds me quite a bit of new Browns edge rusher, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. While the team locked up Okoronkwo on a three-year deal, you can never have too many talented, young pass rushers. Hall, like Okoronkwo, can play standing up on the edge or with his hand in the dirt, and while he is long and athletic, he excels when powering through blockers. He's quick around the edge with great bend and closing speed to make his way to the quarterback.

Pairing Hall and Okoronkwo across from Myles Garrett and rotating them throughout the course of the game would pressure opposing defenses with consistent pressure from both ends of the defensive line.

Alex Wright would surely still have a role, particularly on early downs and even bumping inside on passing downs, but Hall and Okoronkwo would be a deadly pairing for the Browns on the edge.

Round 3, Pick 98: Chris Smith II, Safety, Georgia

Chris Smith II was a leader on the best defense in the nation for the Georgia Bulldogs the past couple of seasons, and has a ton of playing experience at a very high competition level with five seasons in the SEC under his belt.

Not only would Smith bring a valued level of experience and leadership from a rookie, but he is a very good player who could contribute on the field right away. He's a very instinctual player who always seems to be at the right place at the right time to make a play. He understands receivers and is able to read them and understand what they are trying to do, whether it is in man or zone coverage.

Smith is a bit undersized for a safety at 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds and did not test very well at the Combine, likely driving his draft stock down a bit as we approach draft day. While the Browns added veteran safety Juan Thornhill on a three-year deal, Smith would provide some depth and versatility in his NFL career, and is the perfect prospect to mold into a potential starter in Jim Schwartz's defense in the coming years.

Round 4, Pick 111: Nathaniel "Tank" Dell, Wide Receiver, Houston

Another undersized, but ridiculously productive player is Nathaniel "Tank" Dell out of Houston. Dell, just 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds led the nation in both receiving yards (1,398, his second consecutive 1,300+ season) and touchdowns (17, his second consecutive season with 12+ TDs).

While the production is undoubtable, Dell may fall later than some expect come draft day, with his lack of ideal size for an NFL wide receiver, the fact that he played in the AAC as opposed to a conference like the SEC, and his surprisingly "slow" 40-time of 4.49.

This time is surprising, because Dell's blinding speed is very evident on tape. He can truly take the top off the defense and is just as dangerous with the ball in his hands. Wide receiver may not be a top priority for the Browns after completing the trade for Moore, but Dell (and his speed) could find a role immediately in this offense.

Moore is also fast and a bit undersized, but he is a more well-polished route runner. I would expect Moore to be the primary slot receiver for the Browns in 2023, between Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones spread out wide. Dell could be that fourth receiver, as the dynamic, down-the-field speed threat, and could eventually slide into that slot receiver role if Cleveland does not retain Moore long-term.

Round 4, Pick 126: Jaquelin Roy, Defensive Tackle, LSU

You may notice a trend of me eyeing Jaquelin Roy as a potential mid-round target for the Browns because the guy is just that good. Every time I turn on his film I am intrigued by what he would bring to the table right away, as well as his untapped potential.

Roy is powerful enough to manhandle blockers but nimble enough to knife his way through the line and into the backfield. He had great vision when tracking the ball and has great body control to make his way toward the play. He can play anywhere between the offensive tackles on the defensive line with great potential to be an every-down player at the next level.

He has the motor, and appears to have the stamina, to log a ton of snaps early in his NFL career, even alongside newcomers Dalvin Tomlinson, Trysten Hill, and Maurice Hurst, and incumbents Perrion Winfrey, Jordan Elliott, and Tommy Togiai. Well, with whoever actually makes the Browns roster in 2023.

Round 5, Pick 140: Kendre Miller, Running Back, TCU

The one position "of need" that the Browns have yet to address is at running back. The team clearly has their bell cow in Nick Chubb, and seems to really like second-year player Jerome Ford, but many still believe the team should add a running back, given the impending departure of veteran Kareem Hunt.

While I believe the team should still look to add another pass-catching veteran back, such as Jerick McKinnon, drafting a young bull like Kendre Miller wouldn't hurt either. Miller doesn't offer a ton in the passing game, but could be a perfect spell to Chubb on a drive here and there. He could also take over some of the goalline work that was previously given to Hunt, given his imposing frame and tough style of running.

Miller ran for nearly 1,400 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2022, proving his effectiveness while helping his team make a surprising National Championship Game appearance. The type of back the Browns will look to add likely depends on how they view Ford as a player, but right now I would fully anticipate Cleveland selecting a running back at some point in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Round 5, Pick 142: Andrew Vorhees, Guard, USC

I'm sure every football fan around the world has seen the video of USC offensive lineman, Andrew Vorhees, completing a Combine-high mark on the bench press after tearing his ACL during the drills (if you haven't, here you go):

In addition to the clear grit and toughness that this guy has, he's a damn good ball player as well. Vorhees has impressive size at 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds and plays with a nasty streak when he's on the field. He's a dominant run blocker who can more than hold his own in pass protection, with experience at tackle, as well.

The Browns have a ton of money tied up in their offensive line right now that it seems increasingly likely that one (or more) of these guys will not be in Cleveland long-term, or even past this season. Vorhees, who will need some time to recover from his torn ACL, likely causing his to fall in the Draft, would be able to learn from some of the best in Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller and offensive line coach Bill Callahan, before assuming a starting role in the fairly near future.

Round 6, Pick 190: Jake Haener, Quarterback, Fresno State

Jake Haener has been one of the most talked about "underrated" prospects in this 2023 NFL Draft. After beginning his college career at Washington in 2018, Haener transferred to Fresno State, sat out the 2019 season, and began starting games in 2020. He had a career year in 2021 before wrapping up his collegiate career with a standout Senior Bowl in 2023.

Many view Haener as this year's Brock Purdy, someone who can come in and fill a void at quarterback, if needed, and keep the ship afloat. While nothing about Haener really pops off of the screen, he is a quick processor, a sound decision-maker, and throws with impressive touch to all levels of the field.

He appears to be a very fiery competitor and would do so right away with Joshua Dobbs, who the team just brought back, to be the backup to Deshaun Watson.

Round 7, Pick 229: Ryan Hayes, Offensive Tackle, Michigan

Ryan Hayes started at left tackle for the Michigan Wolverines, helping to lead the team to consecutive Joe Moore Awards (top offensive line). Hayes is 6-foot-6 and just a hair below 300 pounds. He is a very experienced and efficient run blocker who lacks optimal arm length for a left tackle at the next level, but absorbs defenders and does a great job of keeping them at bay.

Cleveland already has a player that I like in James Hudson as some offensive tackle depth, but pairing him with a new depth piece like Hayes would be a very good idea, especially so late in the Draft and with his pedigree.

The starting five are set, but Hayes has the potential to play anywhere on the offensive line and can provide some young depth and potential as the last pick in this Cleveland Browns 2023 NFL Mock Draft.