The day that photo above was taken was a good day. It was actually one of the proudest days I was a Browns fan. The whole NFL nation was watching Cleveland, Ohio make a good impression of the rest of the league on how well they could host a draft. The place was packed with fans of all 32 teams, but no colors showed more than brown and orange. You could feel the optimism in the air. After a successful 2020 season and another productive offseason, we were convinced the next big step for the franchise was coming. The worst was finally over! It was Cleveland’s time to shine!
Then reality kicked in.
An Ohio team went to the Super Bowl and Odell Beckham Jr got his ring, but none of that included the Browns. Instead fans got a broken locker room, a quarterback that played hurt all season long, and an offense that couldn’t consistently put points on the board. There were times the past 20 years where a 8-9 season wouldn’t be considered a bad thing. But this 8-9 season just felt like another 4-12 season. The expectations were extremely high and they couldn’t even make the playoffs. The hits continue to come for fans.
Getting this mock prepared back in January, I was deciding between Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson or one of the top defensive tackles in this class. It made sense for the Browns at that time to use that first pick to give Baker some more help or upgrade the defensive line. But then another decision was made that shocked not just the NFL, but the sports world in general. On March 20th, Cleveland made a trade to bring in a new franchise quarterback. Not only did they give up three 1st round picks, but they signed him to the most luxurious contract deal in league history. All this and he didn’t play a down last season. On top of that, he is still being investigated for assaulting 22 women. It maybe the most Cleveland Browns thing ever done.
Moving forward, while fans still don’t know for sure what went down behind closed doors last season. With the locker room being more united than ever in 2020 to the exact opposite the next season, it was clear a change had to be made. Fans have seen embarrassing drama episodes from Johnny Manziel, Josh Gordon, Hue Jackson, Freddie Kitchens, and more. Interesting enough, most of those are from the Haslam era. Just saying. Drama will not win football games nor will it win Super Bowls. One day the truth will come out about what really happened, but at the end of the day Andrew Berry felt it was time to make a big change. We’ll see how it pans out.
It has been a hectic, but necessary offseason for the Browns. There is still one more task ahead they need to hit on and it’s called the NFL Draft. Big trades and free agent signings are good, but the draft builds you for the long run. So far, the Berry-Stefanski era has brought some good role players to The Land thru their first 2 drafts together. While they don’t have a 1st round pick, it is a fact that winning franchise build most of their team around mid-round selections. There maybe more superstar talent on this roster than on past rosters, but there are still holes and positions that can be upgraded. Yes, the Los Angeles Rams spent a ton of money and became a Super Bowl champion, but would they have won it without draft picks such as Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp? Absolutely not. Three seasons ago, the Cincinnati Bengals won just two games. They are now the defending AFC Champions and a big part of that is from what they’ve done the past few drafts. If Cleveland wants to be in the same conversation as these two, it’s time to capitalize on these picks. The journey continues in Las Vegas who is hosting the 2022 NFL Draft. Here is my 4 round mock draft, predictions and preferences:
Key Additions: QB Deshaun Watson, WR Amari Cooper, DT Taven Bryan, KR/PR Jakeem Grant, QB Jacoby Brissett, DE Chase Winovich, QB Joshua Dobbs, and C Ethan Pocic.
Key Depatrures: TE Austin Hooper, C JC Tretter, LB Mack Wilson, QB Case Keenum, DE Takk McKinley, and DT Malik McDowell.
Decisions Pending: DE Jadeveon Clowney and WR Jarvis Landry.
Baker Mayfield does not get traded until after the draft. Cleveland does not have enough assets to move back into the first round. If Andrew Berry wants to prove me wrong, he may, but this mock starts on Day Two.
Round 2, Pick 44
Browns select TE Greg Dulcich, UCLA
Many fans and analysts will argue about the chances of Cleveland picking a tight end with their first pick, but it actually makes a lot of logical sense. Many, if not all, the top wide receivers and defensive linemen will be off the board when it’s time to pick here. The next best idea will be to take the best player on the board that fills another need. Kevin Stefanski uses multiple receiving tight ends in this system. While they still have David Njoku and Harrison Bryant, they still need to fill the void that was made from cutting Austin Hooper.
Greg Dulcich was the highest rated prospect the Browns brought in for a private workout outside of potential 1st round picks Malik Willis, George Karlaftis, and Treylon Burks. He’s 6’4 and has excellent possession hands. Dulcich averaged 17.3 yards per reception with the help of his above average speed and size for a tight end. In 2021, he had 42 receptions, 725 yards, 5 touchdowns, and earned first team All-PAC-12 honors. Dulcich would fit perfectly in Stefanski’s system and be a new weapon for Deshaun Watson.
Round 3, Pick 78
Browns select G Cole Strange, Tennessee-Chattanooga
When the Browns offensive line is fully healthy they’re one of, if not the best, in the league. But last season there was consistent injuries with limited depth and the offense suffered. Chris Hubbard missed most of the season, rookie James Hudson was decent at left tackle but struggled on the opposite end, and Blake Hance did more things wrong than right. Joel Bitonio is getting older and it would be wise to have some insurance behind him. On top of that, Nick Harris and Ethan Pocic are battling it out for the starting center position. If neither of them work out or both get hurt, it would be good to have a backup plan to avoid disaster.
Cole Strange played mostly left guard in his college career but also made some appearances at center. He’s a zone blocker that specializes in run blocking, which is huge in Stefanski’s scheme. Strange is also regarded to be one of the smartest and toughest players in the entire class. There is a chance he is off the board before this pick, but in the case he’s still available I see the Browns making him the selection here. While he has plenty upside, the case to be made why he would be here at 78 is that many scouts feel he isn’t starting material right out the gate. Many teams in desperate need for starting offensive linemen will more likely seek players that will help immediately.
Other options: WR Christian Watson
Round 3, Pick 99 (compensation)
Browns select LB Damone Clark, LSU
It wasn’t until late in the season Cleveland had a full healthy linebacker unit. The trio of Jeremiah Owsu-Koramoah, Anthony Walker, and Jacob Phillips was very dominant against opposing offenses. All three players will be returning but the team could use more depth to avoid last season’s issues. Walker is also only on another one year deal, and if they had a long term option at middle linebacker that could learn from him, that could benefit the defense in the long run. Andrew Berry has drafted three linebackers in the past two drafts and all of them have excellent tackling ability.
Damone Clark was fourth in NCAA in tackles with 135 including 15.5 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks. A great open field tackler and play recognition. He is a pure football personality that picked up some things playing alongside Patrick Queen and Devin White during their time at LSU. The only downside about drafting Clark is patiently waiting for him to recover from his spinal fusion surgery he had in March. He could be out the whole 2022 season, but maybe a big factor in the future.
Other options: OT Nick Petit-Frere or RB James Cook
Round 4, Pick 118
Browns select WR John Metchie III, Alabama
Every year there is a handful of playmakers that slip into Day 3 for some reason or another. For teams that take these prospects its a low risk, high reward situation. Early to middle of the 2021 season, John Metchie was considered by some to be a mid 1st or an early 2nd rounder. But after tearing his ACL in December his stocked plummeted and which may have made him realistically available here at the 118th pick. The injury isn’t the only thing hurting his value. He was diagnosed with a enlarged heart in high school, but the doctors were not concerned about him playing football. But after seeing how skeptical scouts were about Jeremiah Owsu-Koramoah’s situation last year, it’s a possibility it gets brought up. Maybe it will be just used as an ESPN drama piece, but who knows? The other negative factors consist of his size and speed. He’s 5’11 with not the longest arms and he lacks burst after the catch. However, Metchie’s pro level route running ability and receiving skills can’t be ignored. In 2021, he had 96 receptions for 1,142 yards and 8 touchdowns for the Tide.
While Metchie will most likely miss the entire 2022 season, this would be an investment for the future. Browns can add a few wide receivers in free agency to help Watson now, but to a key piece later could be a better decision than fans realize. The front office has signed several big contracts and won’t have the money to sign more big name receivers the next few offseasons. This is the time to use the draft to add to your receiving depth. In the case Donovan Peoples-Jones or Anthony Schwartz are not in the plans after 2022, you have at least Metchie on the roster next to Amari Cooper. Again, it could make a BIG difference later and the new franchise quarterback will appreciate it.
Now it’s time for me to play GM.
Round 2, Pick 44
I select DT Phidarian Mathis, Alabama
I’m never against picking the best player on the board at the time of a pick. But when you got a glaring hole that needs addressed badly, you make sure you walk away from the draft with that checked off the list. While the roster in general doesn’t lack superstar talent, the defensive tackle situation is BAD!!! If it wasn’t for Malik McDowell, it would have been a bigger problem last season. Unfortunately, he went and got himself arrested again in January which may have ended his NFL career for good. As of right now your defensive tackle unit includes Jordan Elliot, Sheldon Day, 2021 5th rounder Tommy Togiai, and former 1st round pick from the Jaguars, Taven Bryan. Out of that group, I would say Togiai has the best chances of being a starter. He only played five games last season, but when he did play he played well. It’s time to fill that need and help the rest of the defense out.
If you can remember, last year I wanted Christian Barmore in the 1st round to help solidify the defensive tackle situation. But I am glad Andrew Berry selected Greg Newsome instead. In my defense, I didn’t think Newsome would be available with that pick. Barmore ended up slipping to the 2nd round and was selected by New England with the 38th pick. Phidarian Mathis played next to Barmore in the 2020 championship season for Alabama. In 2021, Mathis recorded 53 tackles including 12 for a loss and 9 sacks. He’s 6’4 with a large frame and can take up plenty of space on the line. Mathis was good at limiting inside runs and helping create pressure against the pass. Quarterbacks had a tough time reading part of the field during pass plays because he would block their vision with his size. While Nick Saban has mixed reviews in Ohio, there is no doubt he knows pro caliber players. Most of his starting defenders, offensive linemen, and receivers have had great pro careers. Mathis is a football player at heart and Coach Saban named him team captain last season. A positive influence on the field and in the locker room. I want to see this kid in brown and orange.
Round 3 Pick 78
I select RB James Cook, Georgia
There is temptation to trade down here and add a few more mid round picks for next season. But if Cleveland is a win now team, then it’s time to get some players to help them win now. It may come as a surprise to some reading this that I would go running back here, but it is more necessary than you think. Hands down, the Browns have the best running back unit in the franchise’s history. They have had dynamic duos before but never four backs with different types of explosive play. The Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt combo is effective but could be on its last leg. Chubb suffered nagging injuries but managed to have another Pro Bowl season. Hunt missed most of 2021 with an ankle injury and is entering the last season of his contract. When both backs were hurt, D’Ernest Johnson stepped up and kept the run game going in those games. However, Johnson is still a restricted free agent and recently hired a new agent that is demanding that Johnson receive a bigger contract. Cleveland won’t be spending a ton of money on a third string running back, so he maybe out of the picture soon. All of this could be signs that a new insurance option at running back is needed.
James Cook is the brother of Minnesota Vikings star half back Dalvin Cook. He was a factor in the Bulldog’s championship season in both running and receiving. Last season, he ran for 728 yards and 7 touchdowns. As a receiver he caught 27 passes for 284 yards and 4 touchdowns. He isn’t the biggest back but has great vision, agility, and explodes when he gets into open field. Stereotypically, Georgia University produces some of the best pro running backs in the game. While he was a backup his whole college career, this wouldn’t be the first time the Browns drafted a backup running back from the Bulldogs (Nick Chubb). I take Cook here just in case he’s not available at the 99th pick. Cleveland did bring him in for a workout so there is interest in potentially drafting him at some point.
Round 3, Pick 99
I pick G Luke Goedeke, Central Michigan
I don’t always seek out to get a MAC kid, but when the opportunity presents itself and it makes sense, I’m for sure down to do it! Luke Goedeke primarily played right tackle during his tenure at Central Michigan but also put in the work at right guard. He had a reputation as one of the hardest working players in the weight room. While his strength, speed, and foot work are considered pro level, he isn’t a mauler type of lineman. He uses technique and strength to move defenders to create holes up front. This is primarily why he fits in Kevin Stefanski’s system. Goedeke’s skill set would help enhance the run and screen passing game. On top of that, he could sub in for an injured lineman on the right side while John Hudson subs in on the left. Throw Chris Hubbard in the mix and you got some better depth to help protect Watson. It should also be noted that Goedeke was originally a receiving tight end when was recruited by Central Michigan. That could set up for some trick plays in the red zone.
Round 4, Pick 118
I pick LB Chad Muma, Wyoming
One of my favorite players in this class. In case you don’t know, Chad Muma was pretty much the entire Wyoming defense last season. He was second in the NCAA in total tackles (142) and first in solo tackles (85). Eight of his tackles were for a loss and he had three interceptions, two of which went for touchdowns. There are intangibles to his game that do need to improve to help him succeed at the next level, but everything else is pro ready. Muma has excellent tackling ability, great speed, can read plays in zone coverage, and has hands like a defensive back. He did play well against the few higher ranked teams he faced in his college career, but had he played for a bigger school there is no doubt he would be viewed as a day one or two pick.
BONUS
Round 7, Pick 223 (from Lions)
I select K Gabe Brkic, Oklahoma
I can not stress enough how important it is the Browns figure out the kicker situation. It literally costed them a few games last season. Chase McLaughlin had a solid first half but it was followed by a dreadful second half. The kicker position has been an issue since Phil Dawson left and they really haven’t kept another one more than a season and a half. Gabe Brkic is a Chardon, Ohio kid and he went 5 of 7 with field goals over 50 yards. His accuracy will need some work but nothing good coaching can’t help fix. I mean, kick is literally in his name! If you are not sure about using a late pick on a kicker, go ask the Cincinnati Bengals who did last year and he helped them go to the Super Bowl.
Seth Lipocky is the host of the sports internet radio show Ten Cent Beer Night on Fifth Dimension Radio/Live 365. Every Wednesday from 7:30 to 8:30pm EST.
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