The Browns address their biggest needs in mock draft 4.0
- Niko Petrovic
- Mar 29
- 4 min read
With the draft approaching in less than a month, it's time to begin publishing numerous mock drafts over the next few weeks to forecast what we believe the Browns should do to enhance their roster. In this mock draft, I incorporated insights from other analysts, and all selections were made using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator.
No 2. Overall | Abdul Carter DE, Penn State
This choice is obvious to me for the second overall pick. Carter is a prospect I am personally high up on, and I believe he embodies the type of player who can excel in Jim Schwartz's system. His skill in putting pressure on the quarterback is extraordinary for a rookie defensive end, and with the right coaching at the professional level, I believe Carter can become a dominant force alongside Myles Garrett.
No 33. Overall | Jalen Milroe QB, Alabama
Milroe is an incredibly fascinating prospect to me, his athleticism is extraordinary. Physically, he ranks among the most impressive quarterbacks I have seen on film. Although Milroe is not yet the most refined passer, he has dedicated a significant amount of effort this off-season, largely inspired by the Reece's Senior Bowl (coached by the Browns staff), and his game has improved significantly. If he falls to the 33rd pick, which I believe is probable, the Browns have a chance to draft a quarterback with a very high ceiling who can provide the dynamic offense they desire!
No 67. Overall | Kaleb Johnson RB, Iowa
I LOVE Kaleb Johnson; I view him as the number three running back in this class behind Ashton Jeanty (Boise State) and TreVeyon Henderson (OSU). He is a downhill runner who likely won't be there at pick 67, but this guy can run the football. I think he fits what the Browns want to do on offense with the Wide Zone. Kirk Ferentz is one of the best in the business at scheming up the run, and I think with his film he can really give the Browns what they look for at running back.
No 94. Overall | Lathan Ransom SS, Ohio State
Ransom is a formidable safety who moves swiftly across the field and excels at tackling in open space. Pairing him with Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman could be a significant move for the Browns. After parting ways with the underwhelming Juan Thornhill, the Browns require a revitalization at the safety position to restore one of the league's top defenses. I admire his knack for stepping up into the box to make plays, and I believe he can address a MAJOR need for the team.
No 104. Overall | Anthony Belton OT, NC State
Anthony Belton is an interesting prospect in my eyes. He has great size, standing at 6'6" and 336 pounds, and his testing numbers were solid in my opinion. I think Belton is a really solid run blocker already, and if he can improve his footwork in pass protection, he can turn into a really nice backup/part-time starter in the NFL. With the likely departure of Jedrick Wills and nagging injury issues for third-year tackle Dawand Jones, I think Belton could be a really strong addition to the new OL room led by Mike Bloomgren.
No 179. Overall | Nick Nash WR, San Jose State
During Kevin Stefanski's time as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, the team has never had an exceptionally strong wide receiving group. Currently, with Jerry Jeudy (Pro Bowl), Cedric Tillman (IR most of the season), David Bell (IR), Michael Woods (PS), and Jamari Thrash (R), it's likely the Browns will select a receiver at some point in the draft. I believe Nick Nash can provide exactly what they need. A physical player with HUGE production last season, he could significantly enhance the group. He excels at working the middle of the field, which I think the Browns' offense has been missing in recent seasons.
No 192. Overall | Jack Sawyer DE, Ohio State
While it's highly unlikely that Jack Sawyer will fall to the sixth round, securing him at that point would be an outstanding deal for the team! Sawyer, the leading pass rusher for the National Champion Buckeyes, had numerous impressive performances in the playoffs that helped the Buckeyes reach the National Championship game. He has remarkable determination and could be a significant rotational asset on the Browns' already strong defensive line.
No 200. Overall | Upton Stout DB, Western Kentucky
Stout is a guy who is severely undersized but has a lot of playmaking ability, which has helped him raise his draft stock a decent amount. I really like his ability to blitz off the edge, and I think he can really play that nickel role in the Browns' defense. While his size will make it an uphill battle to make the roster, this guy has talent, and he could surprise some people if he's taken!
No 216. Overall | Luke Lachey TE, Iowa
Coming from Iowa's tight end factory, Lachey is another guy who can burst into the NFL scene and provide you with awesome tight end play. He has been a favorite of mine for a while and I think I got him in a really awesome slot in this mock draft. A really solid pass catcher who excels at playing smart football. A Browns coach who worked with Lachey this off-season told me "He never made the same mistake twice and knew all positions, wants to get more physical play strength, it won't be anything he can't do. Whoever gets him is getting a steal." If the Browns have a chance to land Lachey at any time, they have to seize the opportunity and take him.
No 255. Overall | Cody Simon LB, Ohio State
The leader of the Buckeyes' defense, Cody Simon, can ball. He's a physical, downhill linebacker who can provide you with excellent overall defense as a guy in the middle. Simon is one of the more athletic linebackers in this class, and his play on the field shows his ability to make plays all over the field. Simon was a key contributor to the Buckeyes' success this season, and I think he can be a nice addition to the linebacker room and compete for a roster spot.
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