Through trades and maneuvering the Cleveland Browns hold a team-changing number of picks in the 2017 NFL Draft.
I’ll be making every single pick for all 32 NFL teams. To review any perfect drafts you missed, click here.
Round 1, Pick 1: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
2016: 33 tackles, 15 for a loss, 8.5 sacks, two passes defended, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery
Sticking with my pick from Mock Draft 2.0, Garrett slides right into the Browns starting defensive line. What the Browns definitely do not need to do is start trading these picks around. Sit pat with your 10 draft picks and significantly improve your team. While Garrett wasn’t my top-ranked defensive end prospect, he’ll be an elite pass rusher and player in the NFL. I just like Derek Barnett better.
Round 1, Pick 12: Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
2016: 68 completion percentage, 3,748 yards, 30 touchdowns, six interceptions
If the Browns can pull this move off, drafting Garrett and still getting Trubisky at 12, they’ve won the whole draft regardless of what they do with the rest of their picks. Even with drafting Trubisky, the Browns have no reason to cut Brock Osweiler. I’d let Osweiler, Trubisky and Cody Kessler battle it out for the top QB spot for game one.
Round 2, Pick 33: Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado
2016: 65 tackles, six for a loss, four sacks, one interception, 11 passes defended, two forced fumble, one fumble recovery
The Browns have a couple of solid corners, but Joe Haden struggles to stay healthy. Awuzie will slide right into a starting spot in the slot and on the outside when Haden eventually stubs his toe and misses four games. Awuzie was the No. 9-ranked corner in my Cornerback rankings and a consistent playmaker.
Round 2, Pick 52: Jarrad Davis, ILB, Florida
2016: 60 tackles, six for a loss, two sacks, four passes defended
Cleveland has invested a lot in outside linebackers in their 3-4. Now it’s time to upgrade the inside. Davis should have no trouble sliding right into a starting spot. Davis was the No. 3-ranked inside linebacker in my pre-draft rankings and should be a legitimate NFL star once he takes the field.
Round 3, Pick 65: Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina
2016: 158 catches, 1,746 yards, eight touchdowns
The Browns drafted Corey Coleman last season and added Kenny Britt in free agency. After those guys, there’s a huge drop-off. Jones’ production in college was downright monstrous and should be able to use those skills to immediately work in the slot.
Round 4, Pick 108: David Sharpe, OT, Florida
Sharpe adds depth not only on the outside of the offensive line, but at guard as well. While the Browns, with their recent free agent additions and All-World left tackle Joe Thomas on the roster, won’t be looking at Sharpe as a starter, he has that ability if needed.
Round 5, Pick 145: Jeremy McNichols, RB, Boise State
2016: 314 carries, 1.709 yards, 23 touchdowns, 37 catches, 474 yards, four touchdowns
Over the last two seasons McNichols has rushed for over 3,000 yards, 43 touchdowns and caught 10 touchdowns. He’s a multi-talented player that Browns coach Hue Jackson should find ways to use immediately.
Round 5, Pick 175: Jermaine Eluemunor, OG, Texas A&M
Eluemunor adds depth on the inside of the line. Like Sharpe, he has the ability to start as a rookie if called into service.
Round 5, Pick 181: Jon Toth, Center, Kentucky
The Browns have invested heavily on their offensive line in free agency and using the draft to create depth and find future starters is just smart. Toth has faced some of the best interior pass rushers and run stoppers in college football in his career and, frankly, the AFC North will probably be a relief after facing SEC interior linemen for the last few seasons.
Round 6, Pick 185: Eric Saubert, TE, Drake
2016: 56 catches, 776 yards, 10 touchdowns
Outside of Gary Barnidge, the Browns got no offensive production at tight end last year. Of course, you could say that about a lot of Cleveland’s offensive positions. Now, granted Barnidge is an elite tight end, but Saubert, at 6-5, 253, should present a terrific red zone and third down target for whoever starts at quarterback.
UPDATE – Round 6, Pick 188: Donnel Pumphrey, RB, San Diego State
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