With the 2023 NFL draft just a week away, the content creation world has seen an uptick in mock drafts to anticipate landing spots for prospects transitioning from the college level. It is always nice to find three-round mock drafts as well as the Cleveland Browns do not have a first or second round pick.
In a new mock draft completed by the Draft Wire, the Browns landed a linebacker with pick No. 74 and a wide receiver with pick No. 98. Here, using my draft guide, we take a look at who they landed and break down the fit and value to see if it was a good pick or not.
Round 3, Pick No. 74: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
Rank on my board: 118
While Sewell checks all of the analytical boxes the Browns look for in a prospect (age, production, grades, athleticism thresholds), his tape shows nothing more than a day-three player. However, with a new defensive coordinator who has opted for bigger linebackers in the past, Sewell is a massive 246 pounds.
The feeling about this pick would be significantly better if it came in the fourth round than at pick No. 73. Some players taken after Sewell in this exercise that would be preferable include Cincinnati wideout Tyler Scott and Ohio State defensive end Zach Harrison.
Round 3, Pick No. 98: Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State
Rank on my board: 100
The value is not too far off here for the Iowa State wide receiver to come off the board, but as far as analytical checkboxes go he does not fill too many. Hutchinson is just an above-average athlete and an older prospect. The Browns have tended to push these players down their board.
He was, however, extremely productive as he transitions from the college level to the NFL level. This boosts him up a bit. Overall, do not expect Hutchinson to be on the board for the Browns until day three rolls around. The value with pick No. 98, however, is not terrible.
