It looks like the Cleveland Browns have their right tackle of the future in rookie Dawand Jones out of Ohio State. But there could be even more turnover soon with Joel Bitonio getting older and Wyatt Teller’s contract situation. On top of that Jedrick Wills Jr. at left tackle hasn’t earned a second contract yet. Can they re-tool this Summer? That is what we attempt to do in this 2024 NFL mock draft.
For those reasons, I think an offensive lineman could likely be the top pick for Cleveland and they may even draft more than one. Andrew Berry has shown that he likes to draft answers a year or two in advance as opposed to the exact year you need to replace them.
For the upcoming year, Cleveland currently has a second-round pick, a third, two fifths, and three seventh-round picks. It s really early in the process with plenty of football and testing before any teams truly build their big boards. Here is a look at how I could see the Browns attack the first five rounds of next April’s draft.
Round 2, Pick 53: G Cooper Beebe, Kansas State
Cooper Beebe brings something that Andrew Berry loves in versatility as a player who has played both left tackle and left guard in college. Beebe has played better at guard than he did at tackle last season. In a year in a half as a guard, Beebe has allowed 16 pressures and one sack in over 1300 snaps.
Beebe is a player with a high motor and great strength and is truly a mover in the running game. He climbs to the second level well and is an intelligent player who can step in at nearly any position along the offensive line if needed.
Round 3, Pick 86: T Jack Nelson, Wisconsin
The Browns could go back to the Wisconsin well in search of a left tackle and take Jack Nelson in the third round. Nelson is another big tackle at 6-foot-7 and 311 pounds who moves his feet well and is a better pass protector than a run blocker.
This is another versatile lineman who started his career at Wisconsin as a right guard before moving to left tackle this year and last. Nelson has the physical tools if he can clean up his hand placement and play with better leverage in the run game.
Round 5, Pick 138: WR Devontez Walker, North Carolina
The former Kent State Golden Flash Devontez Walker is an intriguing wide receiver prospect for April. I wouldn’t be shocked if he begins climbing draft boards the more he gets to show his ability. He provides a nice blend of size and speed as a guy who can blow by a defense while also being able to go up and make tough contested catches.
Walker tracks the ball well in the air with pretty good body control to adjust to it while it’s in the air. He may take more time to develop a more diverse route tree but his skill set is worth betting on.
Round 5, Pick 192: LB Jaylan Ford, Texas
It will be interesting to see what the Browns do at the linebacker position with not many under contract past this year. If they go looking for a run-stuffing linebacker in the draft Jaylan Ford from Texas could be that guy. In 2022 the Longhorns had over 100 tackles with 53 of them being stop tackles according to PFF.
