The Cleveland Browns were able to fill the biggest remaining need after they traded with the New York Jets for former second-round wide receiver Elijah Moore on Wednesday. By filling most of the glaring holes on the roster, the team isn’t pigeon held into taking certain players at a position of need. No picking 32 spots later at pick 74, we have a perfect opportunity for another mock draft!
With this flexibility, the team can try and focus on the best player available approach. Though rookies could contribute if they are ready, having the ability to let them grow and develop first would be the best approach for the Browns long term. Let’s take a look at how the draft could play out now with the shake-up of the Elijah Moore trade.
Round 3, Pick 74: Nick Herbig, Edge, Wisconsin
Nick Herbig is an athletic stand-up pass rusher that can drop into coverage and do a good job as well. Herbig has a great motor and gets off the line of scrimmage that he used to tally 11 sacks this past season. He is undersized for the position but his toughness and leadership make him a fun pass-rush specialist that has a ton of upside potential.
Round 3, Pick 98: Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama
You can never have enough quality offensive linemen and with the injury history of Jack Conklin having. Adding more backup linemen is never a bad thing. Tyler Steen is an athletic player that would fit in with the team perfectly, possessing great lateral quickness to move in space and clear out rushing lanes for his running backs.
His techniques are inconsistent in the run game more than the passing game, but Steen has the physical tools for Browns offensive line coach Bill Callahan to mold into a quality swing tackle.
Round 4, Pick 111: Parker Washington, WR, Penn State
Despite adding Elijah Moore, the team can never have enough playmakers and Parker Washington is a fun slot wide receiver. Washington has strong and reliable hands to make the tough catches in traffic. His ability to create after the catch in the open field can turn short routes into big gains. He has a quick release, good athleticism, and suffered from poor quarterback play in college.
Round 4, Pick 126: Keondre Coburn, DT, Texas
The addition of Dalvin Tomlinson will be huge for the run defense, but getting another developmental nose tackle in Keondre Corburn is a great insurance policy. He has good hands and plays with nice coverage and a strong base to eat double teams and keep his linebackers clean.
Pick 140 Traded for future assets
As of now the Browns only have four draft picks in 2024, I would be shocked if they don’t try and add some assets in that draft. The Browns trade away pick 140 to the New York Giants for their fifth and sixth-round picks next year to get the team up to six picks, creating more opportunity and flexibility in 2024.
Round 5, Pick 142: Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama
A tight end with good size and quality blocking Cameron Latu has the ability to provide quality depth at the position. He understands the position and his responsibilities on each play with a high football IQ. He provides nice versatility to line up in the backfield and split out wide with reliable hands as a pass catcher.
Round 6, Pick 190: Keaton Mitchell, RB, East Carolina
Keaton Mitchell has the speed in the open field to run away from defenses with explosive runs for big gains. Mitchell has good vision with the ability to identify cutback lanes and the athleticism to make the cuts. He has reliable hands to make an impact in the passing game as well.
Round 7, Pick 229: SirVocea Dennis, LB, Pittsburgh
A sure tackler that diagnoses plays in front of him quickly, SirVocea Dennis had a productive final season at Pittsburgh. He has the ability to rush the passer from his linebacker position totaling seven sacks this season. He has plenty of playing experience and success as a special teams player as well.
