The 2023 NFL draft is nearly here as it is set to kick off this coming Thursday with Round 1. The Cleveland Browns won’t get started drafting until later on Friday, being without a first- or second-round pick this year. The team has had a quality free agency period, which gives them plenty of flexibility heading into this year’s draft.
The Browns don’t have to force a position this year as the biggest needs are all rotational and depth pieces. They do need to focus on certain areas but can do so in whatever round a talented player falls to them. Let’s take a look at what I think would be a great haul with an eye for the future.
Round 3, Pick 74: Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida
Florida’s Gervon Dexter is lacking production but has a great combination of strength and athleticism if you believe you can develop him into putting it all together. When you watch Dexter’s tape, you will see times where he straight dominates offensive linemen. If the Browns could get him to put it all together, he would be a steal in the third round.
Round 3, Pick 98: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
This year’s class at tight end is loaded and that could result in a talent like Tucker Kraft falling a bit. Kraft possesses great body control and a great combination of size, speed and athleticism. H likely wouldn’t have a large role this year but he has everything he needs to become a quality NFL player.
Round 4, Pick Pick 111: Jartavius Martin, S, Illinois
The Browns lack some depth at both free safety and slot corner and Jartavius Martin plays both positions well. Martin is a big physical player that defends the run really well from the slot with good technique and strength as a tackler. He has a good first step and short-area quickness to play against athletic players in the slot but lacks elite straight-line speed.
Round 4, Pick 126: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
The Browns don’t have a long-term answer at linebacker who’s under contract past this season and Sewell has a unique skill set that could make sense for Cleveland. He has a good size-and-strength profile and plays with a ridiculous motor, playing through the whistle on every snap. Sewell also has a good blend of athleticism that allows him to rush the passer well in blitz scenarios.
Round 5, Pick 140: Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska
If you are looking for a guy that can stretch the field vertically and be able to deal with bigger more physical corners, Palmer can do that. Palmer showed his elite speed, running a 4.33-second 40-yard dash. At 6-foot-1 and nearly 200 pounds, he can be a good long-term slot option.
Round 5, Pick 142: Nick Saldiveri, OT, Old Dominion
Most draft analysts believe that Saldiveri projects best as a guard in the NFL. He played some right guard but primarily was a right tackle in college. He has a solid foundation and is a really impressive pass blocker that can struggle with consistency in the run game. He has good size at 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds and is a decent athlete for his size.
Round 6, Pick 190: Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern
Hull is a patient runner that displays good vision and acceleration to hit the open hole when it develops. He is a quality third-down back who is a reliable receiver out of the backfield and is a decent cutter with good power to force missed tackles for extra yardage.
Round 7, Pick 229: Alex Forsyth, C, Oregon
Oregon’s Alex Forsyth is an athletic center that can move well in space and plays with good power. He didn’t allow a sack in 2022 at center and displays high football IQ to make the needed adjustments at the line of scrimmage to change protection based on the defensive alignment. He isn’t a dominant blocker in the run game but is a solid and consistent player that could provide quality depth.
