With this in mind, I conducted a mock draft and picked mostly defense. My feeling is the Browns will do the same in the actual draft. Without further ado, here are my mock selections and the reasons why I chose each player. Cleveland Browns Mock Draft (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire) 1st Round, pick 26, Nick Bolton, linebacker, Missouri. Now that the underclassmen deadline has passed, but All-Star games are still to be played, it's a good time to take another snapshot of the 2017 NFL Draft for the Cleveland Browns.The first 28.

1. 2017 Nfl Mock Draft Cleveland Browns 7 Rounds 2020
2. Nfl Draft 21 Mock All 7 Rounds
3. 7 Round Nfl Mock Drafts
4. 2017 Mock Draft All Rounds

The 2021 NFL Draft is fast approaching.

As we get closer to this de facto ‘second Christmas,’ it can be fun and entertaining to guess who our favorite team will select during the draft.

Looking at their 2020 stats, the Browns performed fairly well on offense (14th in the NFL) and not as well on defense (21st in the NFL).

On the surface, it looks like Cleveland is well stocked on offense.

In addition to quarterback Baker Mayfield, the offense also sports receivers Jarvis Landry, Odell Beckham Jr., running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, tight ends David Njoku (for now), Harrison Bryant, and Austin Hooper.

Don’t forget the line: Jack Conklin, Joel Bitonio, J.C. Tretter, and friends were ranked number one overall by Pro Football Focus for both run and pass blocking.

On defense, the team has defensive end Myles Garrett, defensive back Denzel Ward (when healthy), and safety Ronnie Harrison (again, when healthy).

There were pieces and parts that contributed to the defense this year, but by the end of the season, it was clear which side of the ball needed the most help in the offseason.

Garrett’s partner, Olivier Vernon, most likely won’t return next year.

That leaves a lack of push up the middle and speed at one of the end spots.

Linebacker also needs a jolt, someone who can cover tight ends and even the occasional slot receiver while also delivering big hits in the run game.

Finally, the corners need more depth and big plays.

Pro Football Focus ranked the unit 26th overall for 2020.

Regardless of injuries and Covid absences, this unit largely underwhelmed in ‘20.

With this in mind, I conducted a mock draft and picked mostly defense.

My feeling is the Browns will do the same in the actual draft.

Without further ado, here are my mock selections and the reasons why I chose each player.

Cleveland Browns Mock Draft

1st Round, pick 26, Nick Bolton, linebacker, Missouri

I really wanted to draft an EDGE player here.

However, I saw that both Bolton and Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins are available.

I like them both, but I chose Bolton based on his intangibles.

The Browns need a linebacker who can make an impact in both the run and passing games.

Bolton can do both.

He has a smaller build (6’0”, 232 pounds) that may scare some teams away.

However, we’re talking about a guy who made plays in the SEC.

Bolton scared the heck out of opposing receivers who came near him in zone coverage.

He has the speed to hang with tight ends and slot receivers and can disrupt their ability to catch the ball cleanly.

Bolton also racked up an impressive number of tackles and tackles for losses during his time in Columbia.

As a sophomore in 2019, Bolton collected no less than 100 total tackles, one sack, eight passes defended, and two picks, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

In 2020, he had 95 total tackles, two sacks, forced a fumble, and had five passes defended.

Bolton was named First Team All-Conference after the season.

He also led the conference in tackles.

Most run stops among SEC defenders💪
1. Nick Bolton, Missouri – 26
2. Grant Morgan, Arkansas – 25
2. Zakoby McClain, Auburn – 25 pic.twitter.com/EfpkQBwDG5

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) December 3, 2020

Pro scouts note that Bolton will need to improve in some areas of his game.

Specifically, he needs to address his processing time when making decisions in space.

Bolton must work to tighten his angles when covering the pass and ensure he is not blitzing before recognizing a pass in his area.

Despite the negatives, there are a number of scouts who believe that Bolton is the best (if not one of the best) linebackers in the 2021 class.

2nd Round, pick 58, Jay Tufele, interior defensive lineman, USC

There were a few other players available that I liked and I still wanted to address the EDGE position.

It was hard to pass up Tufele.

There are a large number of draft experts that rank him in the top five of IDL prospects in the ‘21 draft.

The Browns need a strong push ‘up the gut’ each play and Tufele can provide that.

Tufele has a great build for the position at 6’3”, 315 pounds.

Even with his size, he is quick and agile and can overpower his foes.

There are copious amounts of game tape that show him tied up in double teams in an attempt to slow him down.

Even in those instances, Tufele can still find the ball.

He has a good first step at the snap that befuddles slower opponents.

Tufele has two years of experience with the Trojans.

He kicked things off in 2018 when he collected 23 total tackles and three sacks.

In 2019, Tufele increased his totals to 42 total tackles and 4.5 sacks.

He also defended one pass that year.

2020 should have been an even bigger year for Tufele, but he opted out of the season due to Covid concerns.

USC DT Jay Tufele shows off power/lower body strength often – but it’s the balance too

Would love a bit more hip snap in his game but he shows up w/ brute strength, heavy hands & balance – lethal combo for DT!

Preseason 2nd Team All-American from @philsteele042#2021NFLDraftpic.twitter.com/7LKN6BgCI3

— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) July 25, 2020

Some NFL scouts appear to have dinged him for his opt out, wondering if he still has the tools needed after a year away from the game.

They also note he needs to improve his identification of opposing blocking schemes.

Tufele can lose track of the ball on occasions when he is tied up with aggressive blockers.

He also plays too tall which will affect his pad level and allow opponents to maneuver him.

However, Tufele is coachable and should be able to iron out the kinks after a few months in a pro system.

His presence will help the Browns shore up their interior defense.

3rd Round, pick 89, Jordan Smith, EDGE, UAB

I finally grabbed an EDGE rusher with this pick.

I recently wrote an article about the top EDGE players the Browns should consider drafting.

Smith was my “darkhorse” candidate and for good reason.

Smith was originally committed to South Carolina as a three star recruit in high school.

When the coaching staff who recruited Smith were fired, he de-committed and chose to play for the Florida Gators.

However, he and some of his teammates were arrested for a check fraud scheme before he played a down in Gainesville.

Smith left the program soon after.

After a year playing at Butler Community College in Kansas, Smith made his way to UAB.

He quickly made his mark in Birmingham.

Smith’s size and speed startled many an opponent.

At 6’7“, 255 pounds, he has the ability to rush the passer, bury ball carriers for a loss, and drop into coverage.

In his first season as a Blazer (2019), Smith tallied 52 total tackles, 10 sacks, four forced fumbles, and one pass defended.

This past season, Smith had 42 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, one pick, and one pass defended.

Smith’s size allows him to swim over the top of opponents and even dip his body enough to motor around the edge toward the quarterback.

He has the ability to diagnose a play fairly well and can make up for mistakes on the fly.

His length, motor, and athleticism will affect opponents even if he is not directly involved in a play.

Jordan Smith – UAB – EDGE

Been absolutely fantastic in practice so far. Power in the hands, explosive, agility, and all the tools to be a DUDE in the NFL

Working vs Alex Leatherwood here pic.twitter.com/cs8xxZUGSy

— Matt Lane (@ChiefinCarolina) January 26, 2021

There are some things Smith will need to correct at the next level.

He has to work on his counter moves when facing opposing linemen.

Smith also needs to have a better pass rush plan and work on his processing speed as a play unfolds.

That being said, scouts love the idea of working with Smith.

His intangibles are worth taking a chance on.

In a year or two, Smith could be one of the best in the game.

3rd Round, pick 91, Keith Taylor Jr., corner, Washington

With PFF’s ranking of the Browns defensive back unit rolling around in my head, I decide to take a chance on Taylor.

He brings four years of collegiate experience with him into the draft and it is hard to ignore his talent.

Taylor is 6’3”, 195 pounds. I like his size as it makes it more difficult for taller receivers to outpoint him on throws.

He can cover space quickly and stay with most receivers.

Taylor has the experience to stay disciplined and diagnose what is happening in front of him.

He has a good base and low center of gravity.

After seeing limited playing time in 2017 and 2018 (23 total tackles, four passes defended), Taylor had a breakout 2019.

That season he collected 59 total tackles and five passes defended.

In 2020, the Huskies played only four games due to the Covid delay.

In those four games, Taylor had nine total tackles and one pass defended.

A closer look at these stats shows a glaring absence: interceptions.

It’s true, Taylor has zero picks in four years.

However, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t make an impact.

His presence on the field makes opposing quarterbacks think twice before throwing his way.

For example, in the 2019 Las Vegas Bowl against Boise State, Taylor had two crucial plays where he batted the ball away, killing Broncos scoring drives.

The 2019 Broncos were ranked 22nd in the nation.

Not exactly an easy opponent.

2021 Senior Bowl: 'I don't know that I remember a better game from a corner in an all-star game.' — @MoveTheSticks on Washington CB Keith Taylor Jr.https://t.co/3Kbspeb8topic.twitter.com/6NZrPrcVz2

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) January 31, 2021

Of course, Taylor will have to work on his game in the NFL.

Scouts note that his hips are merely adequate.

He will have to learn to rotate and adjust quickly on the fly.

They also note that, if he doesn’t disrupt jam or alter a speed receiver at the line, he can get beat deep.

These are things that can be corrected.

If anything, Taylor can serve as an apprentice his first year or two while seeing spot time in certain packages.

4th Round, pick 110, Janarius Robinson, EDGE, Florida State

What!?

Another EDGE player!?

I know, but the Browns seriously have to build this part of their defense.

Not having a voracious D-line exposes the deficiencies of other defensive positions (such as linebackers).

If anything, Robinson can add more depth to the position and push Smith for playing time.

Watching film of Robinson, there is a lot to like.

First, he is big at 6’5”, 260 pounds.

His size can seriously affect a play and make opponents think twice before sending a play in his direction.

Robinson has four years of playing experience in Tallahassee.

After seeing a handful of snaps in 2017, Robinson had 27 total tackles, one sack, and one pass defended in 2018.

In 2019, he had 48 total tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one pass defended.

This past season, Robinson collected 26 total tackles, three sacks, and one pass defended.

Scouts note that Robinson and his mates could have had a bigger name if the Seminole coaching staff had developed their players better and put their players in a better position to showcase their strengths.

There is some validity to this claim.

This once proud program has had only one winning season in the past four years, 2017.

Back to back plays in the two minute team period #FloridaState EDGE Janarius Robinson collapses the pocket, either altering or forcing Mond to make a quick throw, converting speed to power and using his length.

A big game Saturday will only continue his buzz. pic.twitter.com/ttoYwvOXBB

— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) January 29, 2021

As such, Robinson doesn’t have the shine on him that he could have had if FSU was still a top college program.

Watching his game film, Robinson is exciting to watch.

He is powerful and does very well defending the run.

Against the pass, Robinson is great at getting to the quarterback.

He has plus length that affects the throwing window of opposing QBs.

Robinson is flexible for his size and has good hip movement.

In the NFL, he will have to work on his pass rush moves and counter moves.

Scouts also say that Robinson will need to work on his pass rush plan or risk being eaten up by better quality opponents.

However, those same scouts believe that he will actually be a better pro than he was a college player.

That’s enticing to think about.

4th Round, pick 130, Trey Hill, interior offensive line, Georgia

As I mentioned at the beginning, the Browns offensive line is arguably the best in the NFL.

However, it doesn’t hurt to have more depth.

Hill is available at a great spot in the draft where he won’t cost Cleveland a lot of money, but they get value in return.

Hill is huge, checking in at 6’4”, 330 pounds.

However, he moves fast, has agility, and he will simply overpower lesser players.

Hill has experience as a center and guard which would be perfect for the Browns as far as depth.

He was a four star recruit out of high school and saw playing time immediately.

Hill started four games at guard in 2018, then moved to center in 2019.

He played well in 2020 before having to miss the final three games of the season after undergoing surgery on both knees.

According to team officials, the surgeries were not considered serious.

Watching film of Hill, there is a lot to like.

It is obvious after a few minutes that Hill is solid at his position.

He plays hard and will drive until the whistle.

Hill has great hands and uses them to get his opponent out of their game.

From the center position, Hill can pull and kick out blocker coming around from the end.

If he gets under his opponent’s pads, they are done.

#UGA OL Trey Hill to enter 2021 NFL Draft https://t.co/VChgvS1r7spic.twitter.com/7AnYBuF7Gs

— Dawgs247 (@Dawgs247) January 5, 2021

Hill does have the quickness to get to the second level, but his feet don’t always stay with him and quicker linebackers and defensive backs will maneuver around him.

2017 Nfl Mock Draft Cleveland Browns 7 Rounds 2020

Scouts also note that Hill needs to tighten up his leverage against opponents in the run game.

He also needs to stay with his blocks consistently in pass protection.

In short, these same scouts have also said that there are not a lot of holes in Hill’s game.

Even with his knee surgeries, this pick is “safe” and won’t hurt the Browns in the long run.

Assuming Hill pans out (which is a safe bet) this selection may also be a steal.

5th Round, pick 168, Trill Williams, corner, Syracuse

Back to defense with this pick.

Even if the Browns get secondary help through free agency, this pick gives the team depth at the position along with a special teams body.

Williams was a star at Syracuse.

He brings three years of playing experience with ‘Cuse and he will undoubtedly bring his ‘A’ game to the pros.

Williams is 6’1,” 198 pound but plays much bigger.

In 2018, he made 31 total tackles and two picks.

2019 saw him net 38 total tackles, three forced fumbles, one interception, and two passes defended.

This past season, Williams collected 24 total tackles, one pick that was returned 90 yards for a touchdown, and four passes defended.

Scouts are excited about Williams’ speed, which has been clocked at 4.4 in the 40 yard dash.

They also like his big play background and length.

Williams has no problem lighting up taller and quicker receivers.

Even better, he has no fear of stepping up and challenging opponents’ run game.

Trill Williams has so much potential. 6’2” and has been timed in the mid 4.3s. Bruce Feldman had him 16th on his freak list, as he also has a 40 inch vert and benched 17 times. Can play every single position in the secondary. He needs more attention. #NFLDraft#DraftTwitterpic.twitter.com/PQpnJ0Z4md

— Jack Borowsky (@Jack_Borowsky) January 8, 2021

Another plus for the Browns, Williams can play corner, nickel, or safety.

His versatility will be a huge selling point for any team that drafts him.

Scouts note that Williams will have to work on his man coverage in the pros.

His footwork has to get better covering in man against NFL receivers.

6th Round, pick 206, Grant Stuard, linebacker, University of Houston

The lack of a consistent pass rush by the Browns exposed a glaring need for an upgrade in their linebacker position.

Before 2020 began, Cleveland’s linebacker core did not get a lot of love.

After the season, that lack of love was justified.

As a whole, Mack Wilson, B.J. Goodson, and Sione Takitaki are serviceable but not quite the unit the Browns need to contend.

In short, the team needs to seriously address this position in free agency and the draft.

I kicked things off by taking Missouri’s Bolton in the first round.

Stuard will give Cleveland a project and possible future starter.

He is a fun player to watch (look for the hair) and one that the Browns faithful should get to know.

Frankly, I’m surprised he lasted this long into the draft.

Stuard has four years of experience at Houston.

After making two tackles in 2017, Stuard increased his totals to 30 tackles in his 2018 sophomore year.

In 2019, he crushed opponents to the tune of 97 total tackles, one sack, and four passes defended.

2020 saw him rack up 61 total tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery.

His play in 2019 and 2020 led to him becoming a two-time All-AAC selection for the Cougars.

In total, Stuard had 191 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks in four years.

He was Houston’s leading tackler in ‘19 and ‘20.

Off the field, he has frequently found ways to help the Houston community.

Stuard has organized food drives in the Houston area as well as a school supply drive in his native Conroe, Texas.

On tape, it is obvious Stuard has talent.

He is fearless and aggressive, always looking for the football.

Stuard diagnoses the run very well and thrives in the spaces around the line of scrimmage.

I love that he always goes full speed.

Stuard is 5’11” and 230 pounds, which scouts say hinders him due to a lack of length.

While he is a wild man in pursuit of the ball, Stuard is limited in his range.

He does not project to be a coverage linebacker in the pros.

He is seen as more of a special teams demon who can help fill a specific role in a team’s defense.

With the right coaching and experience, Stuard could be a fan favorite in Cleveland.

7th Round, pick 250, J.D. Spielman, receiver, TCU

Last, but not least, I chose a receiver for the Browns last pick of the draft.

Yes, Cleveland has OBJ and Jarvis Landry and maybe they hold onto Rashard Higgins and KhaDarel Hodge.

However, they can always use more depth at the position.

Spielman gives the Browns a low-cost option who can contribute greatly on special teams.

Spielman has four years of playing experience (three as a Nebraska Cornhusker and 2020 in Fort Worth).

He played immediately as a freshman in 2017, hauling in 55 catches for 830 yards and two scores.

In 2018, Spielman increased his reception total to 66 along with 818 yards and eight touchdowns.

In his junior season, Spielman had a decrease in catches with 49, but increased his yardage output to 898 and had his best yards per catch average with 18.3.

He also added five touchdowns that year.

This past season, Spielman sustained a shoulder injury and missed a majority of the season.

That limited him to five catches for 56 yards.

Senior season aside, Spielman is worth a look in the pros.

He is very fast and elusive.

There are not a lot of people who have success with him one-on-one.

Scouts have called him “slippery” in man-to-man.

Spielman’s quickness allows him to change directions well on the fly.

He is diminutive at 5’9” and 180 pounds.

However, his low center of gravity shows in his ability to shake corners and safeties.

Spielman was used mainly as a slot receiver in college, but he can get after the ball.

He is not just elusive, but his speed makes him a threat for the long ball.

Video shows him making plenty of big plays when the Huskers needed him.

Spielman was also used on special teams with Nebraska and TCU.

He had three touchdown returns on kicks during his career (two on punt returns and one kick return).

WATCH: 2021 NFL draft prospect JD Spielman (@jdspielman10) hit a max speed of 20.1 MPH on this 99-yard TD. Expect more explosive plays like this from Spielman this year at TCU #myRAnaxspeed #GoFrogspic.twitter.com/FwAj4tme8Z

— Recruiting Analytics (@RAanalytics) September 6, 2020

The negatives for Spielman are his size, injury history, and lack of length.

Scouts do not see him playing on the boundaries as a receiver.

He will most likely be a slot receiver who can provide excitement on special teams as a return man.

Spielman also struggles to block.

His pro coach will have to show him the finer points of that technique, specifically in how to use his size to his advantage.

Spielman is a project who can provide depth and a change-of pace- when needed.

The defense was certainly the focus for this Cleveland Browns mock draft.

The Browns will have a plethora of offensive weapons returning next season, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield.

The defense, one that may be forced to stop the offensive attack of the Kansas City Chiefs in the postseason one day again, needs upgrades.

Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (Round 1, Pick 26)

When Olivier Vernon was brought over in a trade with the New York Giants, fans thought he could be a consistent force alongside Myles Garrett.

That dream never truly came to fruition despite good stretches of play from Olivier.

If the Browns want a true pass-rushing threat opposite of Myles, they’ll need to upgrade this offseason.

Gregory Rousseau, a defensive end out of Miami, could provide the answer to that issue.

Gregory Rousseau's FSU tape is nsfw, IOL had no answer for him.pic.twitter.com/b0Pb3GHoI4

— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) July 21, 2020

The last time the football world saw Rousseau was in 2019 when he logged 19.5 tackles for loss as well as 15.5 sacks.

He opted out of the 2020 season: an understandable decision given the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sitting out may have put a small dent in his draft stock, but that could ultimately help him fall to Cleveland who has the 26^th pick in the first round.

One interesting bit about Rousseau is that he played both wide receiver and safety during his high school career.

The 6-foot-7, 253-pound menace learned the defensive end position quickly, and in dominant fashion.

Consistency is the one aspect of Olivier Vernon that bothered Browns fans more than anything.

That isn’t an issue with Rousseau, who recorded a tackle for loss in about 70% of his defensive outings in 2019.

The Hurricanes move him around on the defensive front too, giving him opportunities to rush an opponent’s interior.

He did that as well as just about anything else the Hurricanes asked out of him.

Some patience may be required with Gregory, who had ankle surgery in 2018 in addition to missing the entire 2020 campaign.

His tremendous upside and versatility could turn him into the perfect edge player to pair with Garrett.

Gregory Rousseau, Edge, MIA-

– Freaky Athlete
– Outstanding Length
– Arm Extension and Hand Placement
– Stays Clean w/ Length and UOH
– Quick and Powerful Hands
– Versatility
– Very Good Sack Production
– Lateral Agility Vs O/S Zone
– Understanding of Run Concepts#NFLDraftpic.twitter.com/dEFhuSZsaH

— Ryder McConville (@RyderM25) July 6, 2020

Aaron Robinson, CB, UCF (Round 2, Pick 59)

Teams want their cornerbacks to be “sticky” these days, meaning they can hold their own in man-to-man coverage.

It’s a must to have those types of guys, as most competent NFL quarterbacks will eventually start to pick apart zone looks defensively.

Aaron Robinson, a cornerback out of Central Florida, meets that description.

UCF CB Aaron Robinson, an Alabama transfer, had a great first day in Mobile. Super sticky all day long. pic.twitter.com/u6NivcWhIy

— Cory (@realcorykinnan) January 27, 2021

Aaron Robinson officially has my attention.

Did y’all know that I love physical cornerbacks? pic.twitter.com/MDDagl3ooI

— John Vogel (@johndavogel) January 28, 2021

Robinson, a big-time recruit out of Deerfield Beach, Florida, attended Alabama as a freshman and played just four games with the Tide in 2016.

That following summer, he announced his transfer to UCF.

He would have to sit out in 2017 due to NCAA transfer rules and missed time in 2018 after suffering a bad injury in the season opener.

2019 and 2020 would be much smoother.

In 2019 he recorded 49 total tackles, 4.5 for losses, and snatched one interception.

Last year was not quite as productive, totaling 41 tackles, just one for a loss, and no interceptions.

He was named second-team All-American Athletic Conference both seasons.

The Browns do not need to give up on Greedy Williams, but they do have to get consistent play out of the cornerback position opposite of Denzel Ward.

Williams played just 12 games in an up-and-down rookie season and missed all of this past year.

Terrance Mitchell was serviceable as a replacement but is not the long-term solution.

Robinson is a quick, physical corner that could make an immediate impact in Cleveland’s secondary.

Alim McNeill, IDL, North Carolina State (Round 3, Pick 89)

Continuing with the defensive theme, I have Cleveland targeting Alim McNeill out of NC State with their first of two third-round picks.

The interior of the defensive line will need to be addressed since Larry Ogunjobi, in all likelihood, will be too expensive for Andrew Berry to bring back.

Sheldon Richardson and Andrew Billings will return, but adding depth will be needed.

Earlier in February, Pro Football Focus ranked McNeill as the second-best interior defender in the draft.

PFF also place him on top of their Power 5 interior defender rankings with a run defense grade of 92.1, the best in the country.

DON'T SLEEP ON ALIM MCNEILL 😴 pic.twitter.com/JN9nfJFfvb

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) February 3, 2021

It’s a bit of a down year for defensive tackles, hence McNeill falling to the third round.

Similarly to Rousseau, McNeill played a skill position in high school (running back) and you can see the speed and quickness that stem from that.

320 lb Alim McNeill is DT2 in the NFL Draft

He also played RB in High School

(h/t @michiganinsider) pic.twitter.com/oMoABr2zcJ

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) February 4, 2021

Nfl Draft 21 Mock All 7 Rounds

He played his final year with the Wolfpack at 335-pounds, yet moved like he was around 275.

Oh it feels so good. @AlimMcneillpic.twitter.com/XUJAlb2lii

— Taylor McIntire (@taylormcintire) October 10, 2020

He is every bit strong as he is quick, a huge plus for defensive tackle prospects.

Hello Alim McNeill! He’s got some serious grown man strength. pic.twitter.com/50mg3O8N3M

— Dante Collinelli (@DanteCollinelli) February 2, 2021

The consistent play was a staple of McNeill’s collegiate career, logging over four tackles for loss and at least one sack in each of his three seasons at NC State.

He was never dominant enough to garner big-time national attention, but draft profiles highlight his hard-working mentality and desire to get better.

In an interview with bloggingtheboys.com, McNeill mentioned shedding a few pounds that he had to put on in college to handle constant double-teams.

“I’m kinda homed in more on exploding more… I feel like I can explode better off of blocks”, said McNeill.

“Like when a guard comes and attacks me, and I have the center, and then he goes off and attacks the linebacker or whoever, I feel like I can explode and escape faster than what I did”.

Tony Fields II, LB, West Virginia (Round 3, Pick 91)

It feels like I wrote dozens of articles this past season that mentioned the shortcomings of the Browns linebackers.

It was a unit that was looked at as bad before the year even started and didn’t change that narrative when it was all said and done.

They need to add talent there this offseason, and West Virginia product Tony Fields II is one man who can help.

I still can’t tell if this is WVU LB Tony Fields II (@T_Fields1) knowing where the ball was going pre-snap or if while he was blitzing he just recognized it that fast but seems like he was gunning for Lovett the whole way.

Man is a tackling machine.#WNSFilmpic.twitter.com/M3zHXiDXBO

— Brandon Olsen (@WNS_Brandon) January 14, 2021

WVU/Arizona ILB Tony Fields (@T_Fields1) is that dude #seniorbowlpic.twitter.com/xxVmhd9MVg

— MGA Sports Agency (@MGASportsAgency) January 26, 2021

He served as the MIKE of the Mountaineer defense who boasted the fourth-best defense in the FBS last year in terms of points allowed per game.

Fields II was dynamite, recording 88 total tackles, four for loss, two pass deflections, and one interception.

He’s all over the field with sideline-to-sideline athleticism.

Instinct is something that the Browns LB’s lacked in 2020, with Mack Wilson and others constantly out of position.

Fields II may not be the biggest dude out there, but his knack for shedding blocks and finding the ball carrier is what makes him special.

He can hold his own in coverage as well, a big plus for modern NFL linebackers.

TheDraftNetwork.com projects him as a WILL linebacker at the next level, but Cleveland’s defense will (ha, get it?) take any LB-upgrade they can.

Talanoa Hufanga, S, USC (Round 4, Pick 110)

Safeties from USC almost always make for an interesting prospect (thanks, Troy Polamalu), and Talanoa Hufanga is no exception.

The Trojans aren’t the college football powerhouse they once were, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have talent littered across their roster.

Hufanga, even in a shortened pandemic-infused season, took a huge step forward in 2020 and boosted his draft stock in the process.

TALANOA HUFANGA WITH THE PICK! USC BALL DOWN 5 IN THE FOURTH! #Trojans#FightOn#USCvsUCLApic.twitter.com/rmgrcdQAt9

— Inside The Draft (@Jacobkeppen) December 13, 2020

7 Round Nfl Mock Drafts

Talanoa Hufanga tips the pass and comes down with the INT then hurdles a Washington State player 😂😂 #USCpic.twitter.com/8kUGx3xwNj

— 🌹🏆 (@RespectDaBeard1) December 7, 2020

His 40 solo tackles and four interceptions were both best in the Pac-12.

He would finish with 62 total tackles, five and a half for loss, and three sacks.

Those numbers were good enough to earn him Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year honors.

The problem is that people typically scoff at the defense of that conference as a whole as the late-night West Coast games seem to always be high-scoring affairs.

Regardless, being the best defensive player in any conference should carry weight.

The safety position was not particularly strong for Cleveland in 2020, but help is already on the way for 2021.

Grant Delpit, who missed all of his rookie season with a torn Achilles, will return to help aid the secondary.

If Hufanga falls to the Browns in the 4^th round, however, he could turn into a fun project-player for Cleveland that could eventually carve out a consistent role on the defense.

His athletic ability alone should net him at least a starting special teams role early in his career.

Robert Hainsey, OT, Notre Dame (Round 4, Pick 130)

Browns fans may not have a ton of love for Notre Dame athletes right now thanks to Chase Claypool’s social media antics.

Robert Hainsey could change that narrative and provide additional depth for the Browns offensive line.

One of the more enticing aspects of Hainsey’s game is his ability to play cleanly.

There are few things more frustrating for an offense than a cheap false start or holding penalty on the offensive line.

That doesn’t happen too often for Hainsey.

It didn’t happen at all this past season.

Robert Hainsey played 836 total snaps at right tackle this season.

He committed ZERO penalties. pic.twitter.com/PuR4YFoSqd

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) January 31, 2021

2017 Mock Draft All Rounds

He started for three seasons for the Irish, which TheDraftNetwork believes is an indication of him not getting any stronger at the NFL level.

There may be some truth to that, but I’m not one to rule out further development for someone in their early 20’s.

He’s on the heavier side of tackles, weighing 290- pounds at 6’5”.

Most seem to think he can hold his own in the running game, especially with zone concepts, but could struggle in pass-protection.

That may have more to do with his physical build than anything else, as Hainsey did not allow a single sack during the 2019 campaign.

He isn’t ready to start at the NFL level yet, and he may not ever reach starting quality.

Still, he’s a smart and technical offensive tackle, qualities that any NFL general manager should at least look at.

Only offensive linemen to not allow a pressure in the Senior Bowl:

💥 Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma
💥 Robert Hainsey, Notre Dame pic.twitter.com/jmOCEUBZXb

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) January 31, 2021

Whop Philyor, WR, Indiana (Round 5, Pick 168)

Slot receivers are a lot of fun to watch in the NFL.

Browns fans know just how much of a treat it was to watch Jarvis Landry dice up opposing defenses across the middle of the field each Sunday.

There’s plenty of slot-talent in this year’s draft, and someone Clevelanders may recognize is Whop Philyor.

Philyor played his college ball at Indiana, scoring a touchdown against Ohio State in their matchup last season.

The name is certainly fun, but his ability on the field is that much better.

@IndianaFootball WR Whop Philyor is a tough cover in the slot. If you looking for Y receivers, there's plenty in this draft.#DraftTwitter#2021NFLDraft#CRFBpic.twitter.com/e8bXSgbPsC

— EJHolt215_NFL (@EJunkie215) February 7, 2021

We're still trying to figure out how Whop Philyor brought this in.

(Via @IndianaOnBTN)pic.twitter.com/0nB9VHgSSc

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) October 16, 2019

One of the (many) reasons fans love Landry is because he plays hard each snap.

Often, he’ll put his head down to try and pick up a few yards as opposed to ducking out of bounds early to avoid contact.

One isn’t always better than the others, but fans naturally gravitate towards the former.

That kind of effort is what the Browns would get from Philyor.

Whop Philyor runs HARD. 👀

cc: @IndianaFootballpic.twitter.com/P0nLsncK9o

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 7, 2020

Philyor led the Big Ten with 54 receptions this past season and was top-ten in receiving yards with 495.

Had the 2020 season not been shortened due to COVID-19, Philyor had a legitimate chance to become Indiana’s all-time receiving leader in terms of both yards and receptions.

He’s an incredible talent that is entering this draft as a bit of a sleeper.

Wide receiver is not an immediate need for Cleveland, but if Philyor falls this far, I don’t think Andrew Berry should pass on Whop.

No, his real name is not Whop for those wondering.

It is Mister Elias De’Angelo Philyor.

Robert Jones, IOL (Round 6, Pick 206)

Some more offensive line depth never hurt anyone, did it?

At this point in the draft, it’s unlikely to come across any sort of generational talent that will transcend the franchise.

The Browns don’t need to try and find a superstar late given the talent already present on the roster.

Robert Jones, an interior offensive lineman that projects as a guard at the NFL level, could provide good value for a 6^th round pick.

The Middle Tennessee State product is not the most athletic guy in the draft coming in at 319-pounds.

That’s one of his bigger knocks heading into the draft as teams know he’s not a guy you rely on around the perimeter.

Still, his sheer physicality could help carry him a long way at the next level.

What #MTSU OL Robert Jones just did to consensus top 7 Edge Rusher Shaka Toney should be illegal 😳😳@TWSN___@seniorbowl#TheDraftStartsInMobilepic.twitter.com/2YAx7PDdCm

— Jake Sirkus (@JakeSirkus) January 28, 2021

Jones was an All-Conference USA Football honorable mention in both 2019 and 2020.

Before MTSU, Jones made a name for himself at Highland Community College as one of the best JUCO linemen in the nation.

It’s a story you would see on Netflix’s Last Chance U, an underdog story that Browns fans can appreciate.

Again, he won’t be competing for a starting spot right away, if ever.

Teams always need depth on the offensive line though, Cleveland included.

Tre Norwood, Cornerback, Oklahoma (Round 7, Pick 250)

Tre Norwood had an interesting career at Oklahoma.

It’s not often you see guys transition from cornerback to safety on a snap-to-snap basis, yet that’s what Norwood did for the Sooners.

Right away, that willingness to adjust to new roles for the betterment of the team should make NFL coaches excited.

Tre played every game his freshman season in 2017, solidifying his role as a difference-maker with the Sooners defense.

Norwood did the same in 2018, only this time as a starter.

He racked up 58 tackles, two of those for loss, one sack, and one interception.

2019 looked to be another great year for Norwood, but a torn-ACL sidelined him for the entire year.

In a reduced 2020 campaign, Norwood earned All-Big 12 honorable mention and intercepted five passes.

Lowest passer rating allowed to the slot among safeties in 2020:

♨️ Tre Norwood, Oklahoma – 54.2 pic.twitter.com/ahXBf4hjoR

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) February 9, 2021

One of those was a pick-six off Florida quarterback Kyle Trask.

TRE NORWOOD PICK-SIX 💨 it’s 14-0 and it’s not even 3 minutes in… #CottonBowlpic.twitter.com/OnK8MK4MtJ

— Cover Zero (@CoverZeroIG) December 31, 2020

So, why would he be available in the seventh round?

Well, at just 6’0”, 192-pounds, there are obvious concerns over his size.

He played very physically at Oklahoma, but the NFL isn’t the Big-12.

NFL GM’s may be worried about Norwood’s ability to keep up with bigger and stronger targets at the next level.

That kind of size isn’t doing much against a Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kelce, or D.K. Metcalf.

Granted, not every receiver or tight end in the NFL is as monstrous as those three.

Tre still may want to try and put on some weight before getting his professional career started.

For Cleveland, getting a versatile guy in the secondary this late in the draft should be seen as a win.

Summary

It’s a weird feeling knowing the Browns’ first draft pick won’t be until the 26^th selection.

After spending year after year in that top-ten, it’s a different approach now for the Browns.

Finding value with each of your picks becomes a priority instead of trying to hit a home run with that early first-round pick.

That’s not to say Andrew Berry is incapable of knocking this draft out of the park.

There are needs and weaknesses on the roster, some more clear than others.

Taking care of the defensive side of the football and finding a consistent pass-rushing partner for Myles Garrett is the objective of this mock draft.

If guys like Philyor and Jones end up being a part of the offense somewhere down the line, that’s gravy on top.