The top two players in the draft are both defensive players, but Ohio State defensive end Chase Young will be selected with the second pick by the Redskins (Young's hometown team) or someone that trades up to take him.
The draft's second-best player would normally be unavailable at the Browns tenth pick, but some mock drafts have Clemson's All-World defender Isaiah Simmons available at the tenth pick.
It takes a certain scenario to occur in which the top three quarterbacks (Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, and Justin Herbert), the four tackles mentioned in the previous post, Young, the best defensive tackle in Auburn's Derrick Brown, and the top corner in the draft in Ohio State's Jeffrey Okudah comprising the top nine picks in the draft, but it's not one to be ignored considering that I listed ten players for nine spots.
Simmons can play any spot on the defense between rushing off the edge, linebacker, safety, and even a cover defensive back against a tight end and is the type of defender that excels in today's game.
Big, fast, and aggressive, Simmons would bring to Cleveland what they haven't had since their 1999 return with the possible exception of Myles Garrett- the type of three-down defender that can change games.
I'm tired of seeing the Steelers and Ravens owning the players that make a difference and it's far from a sure thing that Simmons is even available, but if he is- the Browns are going to have a difficult time explaining that they passed on him.
Even with the need at tackle, that's a tough explanation and lord forbid that Simmons is available and Andrew Berry decides to trade down!
The Browns could use some help along the defensive line, especially at the opposite end from Myles Garrett, where they haven't decided on keeping Olivier Vernon, taking a shot at Jadeveon Clowney or investing in a draftee.
I can see the Browns trying at end with one of their two third-round picks, but should they decide to try one either by trading back into the first round or someone unexpected falling to the second-rounder like Iowa's A.J. Epenesa, who is a versatile three-down lineman with a solid pass rush.
Epenesa will likely not be available for the Browns pick (41) in the second round, but if he is on the board, I'd have to give him plenty of consideration.
Should the Browns try defensive end in the third round, I really like Raekwon Davis of Alabama at that spot.
The 6'6 Davis is very fast and with some work could be a havoc bringer off the edge.
Davis was tremendous as a sophomore but did plateau in his final two seasons.
Still with his tools and without a reputation for attitude issues, should the Browns look at end, this is my guy.
If the Browns decide to wait until day three, I really liked Derrek Tuszka of North Dakota State when I saw him play in the Bison's two 1-AA playoff games and Kenny Willekes of Michigan State is one of those players that doesn't look the part, but finds a way to produce.
Willekes was a walk-on that made three All-Big 10 teams and won the conference's defensive lineman of the year award in 2018.
I don't see the Browns taking a defensive tackle, but should they throw a day three dart, I love LSU's Rashard Lawrence, who will be a standout run-stuffer at worst and has an upside of a Shaun Rogers type.
Lawrence is better suited for a 3-4 defense than the 4-3 that the Browns run, but I like his game and think it could play in a 4-3.
Simmons is the best linebacker/safety/hybrid etc. but the Browns still need linebackers after the departures of Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey.
Free-agent signee B.J. Goodson isn't a starter-level player and Sione Takitani disappointed in his first season, yet is a starter as of today.
The Browns may not take a linebacker until the third round at earliest but will be likely to consider one on the final day of the draft.
On the outside, I really like Akeem Davis-Gaither of Appalachian State, who is terrific in pass coverage and is a player that runs to the ball and makes plays upfield.
Davis-Gaither missed the combine due to injury and under the limitations of the "Covid" draft, haven't been able to check out his progress in rehab.
Davis-Gaither could drop a round or two lower than he should because of that reason alone.
Alabama's Terrell Lewis could be a steal similar to Mack Wilson, who fell to the fifth round last year after being projected as a first or second-rounder.
Lewis started just one year at Alabama and could slide to the Browns later than expected.
The inside linebackers can often find a productive player that accumulates tackles from the third round and later in the draft.
While I love Patrick Queen of LSU, the Browns first-rounder is a bit high for Queen, but their second-rounder is not likely to see him available to select.
There are three linebackers that I like at the right price with Logan Wilson of Wyoming topping the list.
Wilson drives through the ballcarrier, can get to the quarterback on the blitz, and could be a three-down linebacker as he develops.
If the Browns added their second Wilson to the linebacking group, I would be very happy to see that occur.
I also like Jordan Brooks of Texas Tech, but a little less than Wilson.
Brooks isn't the tallest player at six feet even and for a player that played in the Big 12, Brooks has questions to answer about his skills in pass coverage.
I think because of his height, Brooks could be available in the mid to late rounds.
Ohio State's Malik Harrison doesn't have the height concerns of Brooks but has similar questions in pass coverage.
Harrison is a strong tackler and I could see him making enough plays to start before his rookie season concludes.
The Browns aren't likely to take a corner, but they do need help at safety and I could see them picking one as high as round two.
As far as the free safeties go, LSU's Grant Delpit would be great, but I don't think he makes to the Browns in round two and I'm not sure Alabama's Xavier McKinney does either.
I like Ashtyn Davis of California, but he has some injury issues that kept him out of the combine.
The Browns have been connected to Jeremy Chinn of Southern Illinois by some and I liked what I saw out of Kenny Robinson, who played in the XFL and could be a late-round surprise.
The strong safeties aren't as depth-filled, but Kyle Dugger of Lenoir-Rhyne looked very good in the Senior Bowl and Antoine Winfield Jr of Minnesota has always been a player that plays well but has been hampered by injuries during his time as a Golden Gopher.
A day three-player here could be Mississippi State's Brian Cole, who impressed at the Senior Bowl and has a history as a kick returner.
This is a little shorter than I wanted as I do need to rest after work.
I'll be back later tonight with thoughts on the Browns day one addition (or additions).
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