As the Cleveland Browns look to distance themselves from the worst contract in league history, the opportunity to draft a quarterback second overall looms large.
At this point in the draft process, it seems like that quarterback will be Colorado star Shedeur Sanders. Miami’s Cam Ward to the Tennessee Titans looks to be written in pen, if not Sharpie, leaving the Browns to deliberate between the class’ second quarterback and its top non-passing talents.
Colorado two-way phenom Travis Hunter and Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter made excellent arguments to hear their name called second in April. But Sanders following Ward atop the draft allows Cleveland to hit the reset button and begin to write its next chapter.
The Browns add explosive talents to their quarterback pick in this three-round mock draft, made using Pro Football and Sports Network’s mock draft simulator.
Round 1, Pick 2: Colorado Quarterback Shedeur Sanders
Sanders may not capture the hearts of the fanbase with the tantalizing upside of his peers in the top four picks, but there’s reason to believe he can be a franchise quarterback.
That profile starts with elite accuracy and a penchant for avoiding turnovers. His play under pressure is controversial, with some worried about his pressure-to-sack rate and others encouraged about his flashes out of structure.
If nothing else, he’s a strong fit in head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense who should start from the jump.
Round 2, Pick 33: Marshall Edge Rusher Mike Green
By drafting a quarterback in Round 1, Cleveland is sacrificing the opportunity to draft a high-level edge rusher in Carter. It can rectify that here with a fringe-Round 1 talent that favorably falls to Round 2.
There are legitimate character concerns to sort out here related to sexual assault. That could very well take him off the Browns’ board (questionable given their track record). If their research concludes his denials were earnest, he could find himself as Myles Garrett’s protege.
Green is an explosive edge threat who’s flashes of technique can match anyone in this class. Turning that into more consistent production at the NFL level and holding up against the run will prove to be a challenge. With Garrett taking the pressure off him, there’s a runway to becoming a star in Cleveland.
Round 3, Pick 67: Texas Receiver Isaiah Bond
Bond isn’t without his off-field concerns, too, but if the Browns’ biggest worry is the “diva” attitude, it might be a preview to his high-level upside.
Bond moves differently than most receivers in the league, much less this class, and can provide a level of credibility downfield that Sanders stands to benefit from. He can take underneath passes to the house and take the top off the defense, and his athleticism gives him ways to win as the rest of his game becomes more refined.
Cleveland must optimize Sanders’ supporting cast, especially if he lacks the potential to truly elevate an offense. Selecting Bond comes with risk but is a low-risk dice roll on immense tools.
Round 3, Pick 94: North Carolina State Offensive Tackle Anthony Belton
GIven the heavy investments Cleveland has put into the offensive line, discord at offensive tackle is disappointing.
Drafting one late on Day 2 won’t necessarily fix those woes, but Belton would add depth to a unit that has often dealt with injuries, and there’s already starter-level skills in his game.
Belton’s an excellent run defender, and the requisite talent could help foster additional growth in pass protection. Teams can never have too many quality lineman, and this profile lends itself to immediate credibility on the second string with long-term upside, a nice proposition for insignificant draft capital.
