Browns mock draft after first week of free agency lands them best LT available

   

As we still waited to hear how the Cleveland Browns fared in their pitch to Russell Wilson, it became clear through a sleugh of reports that the Tennessee Titans are just as high on Cam Ward as the Browns are, and that throws a huge wrench into the Browns' plans in the upcoming draft.

Browns mock draft after first week of free agency lands them best LT available

Their entire master blueprint to this offseason was to sign a veteran free agent quarterback who could help bridge the team's offense between themselves and Ward, and to use the rest of the draft to build around Ward and his future with the franchise. Instead, the Browns have no veteran quarterback, a small chance at Ward, and an uncertain draft plan.

Still, there's plenty of players to choose from in this draft that can help the team improve in areas in need of a revamp, like on the offensive line, in the running back room, and at receiver. With the help of NFL Mock Draft Database, we can take a look at what the Browns' draft might look like if they trade down from 2nd overall - something Ian Rapoport seems to think is a possibility.

Latest 3-round mock draft for Browns after first week of free agency

Round 1, Pick 8: Josh Conerly Jr., LT

We decided to take the 2nd pick here and replicate the environment that Rapoport can see becoming reality for the Browns on draft night - trading down if they lose out on Ward. In this scenario, they trade down to the 8th spot with the Carolina Panthers, who trade up to snag Abdul Carter. And, with their 8th pick, the Browns take tackle Josh Conerly Jr.

Conerly saw his stock rise after the NFL Draft Combine, being given a great 6.36 grade by the NFL's scouting department. That means he's likely to become a "plus" starter, which is more than we can currently say about their previous starting left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. Conerly is an athletic tackle who has to work on his strength when blocking. He'd be a decent pickup here for Cleveland.

Round 2, Pick 33: Jaxson Dart, QB

Dart would be the Browns' rookie project in this scenario. He has steadily risen up a lot of big boards because of how quarterback needy so many teams are in this draft, and because he's a bit of a mystery to NFL teams. He consistently tore apart lesser defenses in college, but struggled versus more top rated talent.

He also lacked a good receiving corp in his final year with Ole Miss, so that has to be taken into account. He finished up 2024 with 4,279 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, six interceptions, and a QBR of 86.3. He's currently graded as a good backup with the potential to become a starter in the NFL, and at 33rd overall, that's all Cleveland needs him to be - for now.

Round 3, Pick 67: Kaleb Johnson, RB

This is a player that it'd be hard to see falling so low in the draft. Johnson is one of the best running backs in this class, going for 1,537 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns in his final year with the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Ohio native is likely to be a starter wherever he lands, acting as the catalyst for Iowa's offense and succeeding in that role.

Round 3, Pick 94th: Xavier Restrepo, WR

Restrepo's college tape shows a great ability to get first downs when asked and to work in the slot effectively. That'd be huge to free up Jerry Jeudy from that role so that he can go where he thrives: as an outside receiving threat. Restrepo finished up his career with Miami with 1,127 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, and he averaged a solid 16.3 yards per reception.

The NFL's scouting department has him slated as a good backup with the potential to become a starter. With Cedric Tillman and Jeudy around, it feels right to assume he'd likely be in the backup role to either of those receivers. But, he definitely has the tools to breakout with the right coaching and quarterback.

If only that could be Ward.

Yen Nhi -
The Latest

Titans Three Worst Free Agent Signings

Sport -7 giờ

The Tennessee Titans are making moves to help improve their team with free agency in full swing. While some of Tennessee's moves have been strong, others have fans and critics scratching their heads. Here are the three worst signings in free agency ...

Ex-Chiefs Starter Bids Farewell to KC in Viral Post After Joining Saints

Uncategory -7 giờ

Former Kansas City Chiefs starting safety Justin Reid took to X, formerly Twitter, to bid farewell to Kansas City after three seasons with the Chiefs.   “Will always love you Kansas City!” Reid wrote in a post along with two ring emojis ...

Saints projected to select National Champion cornerback by Fox Sports analyst

Sport -7 giờ

A Fox Sports analyst has the New Orleans Saints bolstering their secondary with the ninth-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With the frenzy of free agency largely in the rear view, mock drafts are coming in with more clarity of ...

Bo Nix & Courtland Sutton Sound Off on Broncos Landing a FA 'Joker'

Sport -7 giờ

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix and wide receiver Courtland Sutton took time on Friday evening to talk some shop while attending the Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers game this week. The Broncos' front office has been busy signing several ...

Dominant second period highlights Bolts' win over Bruins

Sport -7 giờ

After the Tampa Bay Lightning finished Thursday’s shootout loss to the Philadelphia Flyers with just 20 shots on goal, multiple members of the Lightning locker room shared postgame that they needed to spring more pucks toward opposing goalies. They took that ...