Cleveland Browns 3 Round Mock Draft

Jan 24, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad head coach Hue Jackson of the Cleveland Browns directs his players during practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns went 1-15 this past year but there’s hope on the horizon. They were able to ink Jamie Collins to a four-year extension and a franchise tag is on the way for Terrelle Pryor. The Browns are in luck with a highly defensive draft class and owning five of the top 65 selections. If you don’t believe good defenses can be formed in rookie seasons just remember that the Falcons are starting three rookies in the upcoming Super Bowl.

The Browns are young which means they have potential. A solid draft can help improve this team for a playoff run in 2018 if there aren’t any surprises in 2017. Of course, having the first overall pick means you get the best player in the draft and that debate has (to this point) been settled.

Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Myles Garrett

EDGE, Texas A&M

Marshon Lattimore

Cornerback, Ohio State

Malik McDowell

Defensive Lineman, Michigan State

Malik McDowell stands at 6’6 with 280 pounds of muscle. His long frame may seem thin to play in the trenches but he has the skill set to win. Teams could opt to pack on more weight but his quickness is where he’s successful and keeping that trait is important for McDowell’s prospect. The Browns are only a few pieces away from having a young defense that can be one of the best in the AFC North division. With Gregg Williams at the helm, it’s possible this group’s 2016 stats do a complete reversal in 2017.

Sep 29, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) drops back to pass against the Kansas Jayhawks in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Mahomes

Quarterback, Texas Tech

Pat Mahomes has the potential to be this year’s Dak Prescott. A bit of a wild card coming into the season, Mahomes has shown improvement in his decision making and touch on the ball. Playing in an air raid offense will be a challenging transition to an NFL setup but his skills are what he’s being drafted for. Mahomes has the strongest arm in this draft and the best deep ball by a long shot. It’s possible through the off-season that Mahomes pushes his stock into the first round, but at the moment a mid second seems like a safe bet. For the Browns, getting a player of this caliber could return it’s value much quicker than most expect.

Budda Baker

Safety, Washington

The Browns struggled severely to cover the slot receivers and tight ends this past year. Offensive coordinators specifically schemed to the safety position when it came to third downs and in the red zone. The Browns are expected to get Jordan Poyer back and Tramon Williams was serviceable towards the end of the season, but it’s time the Browns drafted a playmaker at the position. It’s not that Baker is a third round talent, it’s his size. Budda Baker isn’t big by any means. He stands at about 5’10 with 190 pounds of weight on him. Teams may opt to go after more sizable safeties like Marcus Maye and Justin Evans before giving Budda a call. What’s special about Budda are his instincts and the speed that he plays the game at. When you talk about being an effort guy he’s the best in this class. Budda was a huge reason for why the Washington Husky’s were one of the top secondaries in the country. He has the quickness and instincts to cover slot receivers and the tenacity to challenge tight ends down the seam. If you look at what Gregg Williams was able to do with Rodney McLeod during his time with the Rams you get an idea of what Budda can be. The Browns are a safety away from having a solid secondary. Budda Baker definitely fills a much needed void for a defense looking to improve.