Questions continue to swirl surrounding the Cleveland Browns. The future for Deshaun Watson remains up in the air, there are concerns defensively, and a Week 4 loss at the hands of Gardner Minshew won’t simmer any tempers among Cleveland brass.
With roster holes on both sides of the ball, here is an early look at where general manager Andrew Berry could go come April in this Browns mock draft.
Round 1 (No. 5 overall): Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
I understand the money that is tied to Watson, but it’s been time for a change. Enter Jalen Milroe, arguably college football’s most dynamic weapon, to start anew for head coach Kevin Stefanski. The team has a few offensive pieces to build around, and Milroe’s ever-improving ability under center, combined with his electric athleticism, would provide the Browns with their new face of the franchise.
Round 2 (No. 36 overall): Marcus Mbow, OT, Purdue
A fleet-footed tackle with sensational movement skills, expect to see Marcus Mbow’s name continue to rise on boards as we get deeper into the fall. He’s allowed just two sacks in 113 pass pro snaps this fall and is someone who looks to twist defenders into the dirt on every rep. His game would jigsaw nicely with the veterans present.
Round 3 (No. 67 overall): Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
Nicholas Singleton has taken his game to another level thus far in 2024, and it’s warranted considering the level of draft-eligible talent at the RB spot in this year’s draft. While Singleton spent his first few years at Penn State splitting carries with Kaytron Allen, the former has taken hold of the running back reins for Nittany Lions through five weeks. He’s a hard-nosed, physical runner with the long speed to churn yardage behind a solid front five.
Round 4 (No. 110 overall): Aydan White, CB, NC State
A playmaker at the corner spot, Aydan White has progressed into one of the ACC’s most feared aerial stalwarts. Through five weeks in 2024, White has amassed nine interceptions and 20 PBUs in his handful of seasons in Raleigh. In Cleveland, he’d enter the fold as a key rotational piece on the outside behind Denzel Ward and Martin Emerson Jr.
Round 6 (No. 182 overall): Jalen Rivers, OL, Miami
Jalen Rivers has battled injuries early in 2024, but his long-term projection remains a position-versatile piece. With more than 780 snaps accrued at both left guard and left tackle in his career, his ability to succeed inside-out is exactly the type of ballplayer teams look to identify late in the process.
Round 6 (No. 185 overall): Vincent Anthony Jr., EDGE, Duke
Vincent Anthony Jr. has popped the last few weeks on tape, and considering his size (6-foot-5, 260 pounds) and twitch, he could hear his name called in April. A highly intelligent young man (double majoring at Duke) who also happens to be a heck of a ballplayer, Anthony Jr. ranks in the top five among all edge rushers in pressures this fall (21) and is a name to bold as conference play kicks into high gear.
Round 7 (No. 252 overall): Malcolm Ray, DL, Rutgers
A transfer from Florida State, Malcolm Ray has been a physical force up front for Rutgers through five weeks. His key analytics don’t pop off the screen, but flipping on his tape showcases a physical presence at 3-tech that has the stamina to play on all three downs. He’s played a large part in Rutgers’ undefeated mark through four games in 2024.
