Yardbarker
x
The perfect Browns mock draft?
Mazi Smith. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The perfect three-round Browns mock draft?

There have been a number of mock drafts already made with the offseason just beginning. However, NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter may have just hit the perfect three-round Browns draft.

Cleveland doesn't pick until No. 42 on day two after trading their 2023 first-round pick as part of the package deal for QB Deshaun Watson last offseason. But Reuter has the Browns getting a steal in Michigan DT Mazi Smith with their first pick.

Smith stands at 6-foot-3, 337 pounds and ranks as Pro Football Focus' No. 35 overall prospect on its big board. The 21-year-old would fill a big need on the interior of Cleveland's defensive line that had just six combined sacks in 2022.

The Browns have struggled to find success drafting defensive tackles in recent years. But Smith could end the streak if they decide to fill the position through the draft instead of free agency.

Cleveland is then projected to pick at No. 98 with its compensatory pick. Reuter has the team selecting Stanford WR Michael Wilson.

The 6-foot-2, 209-pound receiver had 134 catches for 1,662 yards and 11 touchdowns in his collegiate career. Wilson isn't a top player at his position in the draft class but would provide depth to a position of need.

The Browns have two reliable wide receivers in Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones. However, the remaining five receivers who played had a combined 335 yards and zero touchdowns this season.

There is still a lot of time for rankings to change with the NFL Combine and pro days still ahead. But if the draft were today, Cleveland fans should happily take this outcome.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.