You've read the latest 2017 NFL mock drafts from Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay. Now it's time for our NFL Nation reporters to share their expertise.
They played general manager for the teams they cover and executed a first-round mock, which aired live on ESPN. Trades were not allowed. Here are the results:
1. Cleveland Browns
Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M | Highlights
Cleveland Browns, NFL Mock Draft 2017: Predicting picks in rounds 1-7. Jackson hopes to revitalize the Browns in the 2017 NFL Draft. Much of what the Browns will do in the first round of. The Cleveland Browns have the potential to solve a lot of needs in the 2017 NFL Draft. Here's a seven-round mock draft for them. For many years, the Cleveland Browns have been the butt of.
The Browns have the benefit of a clear choice with the first pick. Garrett is the consensus best player available. A quarterback with this spot is a reach. Garrett is not. -- Pat McManamon
- The first 28 picks of the NFL Draft order are now set as the NFL prepares for Championship weekend. The underclassmen are now decided for the 2017 NFL Draft (though there is a three day window for players who have changed their mind, but haven't hired an agent). For the Cleveland Browns specifically, all of their picks have now been decided.
- 2017 NFL Mock Draft Version 5.0: Cleveland Browns use picks to move up Updated May 19, 2019; Posted Apr 27, 2017 By Chris Fedor, cleveland.com.
- 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Jimmy Garoppolo Trade Impacts Early by Erik Lambert How Brock Osweiler May Have Screwed the New England Patriots by Erik Lambert Cleveland Browns: Seven Round Mock Draft.
2. San Francisco 49ers
Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford | Highlights
With a new regime that's never run a draft, the Niners are hard to peg, but the bet here is they will wait on finding their quarterback. A trade down or a Myles Garrett miracle would be ideal for the Niners, but, with neither an option here, the choice comes down to Thomas or one of the top defensive backs. Thomas doesn't fill the Niners' biggest need as an edge rusher, but he's a safe pick who can bolster the league's worst run defense. -- Nick Wagoner
3. Chicago Bears
Jamal Adams, S, LSU | Highlights
The Bears prefer to trade down, but Adams is a good pick with Solomon Thomas off the board. The Bears have tried -- seemingly forever -- to find permanent solutions at safety. Adams' strengths are tackling and leadership, the traits Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and secondary coach Ed Donatell look for in a safety. Adams' 4.33 40-yard dash at LSU's pro day should alleviate concerns about speed. The Bears still need a quarterback, but choosing an impact defender at No. 3 makes more sense. -- Jeff Dickerson
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU | Highlights
The Jaguars did a lot of work on defense in free agency (signing DE Calais Campbell, CB A.J. Bouye and SS Barry Church), which sets them up to address the offense in the draft. The main focus is helping QB Blake Bortles, and a big way to do that is by improving the run game. Fournette is regarded as one of the most talented backs in the draft, and many believe he's going to be a plug-and-play 20-carry guy for a long time. He is a big, physical runner who is a good fit for the ball-control, play-action offense the Jaguars want to run. -- Mike DiRocco
5. Tennessee Titans (from Rams)
Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama | Highlights
Over the past two seasons, the Titans have pressured opposing quarterbacks on just 20 percent of pass plays without using a blitz. That's the second-worst percentage in the NFL, and, given that context, there is no way they could pass on a pass-rusher and overall play-wrecker such as Allen. -- Kevin Seifert
6. New York Jets
Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State | Highlights
Despite intense quarterback speculation, the Jets opt for the best non-quarterback available, bolstering their porous secondary. They still need a long-term replacement for Darrelle Revis, a potential shutdown corner for Todd Bowles' man-to-man scheme. -- Rich Cimini
7. Los Angeles Chargers
Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State | Highlights
With 31-year-old safety Dwight Lowery having only two years left on his deal, the Chargers select his eventual replacement. The rangy safety recorded seven interceptions last season in his only year as a starter for the Buckeyes. Hooker is an ideal fit for Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley's Cover 3 scheme with his ability to cover sideline to sideline as a center fielder in the back end. -- Eric Williams
8. Carolina Panthers
Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford | Highlights
Fournette was gone, as were the top defensive players. It came down to McCaffrey and Alabama tight end O.J. Howard. McCaffrey in many ways is a better fit than Fournette for a team looking to take the pressure off quarterback Cam Newton. McCaffery can play running back, slot receiver or wideout and can return kicks. -- David Newton
9. Cincinnati Bengals
Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama | Highlights
The Bengals have one Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker in Vontaze Burfict. Here's their chance to build around him. The team parted ways with Rey Maualuga and Karlos Dansby in the offseason but added Kevin Minter on a one-year deal. With the addition of Minter, Cincinnati has the ability to wait on Foster, who has a shoulder injury and might not be able to play right away. Foster could be a surefire starter next to Burfict for years to come. -- Katherine Terrell
10. Buffalo Bills
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O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama| Highlights
The Bills already have Charles Clay, who was targeted a team-high 87 times last season. But Clay has underperformed his five-year, $24.5 million deal and can be released after this season. Howard was the best player on the board at this spot and becomes an immediate receiving threat for Tyrod Taylor, who is lacking reliable targets at wide receiver. -- Mike Rodak
11. New Orleans Saints
Derek Barnett, DE/OLB, Tennessee | Highlights
There will be some quarterback intrigue here if the real draft plays out like this, with no QBs going in the top 10. But the Saints' primary need is for a difference-maker on defense. And Barnett fills one of their biggest needs as an edge rusher with 33 sacks over the past three years. At 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, he has enough size to play defensive end when the Saints are in four-man fronts. -- Mike Triplett
2017 Nfl Mock Draft 7 Rounds
12. Cleveland Browns (from Eagles)
2017 Nfl Mock Drafts
Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina | Highlights
The trade a year ago that gave Carson Wentz to the Eagles put the Browns in the position of having to overdraft for the position this year. There's a lot of thinking in the league that no quarterback is first-round worthy, but the Browns talked about making a pick that would advance the roster the best. At this spot, it's a quarterback and it's Trubisky. -- Pat McManamon
13. Arizona Cardinals
Haason Reddick, LB, Temple | Highlights
This is a win-now pick for the Cardinals, but it also sets up their future at inside linebacker. By drafting Reddick, the Cardinals have a long-term solution at inside linebacker, a position at which Arizona essentially traded 26-year-old Kevin Minter for 35-year-old Karlos Dansby. Reddick can be mentored by Dansby, who re-signed with Arizona in March, then take over for him after the season. -- Josh Weinfuss
14. Philadelphia Eagles (from Vikings)
John Ross, WR, Washington | Highlights
Eagles executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman has been looking for a big-time burner ever since Chip Kelly got rid of DeSean Jackson. Corner is an absolute need, and the Eagles will be looking there and at pass-rusher. But Ross' 4.22 40-yard dash speed is simply too good to pass up. -- Tim McManus
15. Indianapolis Colts
Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA | Highlights
New Colts general manager Chris Ballard has spent this offseason tearing down and reshaping what was one of the NFL's worst defenses (30th last season). But the Colts still have a void at edge rusher, as Robert Mathis and his 123 career sacks has retired and they didn't re-sign Erik Walden (team-high 11 sacks). -- Mike Wells
16. Baltimore Ravens
Forrest Lamp, G, Western Kentucky | Highlights
Offensive line has become a priority for Baltimore after right tackle Rick Wagner signed with the Lions in free agency and center Jeremy Zuttah was traded to the 49ers. The Ravens upgrade their protection for quarterback Joe Flacco and become only the second team in NFL history to take the first offensive lineman in consecutive drafts. Lamp is the consensus top offensive lineman in the draft who has the ability to play any spot along the line. -- Jamison Hensley
17. Washington Redskins
2017 Nfl Mock Draft 7 Rounds Cleveland Browns Score
Charles Harris, DE/OLB, Missouri | Highlights
The Redskins' offseason goal was to improve the NFL's last-ranked third-down defense. There are questions about three of their top four outside linebackers, and Harris gives them someone who can help the pass rush now. It helps that the track record of Missouri pass-rushers is impressive. -- John Keim
18. Tennessee Titans
Mike Williams, WR, Clemson | Highlights
The Titans completed 159 passes to wide receivers last season, the second-lowest mark in the league. During the past 10 years, they've had only one receiver with 75 catches in a season. That could change with Williams, who is the best receiver in the draft and will give Marcus Mariota his first big-time target. -- Kevin Seifert
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State | Highlights
Doug Martin will miss the first three games of the 2017 season serving the remainder of a four-game suspension and will spend a portion of the offseason in a drug rehabilitation program. Coach Dirk Koetter also has said they need 'game-wreckers,' and more explosive plays on offense, which they define as run plays of 12 or more yards. Cook had a whopping 109 rushing plays the Bucs would deem explosive out of 687. He did that about once every six carries (6.30). No other Power 5 running back had more explosive plays than Cook. -- Jenna Laine
20. Denver Broncos
Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin | Highlights
Under this scenario, the Broncos would give Washington wide receiver John Ross or Miami tight end David Njoku a long look. Coach Vance Joseph has called adding some big-play pop to the offense 'a must' in this draft. Although they like Ty Sambrailo as a potential candidate at left tackle, they will pick the guy who is the top tackle on their board. -- Jeff Legwold
2017 Nfl Mock Draft 7 Rounds Cleveland Browns Mock
21. Detroit Lions
Jarrad Davis, ILB, Florida | Highlights
While it was tempting to take Corey Davis to give Matthew Stafford the No. 3 receiver he would crave, Jarrad Davis is the high-character, immediate plug-and-play linebacker who can defend the run and offer coverage against linebackers and tight ends. But the Lions couldn't go wrong in either case. And for what it's worth, I don't think Corey Davis will be there at No. 21, but the Lions need to upgrade their speed. Davis gets the job done. -- Michael Rothstein
22. Miami Dolphins
Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State | Highlights
The Dolphins were 30th against the run last season and need to get stronger in the middle. Former second-round pick Jordan Phillips has been too inconsistent next to Ndamukong Suh. McDowell can push Phillips for a starting role in training camp and possibly supersede him. -- James Walker
23. New York Giants
Garett Bolles, OT, Utah | Highlights
The way the board falls with Jarrad Davis taken two picks earlier, Bolles is the Giants' best option. They need offensive line help, and general manager Jerry Reese said last week that 24 or 25 years was still 'super young.' Bolles' age is not a concern for the Giants. -- Jordan Raanan
24. Oakland Raiders
Zach Cunningham, ILB, Vanderbilt | Highlights
The Raiders, who play both 4-3 and 3-4 base defenses, have a pressing need at inside linebacker, and GM Reggie McKenzie wants a cerebral defensive QB. The 6-3 Cunningham would loom large for quarterbacks passing over the middle. And his instinctive play -- 16.5 of his 125 tackles for loss last season -- will come in handy, even if he might be a little light at 234 pounds to be a thumper. His sideline-to-sideline ability to cover will help Oakland in its quest to cover tight ends. -- Paul Gutierrez
25. Houston Texans
Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama | Highlights
Although Texans fans might be clamoring for the team to take a quarterback in the first round -- especially if Clemson's Deshaun Watson and Texas Tech's Patrick Mahomes are available -- Houston also needs to fix its hole at right tackle. The Texans are in no rush to take a quarterback and need to give Tom Savage some protection up front. Robinson would fill the spot left by right tackle Derek Newton, who is rehabbing from his leg injury, and could move over to left tackle to replace Duane Brown, who turns 32 in August. -- Sarah Barshop
26. Seattle Seahawks
Kevin King, CB, Washington | Highlights
Regardless of whether the Seahawks keep or trade Richard Sherman, they need cornerback help. King has the length (6-3, 32-inch arms) the Seahawks covet, and he put on a show at the combine. The Seahawks need to add young talent to their defense, and King gives them that. -- Sheil Kapadia
27. Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech | Highlights
The Chiefs haven't drafted a quarterback in the first round since 1983, so this pick is well overdue. Alex Smith has two seasons left on his contract, giving the Chiefs plenty of time, if they so choose, to develop a quarterback with a lot of potential. -- Adam Teicher
28. Dallas Cowboys
Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan | Highlights
The Cowboys have been seeking pass-rush help the past few years, and Charlton offers some position flexibility. His sack totals increased each year at Michigan, and he does not have to be a war daddy from the first day with how Rod Marinelli rotates his defensive line. The Cowboys can get their secondary help in the second round. -- Todd Archer
29. Green Bay Packers
T.J. Watt, OLB, Wisconsin | Highlights
There's more than one way for the Packers' to fix their 31st-ranked pass defense. Yes, a cornerback would be the obvious way, and Alabama's Marlon Humphrey could help in that regard. The other way is the pass rush, and Watt is a ready-made 3-4 outside linebacker and, of course, a fan favorite. Even Clay Matthews said earlier this offseason that he'd love to team up with J.J. Watt's younger brother. -- Rob Demovsky
30. Pittsburgh Steelers
Fournette was gone, as were the top defensive players. It came down to McCaffrey and Alabama tight end O.J. Howard. McCaffrey in many ways is a better fit than Fournette for a team looking to take the pressure off quarterback Cam Newton. McCaffery can play running back, slot receiver or wideout and can return kicks. -- David Newton
9. Cincinnati Bengals
Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama | Highlights
The Bengals have one Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker in Vontaze Burfict. Here's their chance to build around him. The team parted ways with Rey Maualuga and Karlos Dansby in the offseason but added Kevin Minter on a one-year deal. With the addition of Minter, Cincinnati has the ability to wait on Foster, who has a shoulder injury and might not be able to play right away. Foster could be a surefire starter next to Burfict for years to come. -- Katherine Terrell
10. Buffalo Bills
O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama| Highlights
The Bills already have Charles Clay, who was targeted a team-high 87 times last season. But Clay has underperformed his five-year, $24.5 million deal and can be released after this season. Howard was the best player on the board at this spot and becomes an immediate receiving threat for Tyrod Taylor, who is lacking reliable targets at wide receiver. -- Mike Rodak
11. New Orleans Saints
Derek Barnett, DE/OLB, Tennessee | Highlights
There will be some quarterback intrigue here if the real draft plays out like this, with no QBs going in the top 10. But the Saints' primary need is for a difference-maker on defense. And Barnett fills one of their biggest needs as an edge rusher with 33 sacks over the past three years. At 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, he has enough size to play defensive end when the Saints are in four-man fronts. -- Mike Triplett
2017 Nfl Mock Draft 7 Rounds
12. Cleveland Browns (from Eagles)
2017 Nfl Mock Drafts
Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina | Highlights
The trade a year ago that gave Carson Wentz to the Eagles put the Browns in the position of having to overdraft for the position this year. There's a lot of thinking in the league that no quarterback is first-round worthy, but the Browns talked about making a pick that would advance the roster the best. At this spot, it's a quarterback and it's Trubisky. -- Pat McManamon
13. Arizona Cardinals
Haason Reddick, LB, Temple | Highlights
This is a win-now pick for the Cardinals, but it also sets up their future at inside linebacker. By drafting Reddick, the Cardinals have a long-term solution at inside linebacker, a position at which Arizona essentially traded 26-year-old Kevin Minter for 35-year-old Karlos Dansby. Reddick can be mentored by Dansby, who re-signed with Arizona in March, then take over for him after the season. -- Josh Weinfuss
14. Philadelphia Eagles (from Vikings)
John Ross, WR, Washington | Highlights
Eagles executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman has been looking for a big-time burner ever since Chip Kelly got rid of DeSean Jackson. Corner is an absolute need, and the Eagles will be looking there and at pass-rusher. But Ross' 4.22 40-yard dash speed is simply too good to pass up. -- Tim McManus
15. Indianapolis Colts
Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA | Highlights
New Colts general manager Chris Ballard has spent this offseason tearing down and reshaping what was one of the NFL's worst defenses (30th last season). But the Colts still have a void at edge rusher, as Robert Mathis and his 123 career sacks has retired and they didn't re-sign Erik Walden (team-high 11 sacks). -- Mike Wells
16. Baltimore Ravens
Forrest Lamp, G, Western Kentucky | Highlights
Offensive line has become a priority for Baltimore after right tackle Rick Wagner signed with the Lions in free agency and center Jeremy Zuttah was traded to the 49ers. The Ravens upgrade their protection for quarterback Joe Flacco and become only the second team in NFL history to take the first offensive lineman in consecutive drafts. Lamp is the consensus top offensive lineman in the draft who has the ability to play any spot along the line. -- Jamison Hensley
17. Washington Redskins
2017 Nfl Mock Draft 7 Rounds Cleveland Browns Score
Charles Harris, DE/OLB, Missouri | Highlights
The Redskins' offseason goal was to improve the NFL's last-ranked third-down defense. There are questions about three of their top four outside linebackers, and Harris gives them someone who can help the pass rush now. It helps that the track record of Missouri pass-rushers is impressive. -- John Keim
18. Tennessee Titans
Mike Williams, WR, Clemson | Highlights
The Titans completed 159 passes to wide receivers last season, the second-lowest mark in the league. During the past 10 years, they've had only one receiver with 75 catches in a season. That could change with Williams, who is the best receiver in the draft and will give Marcus Mariota his first big-time target. -- Kevin Seifert
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State | Highlights
Doug Martin will miss the first three games of the 2017 season serving the remainder of a four-game suspension and will spend a portion of the offseason in a drug rehabilitation program. Coach Dirk Koetter also has said they need 'game-wreckers,' and more explosive plays on offense, which they define as run plays of 12 or more yards. Cook had a whopping 109 rushing plays the Bucs would deem explosive out of 687. He did that about once every six carries (6.30). No other Power 5 running back had more explosive plays than Cook. -- Jenna Laine
20. Denver Broncos
Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin | Highlights
Under this scenario, the Broncos would give Washington wide receiver John Ross or Miami tight end David Njoku a long look. Coach Vance Joseph has called adding some big-play pop to the offense 'a must' in this draft. Although they like Ty Sambrailo as a potential candidate at left tackle, they will pick the guy who is the top tackle on their board. -- Jeff Legwold
2017 Nfl Mock Draft 7 Rounds Cleveland Browns Mock
21. Detroit Lions
Jarrad Davis, ILB, Florida | Highlights
While it was tempting to take Corey Davis to give Matthew Stafford the No. 3 receiver he would crave, Jarrad Davis is the high-character, immediate plug-and-play linebacker who can defend the run and offer coverage against linebackers and tight ends. But the Lions couldn't go wrong in either case. And for what it's worth, I don't think Corey Davis will be there at No. 21, but the Lions need to upgrade their speed. Davis gets the job done. -- Michael Rothstein
22. Miami Dolphins
Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State | Highlights
The Dolphins were 30th against the run last season and need to get stronger in the middle. Former second-round pick Jordan Phillips has been too inconsistent next to Ndamukong Suh. McDowell can push Phillips for a starting role in training camp and possibly supersede him. -- James Walker
23. New York Giants
Garett Bolles, OT, Utah | Highlights
The way the board falls with Jarrad Davis taken two picks earlier, Bolles is the Giants' best option. They need offensive line help, and general manager Jerry Reese said last week that 24 or 25 years was still 'super young.' Bolles' age is not a concern for the Giants. -- Jordan Raanan
24. Oakland Raiders
Zach Cunningham, ILB, Vanderbilt | Highlights
The Raiders, who play both 4-3 and 3-4 base defenses, have a pressing need at inside linebacker, and GM Reggie McKenzie wants a cerebral defensive QB. The 6-3 Cunningham would loom large for quarterbacks passing over the middle. And his instinctive play -- 16.5 of his 125 tackles for loss last season -- will come in handy, even if he might be a little light at 234 pounds to be a thumper. His sideline-to-sideline ability to cover will help Oakland in its quest to cover tight ends. -- Paul Gutierrez
25. Houston Texans
Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama | Highlights
Although Texans fans might be clamoring for the team to take a quarterback in the first round -- especially if Clemson's Deshaun Watson and Texas Tech's Patrick Mahomes are available -- Houston also needs to fix its hole at right tackle. The Texans are in no rush to take a quarterback and need to give Tom Savage some protection up front. Robinson would fill the spot left by right tackle Derek Newton, who is rehabbing from his leg injury, and could move over to left tackle to replace Duane Brown, who turns 32 in August. -- Sarah Barshop
26. Seattle Seahawks
Kevin King, CB, Washington | Highlights
Regardless of whether the Seahawks keep or trade Richard Sherman, they need cornerback help. King has the length (6-3, 32-inch arms) the Seahawks covet, and he put on a show at the combine. The Seahawks need to add young talent to their defense, and King gives them that. -- Sheil Kapadia
27. Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech | Highlights
The Chiefs haven't drafted a quarterback in the first round since 1983, so this pick is well overdue. Alex Smith has two seasons left on his contract, giving the Chiefs plenty of time, if they so choose, to develop a quarterback with a lot of potential. -- Adam Teicher
28. Dallas Cowboys
Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan | Highlights
The Cowboys have been seeking pass-rush help the past few years, and Charlton offers some position flexibility. His sack totals increased each year at Michigan, and he does not have to be a war daddy from the first day with how Rod Marinelli rotates his defensive line. The Cowboys can get their secondary help in the second round. -- Todd Archer
29. Green Bay Packers
T.J. Watt, OLB, Wisconsin | Highlights
There's more than one way for the Packers' to fix their 31st-ranked pass defense. Yes, a cornerback would be the obvious way, and Alabama's Marlon Humphrey could help in that regard. The other way is the pass rush, and Watt is a ready-made 3-4 outside linebacker and, of course, a fan favorite. Even Clay Matthews said earlier this offseason that he'd love to team up with J.J. Watt's younger brother. -- Rob Demovsky
30. Pittsburgh Steelers
Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan | Highlights
The Steelers are eyeing several pass-rushers with the 30th spot, but the NFL Nation mock draft dropped arguably the best available receiver into their laps. When a top-shelf quarterback flirts with retirement, get him another weapon. With or without Martavis Bryant, the Steelers need more playmaking help and can fill coveted areas -- pass-rusher and defensive back -- in Day 2. -- Jeremy Fowler
31. Atlanta Falcons
Jordan Willis, OLB/DE, Kansas State | Highlights
The Falcons need another edge rusher to team with 2016 NFL sacks leader Vic Beasley Jr., who accounted for a league-high 46 percent of his team's sack total. Willis has similar attributes as Beasley and is known for being relentless. -- Vaughn McClure
32. New Orleans Saints (from Patriots)
Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson | Highlights
The more likely pick here is a cornerback (perhaps Alabama's Marlon Humphrey or LSU's Tre'Davious White). But I couldn't let a talent such as Watson sit in the green room for another day. It will probably take a perfect storm like this for the Saints to draft a QB in Round 1 since Drew Brees is still thriving at age 38. But the possibility is definitely in play, as they have taken a hard look at the top prospects in this year's class. -- Mike Triplett
After the Super Bowl, the NFL goes through a bit of a miniature offseason. From the day of the Super Bowl until free agency, everything just stops. Sure, the Super Bowl itself manages to stay in the news until the media milks it dry. However, nothing new comes from the league until free agency starts. That, of course, does not stop fan excitement for the upcoming NFL Draft. In late April, all the top college prospects find an NFL home in a three-day spectacle of television. Seeing as the Cleveland Browns hold the top pick in this year's draft, this class is crucial for their roster. This is the pre-combine mock draft for the 2017 Cleveland Browns.
Note: This mock draft took place on Fanspeak's Mock Draft Simulator, and free agency was not considered. Additionally, this is a pre-combine mock draft. Because of this, nothing is set in stone just yet.
Cleveland Browns 2017 Pre-Combine Mock Draft
Round One, Pick One: Defensive End Myles Garrett, Texas A&M
Texas A&M's defensive star Myles Garrett is the consensus number one pick this year. Although the Browns have not drafted very well since their 1999 return, Garrett is a must-have prospect. Strengthening Cleveland's front seven is crucial in this off-season. Their defense was deplorable in 2016, and Garrett is a good step to fixing it. Hue Jackson can trust that his defensive star Jamie Collins will be thanking him for this helper.
Round One, Pick 12: Safety Jamal Adams, LSU
If LSU's Jamal Adams still happens to be on the board with the twelfth pick, the Browns are in serious luck. Adams is a star in the making that can make any defensive play asked of him. He can strengthen a heavily ailing secondary, be a turnover creator, and get some help for Joe Haden. Should the Browns luck out with their second first-rounder, Adams is another must-have.
Round Two, Pick One: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech
While the draft stock of Patrick Mahomes continues to rise, he could still be available in the second round. Texas Tech's prolific signal-caller keeps turning heads, and scouts are noticing him. If the Browns can find Mahomes at the top of the second, Hue Jackson will be one happy head coach. This pick is a steal, and Jackson gets his high-profile quarterback to groom.
Round Two, Pick 20: Running Back D'Onta Foreman, Texas
If the Browns want to go offense-heavy on the second day of this draft, D'Onta Foremancould be their guy. A perfect mix of size and speed, Foreman has the potential to be a force at the pro level. With some development, he could surpass Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson as Cleveland's main running back. At this late in the mock draft, Foreman was a steal. If the Browns find Foreman with this pick, he should be the obvious selection.
Round Three, Pick One: Center Pat Elflein, Ohio State
Following last season, the Browns knew that they had to fix their offensive line. Aside from Joe Thomas, Cleveland's blockers were awful in 2016. Ohio State's Pat Elflein could be a major improvement in this department.
While at Ohio State, Elflein garnered scout attention due to his fantastic blocking ability. Because of his tremendous speed and size, Elflein has the potential to completely bolster this Browns line. Although many fans have chosen LSU's Ethan Pocic to replace Cameron Erving, Elflein could be just as good, if not better.
Round Four, Pick One: Tight End Jack Butt, Michigan
When it comes to tight ends, Michigan's Jake Butt is the total package. As both a blocker and a receiver, Butt is an incredibly well-rounded player. Due to Gary Barnidge coming down from his breakout 2015 season, the Browns are in need to a tight end threat. Butt could be their guy, and would be a bargain in the fourth round. Hue Jackson and Sashi Brown would be delighted with this pick's fit with their 'analytics' viewpoint.
Round Four, Pick 36: Cornerback Corn Elder, Miami (FL)
2017 Nfl Mock Draft 7 Rounds Cleveland Browns Draft
The draft stock of 'The U'‘s Corn Elder is incredibly low. Although a bit undersized for his position, Elder is incredibly quick and smart. Elder's cover skills, especially for a 5'10 player, are exceptional. Additionally, he has all the game knowledge in the world. Elder could improve a struggling secondary with Jamal Adams and Joe Haden could work as a mentor. This defensive draft is phenomenal, and Elder's ability is no exception.
Round Five, Pick One: Tackle Jon Heck, North Carolina
Coming out of North Carolina, Jon Heck is a solid blocker. For a fifth round talent, Heck has done a great job of protecting Mitch Trubisky. With his tremendous size of 6'7, 310, Heck is more than a prototypical NFL tackle. As another plus, Heck would be learning from Cleveland's Joe Thomas, who has had an incredible career. The Browns will make out like bandits on this one too, if they can snag Heck here.
Round Five, Pick 31: Linebacker Jayon Brown, UCLA
During his time as a UCLA Bruin, Jayon Brown lived mostly in the shadow of Myles Jack. However, Brown stepped up his game tremendously in 2016. He led the Bruins in tackles, and made a real name for himself coming into the draft. Browns fans may not have heard of Brown, but they might just have to trust Hue Jackson like they did with quarterback Cody Kessler.
Round Five, Pick 35: Defensive Lineman Kenny Bigelow Jr., USC
As far as picks go in this draft, most of the big names will be gone by this point. However, USC's Kenny Bigelow Jr. just might be a diamond in the rough. Scouts often bill Bigelow as 'the best defensive lineman fans have never heard of,' and it shows. Bigelow plays with a chip on his shoulder, and could make a real impact in Cleveland for years to come.
Round Six, Pick One: Guard Zach Banner, USC
Another USC Trojan makes their way to Cleveland with this pick. Like Jon Heck, Zach Banner is just a solid blocker. Though only a sixth-rounder type of talent, Banner could develop into a polished guard. Maybe if John Greco was not alwas injured, the Browns would not need this pick. Alas, however, this is not the case. And that is where Banner comes in.
Draft Overview
This mock draft can be summed up quite simply. If the Browns can get all these guys in one draft, their team will be pretty well on its way to improvement. Hue Jackson gets a serious influx of talent and maybe Jimmy Haslam lets him stay in Cleveland. Perhaps Jackson finds a way to really get his guys to succeed. Perhaps Cleveland fans are looking at a playoff team in the coming years. And maybe the Browns finally return to their glory days. This is only a mock, but fans must be hopeful that the actual 2-17 NFL Draft goes this way for the Browns. If it does, we could be looking at a serious shift in Cleveland.
