We’re just days away from the start of the 2019 NFL draft, although the Cleveland Browns likely won’t be on the clock until Friday night.
Despite getting a late start, they do own eight selections which will give GM John Dorsey plenty of opportunities to plug the final holes on the Browns roster. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Browns trade up at some point due to the relatively few holes they have left to fill. It’s highly unlikely the team will be able to fit eight rookies on the final 53-man roster, so Dorsey may make a couple moves for specific players he wants to target.
I won’t be projecting any trades in this mock draft, however, so here’s a look at how the the Browns draft could play out if Dorsey uses all eight selections:
No. 49 – Tytus Howard – OT – Alabama State
Greg Robinson and Chris Hubbard formed an acceptable duo at left and right tackle at the end of the 2018 season, but both of their futures in Cleveland are uncertain beyond 2019. Robinson is a free agent after this season. Hubbard is technically under contract through 2022, however, he’s guaranteed just $2.4M over the final three years. The Browns can easily cut him whenever a replacement becomes available.
Tytus Howard was a high school quarterback and basketball player who has since converted to the offensive line. Given his limited experience at the position, he was a busy man this draft season as the majority of the league brought him in or paid him a visit. The Browns have not specifically been connected to him, but given their need for an offensive lineman to groom, it’s likely Dorsey has his eye on him.
No. 80 – Isaiah Johnson – CB – Houston
In 2018, only the Colts and Chargers played more zone coverage than new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks in Arizona. So if the Browns are looking for a cornerback to compete for playing this year, it would make sense to target someone with experience in zone.
According to Sports Info Solutions, the 6’2″ Isaiah Johnson was in zone on 66.7 percent of his targets in coverage in 2018 at Houston. That experience should ease his transition into Wilks’ defense and allow him to challenge Terrence Mitchell and Eric Murray for the job opposite Denzel Ward.
No. 119 – Shareef Miller – DE – Penn State
The acquisition of Olivier Vernon means the Browns don’t need to prioritize the pass-rush, but Dorsey views it as a critical position and he’s likely to draft a pass-rusher at some point on Day 3. Especially since the Browns don’t yet know if they’ll get anything from 2018 third-round pick Chad Thomas, it would make sense to bring in another young defensive end to challenge for playing time.
Penn State’s Shareef Miller finished fourth in the Big Ten with 47 QB pressures in 2018, according to Sports Info Solutions. So while his testing numbers at the combine were average, he has the college production that will catch the eye of some teams.
No. 144 – Terrill Hanks – LB – New Mexico State
Linebacker depth should be one of the priorities on Day 3 and Hanks will likely be a target. He has the skill set of a typical strong-side linebacker and could be an ideal backup to Genard Avery. Given his length and short-area burst, Hanks could also be a situational pass-rusher, which would add to his value as a backup linebacker.
No. 155 – Sheldrick Redwine – FS – Miami FL
Morgan Burnett and Damarius Randall are locked in as the starting safeties. However, Randall is a free agent after the season and Burnett has an easy out in his contract if the Browns decide he didn’t work out. So with the long-term stability of the position in doubt, expect Dorsey to snag at least one safety in the draft.
Sheldrick Redwine posted phenomenal testing numbers at the combine and has experience at cornerback, giving him the intriguing upside and the versatility to make him an ideal Day 3 selection. The Browns would immediately use him on a special teams, and likely plug him in as a backup free safety.
No. 170 – Albert Huggins – DT – Clemson
The addition of Sheldon Richardson solved the Browns defensive tackle issue for the short term, but there’s a reason Richardson is on his fourth team in as many years. As talented as he is, Richardson is also unreliable, which means the Browns should attempt to upgrade their depth at the position.
Albert Huggins was a backup at Clemson behind Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins, but started in the 2019 playoffs due to Lawrence’s suspension. He lacks the athleticism to be much of a force as a interior pass-rusher and has a skill set better suited to play nose tackle. But he could provide the Browns some much-needed depth at the position and could potentially emerge as a future starter next to Larry Ogunjobi.
No. 189 – Penny Hart – WR – Georgia State
The Browns don’t need a wide receiver, but they’ve been sniffing around some Day 3 prospects, so a late selection seems likely. Penny Hart is one of the prospects they’ve visited with this offseason.
Hart is undersized at just 5’8″, but he can stretch the field and is a weapon after the catch. His skills as a return specialist also add to his value and he could have a role there immediately in Cleveland since Jabrill Peppers is gone.
No. 221 – Jordan Scarlett – RB – Florida
Nick Chubb will see the bulk of the workload for the Browns, but Duke Johnson’s future in Cleveland is up in the air. Johnson played a surprisingly small role in the offense in 2018, even after Freddie Kitchens took over, so he’s understandably unhappy and a draft day trade is possible. Even if Johnson isn’t traded, a late running back selection could be justified. No one on the depth chart behind Chubb and Johnson is worth keeping around.
Jordan Scarlett was involved in the credit card fraud scandal that also cost Antonio Callaway the 2017 season, and also has a marijuana arrest on his record. But when he’s been on the field, Scarlett was the most productive running back in the Gators’ backfield over the past few years. Obviously Dorsey isn’t shy about gambling on players with off-field baggage, so Scarlett will likely be on his radar as a potential late-round steal.
