Cleveland Browns: Reaction to The Athletic’s 7-round mock draft

The Cleveland Browns enter the 2019 NFL Draft armed with eight selections and The Athletic’s Dane Brugler predicted each pick. Did he get it right?

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler did what true draftniks do, go seven rounds deep in the heart of mock draft season.

Our own Mike Graham gave his best look at what the Browns’ might do in a seven-round mock, and there is a correlation between the two prognosticators: Defense.

With the Browns’ offense expected to garner tons of exposure thanks to the additions of Odell Beckham Jr. and Kareem Hunt, in addition to the expected next step Baker Mayfield‘s going to take, it’s logical to assume the Browns will add help on the defensive side of the ball.

So, did Brugler knock it out of the park. Here’s the reaction to each of the picks he made for the Browns, which was published on The Athletic (subscription).

2nd round, Pick 49 overall

Brugler projects Washington safety Taylor Rapp will be available for the Browns when general manager John Dorsey makes his first pick.

What’s to like: He’s on the bubble of being a first-round pick, although Brugler suggested his 4.78 40-time will secure his fall into the second round.

He doesn’t shy away from contact and can be the kind of safety who can make life difficult for teams that try to run.

What’s not to like: The Factory recently cranked out the players we’d like to see the Browns tap in the second round, and Rapp made the list. Ohio State defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones also made that list. Brugler had him going 50th overall to the Vikings.

If push comes to shove, give me Jones because it’s more important to have bodies on the defensive line.

Additionally, the Browns have been active in the safety department since trading Jabrill Peppers. Dorsey signed Morgan Burnett, and make no mistake about it, he’s your starter right now. Unfortunately, he’s 30 and probably not a long-term answer.

Dorsey also added a familiar face in former Chiefs’ draft pick Eric Murray. There were red flags when it looked like he was going to be the starter, but Burnett’s addition eased feelings about Murray’s current role with the team.

The Browns don’t need to go safety right now. If Jones is there, get him.