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

3rd round

Pick No. 80. If you’re an avid reader, you’ve probably become acquianted with the name of Jamel Dean, a corner from Auburn. Brugler believes he’ll be the Browns’ pick in the third round.

Like it: Dean was a big-time recruit who’s torn both his ACLs at various points of his high school/college career. He’s worked his way back, turning himself into a worthy gamble in either the second or third rounds.

He ran a 4.3 40 at the Combine, unbelievable for a guy that tore both ACLs. Pro Football Focus gave him high marks, with an  80.8 overall grade after Dean picked off two passes and broke up nine passes last season. Opposing quarterbacks had a 60.0 passer rating when targeting him.

Don’t like it: There’s not a ton of reasons to hate this pick. Cleveland needs to add depth and Dean has the potential to start some day. Sure, there’s some injury history here, but in the third round, you’d probably be happy to gamble on Dean’s upside.

The Browns look to head into the season with Denzel Ward and Terrance Mitchelll on the outside, while T.J. Carrie looks to be the leader in nickel coverages. Mitchell was playing well last season before going down with injury, while Carrie is serviceable.

Brugler had Dean going ahead of another corner the Browns should also be looking in David Long, who went 87th to the Bears.