Grading Dane Brugler’s 2020 Cleveland Browns 7-round mock draft

1st round, Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

Some are conflicted when it comes to Mekhi Becton, the massive mountain of a man from the University of Louisville.

Nobody doubts his prospect stock, but the fact that he’s no where to be found in Pro Football Analytics’ Draft is still concerning.  This isn’t to make analytics the end-all, be-all of picking players. After all, we know how PFF and Sashi Brown felt about Corey Coleman.

However, Paul DePodesta probably said it best when it talked about using analytics to minimize risk. Point being: Becton is still a prospect, and it remains unclear if he can step in and be a day one starter at the most important position on the line.

The only tackle off the board in Brugler’s mock at the time of the Browns pick was Tristan Wirfs, who was mocked fourth, to the Giants. The Mount  Union alum has Jedrick Wills going 11th to the Jets and then Andrew Thomas 14th to the Bucs.

Why a bunch of salt continues to be thrown Thomas’ way remains a headscratcher. Mocks from the 2019 season had him as the top-ranked tackle. Now he’s the fourth tackle off the board? Perhaps the Browns need to not overthink this decision. Thomas played against the best competition and started at left tackle in the SEC for two years.

Principal’s note: It’s easy to be swayed by the tangible measurements such as Becton’s size (6-7) and his 40-time. However, who was the best left tackle in the college game? It’s Thomas. Grade: C