Browns 7-round mock draft: Impact prospects make defense a juggernaut

Round 6, No. 188: James Hudson, OT, UC

The Browns are good, and when you’re a winning team, you build up depth that you can plug in when you need it.

Think about how the Steelers have done it for the better part of 20 years. One someone got old or retired, they plugged in the next guy who had been developing behind the scenes.

That’s why Hudson would be the pick here. He’s already a good player and his ceiling is even higher. Hudson played at Cincinnati, but he initially played  on the defensive line for Michigan before transferring to the Bearcats, so he has a blue-chip pedigree.

And with only around 800 snaps logged on the offensive line, you’d certainly like to see what he could do with more practice–especially with the possibility that he could be coached by O-line whisper Bill Callahan.

Hudson was invaluable to the Bearcats, evidenced by the UC’s performance in the Peach Bowl. He got tossed for targeting in that game, and after he departed, UC could do nothing to slow down Georgia’s rush.

On the line, the Browns have Chris Hubbard returning from injury as the team’s sixth man, while Nick Harris should be healthy to handle guard and center duties in a backup role.

Plus, Drew Forbes will return after opting out of the 2020 season. Michael Dunn played was exceptional in the Wild Card game, while Blake Hance, the player picked off the Jets practice squad after Week 16 also showed he deserves more of a look.

That’s why Hudson is the type of player to look at here. The Browns have nine picks and these aren’t your 2017 Browns. Not every rookie is going to make the team. Hudson got a late start to his current position, perhaps he emerges as the best candidate.