Browns: Mel Kiper’s mock draft misses mark in 1st round
With the Browns first pick, ESPN’s Mel Kiper missed the mark in his latest mock draft.
The Browns will likely look toward improving their defense this offseason, and while the team could use help in the defensive backfield, that position group doesn’t hold top priority.
Yet, with the 26th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, guru Mel Kiper slotted UCF corner Aaron Robinson to Cleveland. Robinson started at Alabama before transferring to the Knights. He played corner and nickel, while Kiper also wrote he can play safety.
I look at too many mocks this time of year, and I’m surprised as to how many have attached a corner or safety to Cleveland in the first round.
On paper, the starting unit seems set, assuming everyone is healthy.
Kiper acknowledged Grant Delpit and Greedy Williams are on the roster and mentioned their season-ending injuries. While both are expected to be ready to go for Training Camp, this was Kiper’s justification for the selection.
Granted, there are concerns regarding Williams, who injured his shoulder on one of the first tackling drills of training camp. That said, the former second-round pick has two years left on his rookie contract. Now is not the time to give up on his career.
It’s especially true with big needs at defensive end, defensive tackle and linebacker.
Corner can’t be ignored, though, with Terrance Mitchell sure to look for greener pastures after three solid seasons. The seven-year veteran initially signed as a backup, but found himself starting more often than not.
Ideally, the Browns could bring back Kevin Johnson to add depth, while also adding a corner or two later in the draft. This University of Georgia prospect possesses the size Kiper likes and could be found later in the draft.
Brining back Williams is like adding a bonus second-round pick to this year’s class, while Williams flashed starter’s ability when given the opportunity in 2018.
Next. Browns 7-round mock: Early picks will make defense a juggernaut. dark
New corners will make their way to Berea come August, but the Browns shouldn’t use a first-round pick to make it happen.