Browns 7-round mock draft: Free agency paves way for trade down

Round 5, Pick 169, Alaric Jackson, T, Iowa (from Rams)

The Browns need a tackle and this late in the draft, Iowa’s Alaric Jackson would be a worthwhile developmental project.

Jackson’s stock took a hit in 2019 after her suffered a knee injury, but he used 2020 to build his stock back up. He was a unanimous all-Big Ten selection.

Jackson started at left tackle while at Iowa, but some think he’s better suited to play guard in the NFL. Perhaps he can be the next Chris Hubbard, a player capable of playing both spots.

Jackson was a highly touted prospect coming out of college and the knee injury really scared scouts off. That said, his durability passed the test last season and with the Browns in the spot to take a developmental lineman, Jackson certainly possess upside.

The Browns offensive line will remain in tact from last season, but the team lost backup Kendall Lamm to free agency. It’d be worth  seeing what Jackson could do, especially as a day-3 pick.