Browns: The Athletic’s 7-round mock nets analytics gifts in mid rounds

Round 3, Pick 89, Jordan Smith, DE, UAB

Jackson starts to stockpile defensive ends with the election of Jordan Smith, a 6-foot-7, 255-pounder from the University of Alabama-Birmingham.

He had 14.5 sacks in 22 collegiate games, spanning the past two seasons. Ten of those takedowns came in 2019, while only 4.5 were totaled last season. While he didn’t duplicate his sack numbers, the analytically oriented website, Pro Football Focus, was very complimentary of Smith, grading him out with a mark of 90.0, and calling him the best edge rusher in Conference USA.

He checks the PFF box, so you know the Browns’ office is interested. Plus, he’s another guy with those those physical tools and a high ceiling we read and hear about 1,000 times a day this time of year.

In the third round, you’re not going to find a starter, so I don’t  mind stockpiling at a big money position, such as DE. Hard to disagree with Jackson’s pick here.