Browns: NFL mock draft has fresh name Cleveland with 26th pick

Mock drafts are getting pretty repetitive during this silly season, as the Browns are either mocked one of the available defensive ends or cornerbacks with the 26th pick in the draft.

So credit to NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah, who prognosticated the Browns will go with a fresh face when they go on the clock April 29th, selecting Kentucky linebacker Jamin Davis.

If you’re super into mocks, you’ll recognize Davis spent most of the mock season going anywhere from the third to sixth rounds. Even the prospect himself, who had played one college game prior to 2020, doesn’t know what’s changed regarding his stock from January to now.

Jeremiah has always been high on his talent, as Jamin was initially ranked No. 35 in the analyst’s top 50 prospect rankings. Brugler’s since updated that list, and Davis is now 24th.

Here’s why his stock is quickly rising: He recorded a 42-inch vertical jump, which matched the highest height recorded by a linebacker and the second-highest leap posted by any player at last year’s combine, according to Kentucky.com

He also ran a 4.41 40-yard dash–on his first try. That would’ve ranked second fastest among his fellow linebackers in 2020. It also would’ve been a top-15 time overall. On his second attempt, Davis clocked in at 4.37, which would’ve been a top-5 overall time.

If the Browns went with Davis, it would be a stunner, especially with the local media reporting that the GM Andrew Berry won’t use a first-round selection to take a linebacker who doesn’t put his hand on the ground.

It’s this thinking that has the Browns selecting either the fifth best edge rusher or the fourth rated corner when it’s their turn to pick.

Perhaps, with his speed, the Browns view him as someone who will not only play linebacker, but that third-safety spot, as well. With that type of speed, you can ask Davis to cover tight ends. There’s just no way of telling right now, though.

He’d certainly be a welcomed addition on a team that needs impact making linebackers, but he seems like a player the Browns would trade down into the second round to take.