Cleveland Browns draft chatter: Inside Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah trade

The Cleveland Browns are being lauded locally and nationally for their performance in the 2021 NFL Draft, and their second-round pick has a lot to do with the positive vibes.

Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was a first-round main stay in mock drafts from Mel Kiper and Todd McShay, all the way the deepest, darkest corners of the internet.

Yet, as the first round ended, Owusu-Koramoah, stayed undrafted, waiting for his name to be called.

The Browns, as told by Paul DePodesta on Cleveland Browns Daily, said he, Andrew Berry and the staff prepared for numerous scenarios in lead up to the draft, knowing full well that someone they liked in the first round might fall into the second.

"“We had prepared extensively for that scenario, we just didn’t know who the player was going to be of if there was going to one…(9:46)”"

DePodesta said he watched the board and JOK was available at 35, then at 40. Around pick 42 is the first time he and Berry began talking about the possibility of trading up for JOK. The front office figured the 50th pick was probably the “sweet spot” for a deal.

"“At that point, it was calling around, trying to get somebody to say yes and that finally happened at No. 52,” DePodesta said."

The Browns found their partner at No. 52, when the Panthers said yes to a deal that dropped them to 59, while also brining in the 89th overall selection (third round).

Prior to day two, I listed JOK as one of three players the Browns should consider trading up to acquire. He just won the Butkus Award as the nation’s best linebacker and he can cover like a safety.

The Brown are expected to play more two-linebacker looks with three safeties in the backfield, but JOK certainly has the talent to earn snaps throughout the season.

A quick glance at the Browns linebacker corps:

1. Jacob Phillips: Unproven, but was an excellent tackler at LSU. Possesses great speed and it was noticeable when he got onto the field.

2. Mack  Wilson: Haunted by missed tackles, JOK could challenge this former fifth-round pick for playing time.

3. Sione Takitaki: Seems best suited as a run-down linebacker when all he has to do is run downfield.

4. Malcom Smith: Veteran was brought back and was good in coverage a season ago.

6. Anthony Walker: Signed in free agency, another candidate to play on rushing downs.