Grading Dane Brugler’s 2-round Cleveland Browns 2022 mock draft
Cleveland Browns 2nd-round pick: Drake Jackson, Edge, USC, Grade B+
With the 44th pick in the draft, Brugler mocks USC edge rusher Drake Jackson to Cleveland.
It’s hard to not like this pick, as PFF listed Jackson as one of the 10 best pass rushers in college football last fall.
Jackson could probably step into to the third pass rusher’s role held last season by Takk McKinley. McKinley injured his ACL during the Monday nighter against the Raiders and it’s unlikely he’ll be ready to start the season on time. He’s an unrestricted free agent.
Ideally, the Browns can re-sign Jadeveon Clowney to a reasonable contract, similar to what he played under last year. Cleveland shouldn’t overpay him, but if they get him on a two-yer deal that pays him $9-$10 million per season, I’d be interested.
As for Jackson, he totaled 5.0 sacks in 10 games with the Trojans last season. The Athletic’s Zac Jackson compared him to Chargers pass rusher Uchenna Nwosu, who was picked 48th by LA in the 2018 draft.
When it comes to defense, analytics places a premium on corners and edge rushers. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Browns make this pick.
If the pick make sense, why a B? Because Liberty’s Malik Willis was mocked one pick ahead of Jackson to the Falcons. Willis consistently gets mocked in the first round, until now.
Next. Kiper's 1st mock works, could be better. dark
Might the Browns try and trade up if Willis is still there in the second round? Nobody would expect anything from the Liberty product in year one, as redshirting behind Baker Mayfield would be the best scenario. Something to think about.