Dane Brugler 2022 Cleveland Browns NFL mock draft 3.0 hits bullseye

The Cleveland Browns are in limbo until the new league year commences March 16, forced to watch Aaron Rodgers re-sign with the Packers, while Russell Wilson’s presence in Denver made the Broncos a Super Bowl contender over night.

Where’s Tom Brady and how much of an ownership stake will he require to play one season for the Browns?

The Browns did place the franchise tag on David Njoku, which drew some questions from analytics types on Twitter. I think it was obvious the Browns have no explosive tight ends/receivers on the roster right now and keeping him was imperative, especially with a quarterback like Baker Mayfield who needs the help of his tight ends.

Some thoughts on the mock before I get to the Browns:

1. Brugler stands pat, convinced the Jags will take NC State tackle Ikem Ekwonu first overall. Many others have Alabama’s Evan Neal going first.

2. Edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeau going ninth to the Broncos? It’s already been an offseason to remember for Denver. Now they get their edge rusher, too?

3. Kenny Pickett is the first QB off the board…Brugler says he can help the Commanders win games right away. Count me skeptical

4. Liberty QB Malik Willis goes 18th to the Saints. The high ceiling is intriguing.

5. Chris Olave goes 19th to the Eagles after making headlines of his 4.3 speed at the combine.

Now, Here’s a look at Dane Brugler’s third mock draft of the season as it impacts the Browns, which was published by The Athletic.