The Athletic taps 1st-round upside for Cleveland Browns in 2022 mock draft

Cleveland Browns, Round 4, Pick 118: Damarri Mathis, CB, Pitt

The Browns enter the 2022 NFL with the cornerback position reigning as one of the strongest position groups on the team.

Really, the Browns go five deep with Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome, Greedy Williams, Troy Hill and A.J. Green. So we’re talking about a fifth-corner who’s probably good enough to be another team’s No. 3.

With all that in mind, I’m not sure I’d be looking to spend a pick here on a corner, especially considering the state of the wide receiver room. Brugler’s mock has the Browns using a third rounder on Alec Pierce, but I might try to find another offensive gem with explosive potential.

As for Mathis’ fit, I could see the Browns taking him. He doesn’t do a great job of jamming receivers at the line, but Cleveland doesn’t really ask their corners to do that anyway. Why? It’s a great question.

It’s been written Mathis plays “faster than his 40-time,” and excels at backpedaling and getting his hips turned around. He’d probably be a good development project, especially when you’re Cleveland and can store him on the roster.