Dueling Kiper, McShay 2022 mock draft doesn’t follow Browns formula

Draft day doesn’t carry the same excitement with the Cleveland Browns trading away their first-round pick, but that hasn’t stopped two of the biggest draft gurus from sending three new players to Berea.

Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay published their dueling mock (subscription required), and went three rounds deep–and they DID NOT do a good job when it comes to adding to Cleveland’s talent pool.

Here’s a look at how they did and how their predictions could impact the Browns in 2022. And if you need more mock action, here’s a breakdown of The Athletic’s 7-round prognostication. 

Browns pick Round 2 pick 44, Travis Jones, DT, UCONN

Mel Kiper had the pick here, and while it’s true the Browns do need some help, especially on the interior defensive line, but UCONN defensive tackle Travis Jones doesn’t fit the Browns track record of taking players from Power-5 schools in the early rounds of the draft.

In 2020, Berry nabbed Grant Delpit from LSU, while it was Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah who had his name called on day two in 2021. He played at Notre Dame.

Those are football powerhouses, UCONN, well, is not.

As for the position of defensive tackle, I’m not crazy about using this pick on the position, ESPECIALLY in this mock, where receivers George Pickens (Georgia) and John Metchie (Alabama) are still on the board.

I’d rather use the pick on Logan Hall, who went to Houston. He didn’t go to a Power-5 school either, but he at least brings versatility as someone who can rush from both the inside and outside.