The Athletic’s final Browns mock draft comes with big-time gamble

The Athletic’s Final Mock draft, written by Cleveland Browns beat writer Zac Jackson, doesn’t forecast a trade into the first round, but after perusing the scribe’s 7-round selections, I couldn’t help but feel Round 1 excitement.

The Browns are expected to go with either a defensive lineman or a wide receiver when they finally make their first pick on day two of the 2022 NFL Draft.

So let’s get into it. Here’s Jackson’s final mock (subscription required) with a look at how the selections impact the current and future roster.

Browns Round 2, Pick 44, David Ojabo,

The Browns don’t have a first round pick this year, but they’d would absolutely get a Round 1 talent with the selection of Michigan’s David Ojabo. Unfortunately, after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon at his school’s pro day, Ojabo wouldn’t suit up until 2023.

That said, if the Browns draft him, I think it’s a tip off that Jadeveon Clowney’s return is imminent, as it affords Cleveland to complement Myles Garrett while Ojabo heals for a future at one of the league’s premier positions.

Yes, it’s frustrating the Browns wouldn’t be getting a player who can help right now, but I would choose to look at the bigger picture.

This year’s first-round pick is Deshaun Watson. The quarterback play should improve immensely, assuming Watson plays. Great quarterbacks elevate the play of the receivers around them. If Watson’s as good as they say he is, then Amari Cooper, Anthony Schwartz and Donovan Peoples-Jones should all be better.

With a healthy Ojabo in 2023, the Browns will have a long-term complement to Garrett playing on a rookie contract. Don’t underestimate that fact, as defensive end is one of the most costly positions to fill. With the Browns running out of cap space due to the big contracts they’ve given out, we’ll all be thankful to be adding a blue-chip prospect to the defense in 2023.