WalterFootball’s first 2023 NFL Mock draft for the Cleveland Browns

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 02: Brandon Joseph #DB52 of the Notre Dame speaks with the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 02, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 02: Brandon Joseph #DB52 of the Notre Dame speaks with the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 02, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 03: Defensive back Ja’Korian Bennett of Maryland participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 03, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 03: Defensive back Ja’Korian Bennett of Maryland participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 03, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

"Round 5, Pick 5 (No. 140) Browns: Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland The Browns lost Greedy Williams, so they’ll need another backup cornerback. Jakorian Bennett was a steady corner for Maryland. He’ll probably have to play in the slot in the NFL."

The Cleveland Browns don’t really need a cornerback, at least not one this high. The team already has three very good players at the position, and considering this mock draft hasn’t addressed linebacker, defensive tackle, or any depth on the offensive line as of right now, I would not prioritize another corner over positions in need of depth and talent.

The Cleveland Browns may be wise to keep an eye on Bennett later in the draft, as he does run a 4.30 40-yard dash, but as far as an impact player, his draft mentionable don’t seem to indicate much. His play rose every year according to PFF, but all that means when you look at the numbers is that he was inconsistent and had only one year of real productivity. His 2020 score was 58.5, his 2021 score was 66.8 and his 2022 score was 71.8

His PFF grades across the board were just about all in the 70s, and The Draft Network points out that he has positional versatility; meaning he could play safety.

Would I Draft Him?: His PFF Game By Game Grades really highlights an inability to play against better talent, at least as a cornerback. He could be a safety with real development potential, but would I take him this high in the draft? No, he’s a late-rounder for me.

Grade: C-