Cleveland Browns: 7-Round 2018 mock draft, Vol. 6
By Peter Smith
Summary
1. Baker Mayfield, QB Oklahoma
4. Bradley Chubb, DE N.C. State
33. D.J. Moore, WR Maryland
35. Carlton Davis, CB Auburn
64. Nick Chubb, RB Georgia
114. Will Richardson, OT N.C. State
150. James Looney, DL California
175. Micah Kiser, LB Virginia
205. Joe Ostman, DE Central Michigan
This draft class will ultimately be judged on the quarterback the Cleveland Browns select, but that selection is hopefully going to be deferred until the 2019 season with the addition of Tyrod Taylor. Nevertheless, Baker Mayfield stands out as the best quarterback in the class. A year of development, assuming he doesn’t get on the field before that should only help him to be ready to hit the ground running.
The more immediate for this draft is with the defensive line. Taking what should already become a strength and adding another premium asset in the mix should enable it to take a bigger step forward, faster. Chubb is another extremely talented pass rusher that has size and really plays the run well.
Along with the addition of James Looney on day three, the Browns continue evolving their defensive line into a group of great athletes with versatility and the ability to get upfield and cause problems in the backfield. In many ways, the Browns have a truly unique and special group that becomes a brutally difficult matchup for opponents.
Carlton Davis adds to what is already is an evolving secondary. A unit that likely will see three new starters from last year and the fourth moving to a new position, Davis provides a ton of length and physicality to a position that lacked it last year. He fits the direction the Browns seem to want to go with their secondary with a player like T.J. Carrie and the two could end up being their starting boundary corner tandem.
The running game is going to be critical for the Browns. It was integral in Tyrod’s success in Buffalo and it will be important whenever their would be franchise quarterback takes over. Chubb has franchise tools with game changing ability to pound opponents between the tackles, but is a threat to break big runs with his speed. He’s also a fantastic complement for Duke Johnson.
D.J. Moore has the potential to be a truly special receiver, albeit in a non-traditional package. He surprised everyone by measuring in taller than expected and he’s got a powerful build plus outstanding speed and quickness. There’s a ton of talent for him after the catch, which should be helpful for the quick passing game Todd Haley tends to run.
Micah Kiser and Joe Ostman represent talented depth with great production and athleticism. They also understand how to conduct themselves as professionals and should add to the culture this team is trying to build within the locker room.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Post-free agency 3 rounds
Last, but not least, Will Richardson has the talent and potential to be a productive player in the NFL at multiple spots on the offensive line. As long as he stays focused on that and stays true to his word about staying clean off of it, he becomes a really nice addition to the offensive line.
The moves the Browns made prior to the draft limited their needs and made it so they can just grab the best football players that help them win games. This draft offers a ton of value, talent and fits the overall age this team is, allowing the whole team, particularly on defense, to grow up together.