2019 NFL Mock Draft: Nick Bosa falls to No. 2, Kyler Murray in top 10

By Randy Gurzi | Jan 29, 2019

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 29: Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to pass in the fourth quarter during the College Football Playoff Semifinal against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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STARKVILLE, MS – OCTOBER 21: Stephen Johnson #15 of the Kentucky Wildcats throws a pass as Jeffery Simmons #94 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs tries to defend during the first half of an NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /

17. Cleveland Browns: Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State

When the Cleveland Browns turned their offense over to interim offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens, they took a huge step forward. They looked better under center as Baker Mayfield was more comfortable. Their receivers suddenly stopped dropping passes, and their offensive line even began to block much better.

That last point is the most important as their need at offensive line doesn’t feel as dire now that it did to start the season. With Kitchens now in charge as the head coach, it’s feasible that they no longer see offensive tackle as the biggest need — or wide receiver, which was also seen as a much bigger weakness early in the year.

Kitchens ability to open the offense up with the players they have on hand lets them address another need, like the one they currently have at defensive tackle. Cleveland struggled to stop the run all season which could continue to be a problem if they don’t add talent. With this 2019 class loaded at the position, they land a premium player at No. 17 in Jeffery Simmons.

He’s more than just a run-stuffer though as Simmons has also shown an ability to get pressure on the opposing signal-caller. His addition could turn the Browns defensive line into a real force.

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