Cleveland Browns: 7-Round 2019 NFL mock draft, Vol. 6
By Peter Smith
Summary
49. Justin Layne, CB Michigan State
80. Darnell Savage, S Oklahoma State
119. Max Scharping, OT Northern Illinois
144. Ben Burr-Kirven, LB Washington
155. Trysten Hill, DT Central Florida
170. Saquan Hampton, S Rutgers
189. Michael Dogbe, DT Temple
221. Cody Barton, LB Utah
The Cleveland Browns use the 2019 NFL Draft to get what they hope could the left tackle for 2020 and hopefully longer. Other than that, it’s ensuring the defense has depth and role players to do everything they need this season and beyond. There’s a real chance that the Browns won’t have a single starter on defense from this class to open 2019, but that every single player on defense could have a role and see playing time this season.
The hope is that Justin Layne and Darnell Savage would ultimately become starters by the end of the 2019 season, potentially for the playoffs. Saquan Hampton could be a role player both at safety and as a slot defender.
Ben Burr-Kirven might have the most difficult time seeing the field as he’d be depth behind Chris Kirksey at WILL and potentially MIKE. Cody Barton could see the field first simply the Browns may not be satisfied with their situation at SAM currently. Should he be able to fill that role, albeit rarely as they may only want to have three linebackers on the field sparingly, he’ll contribute.
Trysten Hill and Michael Dogbe will get to compete for a spot in the rotation along the defensive line. Hill is a nose, so he might have the easiest path to make the final roster while Dogbe will have a little more difficulty making it. His talent appears better than any other defensive tackle on the roster other than the front line players in Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi, but he’ll have to prove it.
The only offensive player selected in this draft, Max Scharping is important. Not only could he see the field in the event of a Greg Robinson injury, but he has the opportunity to eliminate the Browns from needing to draft another offensive tackle, potentially in the first round in 2020. He has the traits and experience to be a left tackle and hopefully with a year working with James Campen, the team’s offensive line coach, he can step in and give the Browns an answer at least for the length of his rookie deal.
Next. Full 7-round 2019 NFL mock draft. dark
Because of the moves made, both in free agency and through trades, the Cleveland Browns are in a position to contend right now. This draft is about finding players that can contribute and grow into positions for the next four years to maximize their potential to win the Super Bowl while Baker Mayfield and Myles Garrett are on their rookie deals.