Cleveland Browns instill new hope in 7-round 2020 mock draft

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 243 pounds | Arms: 32.625 inches
40-Yard Dash: 4.46 seconds | Vertical Jump: 39.5 inches | Broad Jump: 11-foot-4

Willie Gay Jr. is going to be one of the most interesting prospects to watch in the 2020 NFL Draft to see how NFL teams approach potentially taking him. Because when you watch the film, it’s obvious that he’s a tremendous and versatile athlete who’s capable of moving to all levels of the position and making plays. He put that on full display in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine with unreal athletic testing that turned heads throughout Lucas Oil Stadium.

However, what could throw Gay’s stock for a loop is some character red flags from his time at Mississippi State. The linebacker was suspended at one point for academic fraud and also for punching his quarterback in practice during an altercation, fracturing the signal-caller’s orbital bone.

While it’s a new regime with Andrew Berry in town, the Browns have been willing to take these types of risks in the past. And with a hole at linebacker now that Joe Schoberth is set to walk in free agency, they’re willing to do so again here in the middle of Round 3.

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 315 pounds | Arms: 31.75 inches
Bench Press: 44 reps (2020 NFL Combine high)

After taking an offensive tackle with the No. 10 pick, the Cleveland Browns can’t stop there addressing their offensive line. Not only could they use another tackle — though I expect them to explore free agency in that regard — but they could stand to bring in interior depth as well. That’s why Netane Muti is a fantastic pick here at the No. 90 overall pick.

Muti’s film is fantastic when he was on the field for Fresno State. With the requisite size and strength to succeed in the trenches, he’s also a nice athlete when he’s been on the field that should be a great fit in Stefanski’s zone-rushing concepts. The big red flag and why he’s available here, however, is injuries as he suffered two Achilles injuries (2016, 2018) and a Lisfranc injury (2019) in college.

However, for me, Muti has top-50 level film just based on what you see as a player. So if the Browns get the discount of taking him at the end of the third round because of the injuries, that’s still good value and calculated risk at this point that’s worth making.