After filling multiple needs in the secondary in free agency, the Cleveland Browns still have moves to make come the 2021 NFL Draft. But what moves do they make?
It could be argues, especially if you’re a long-time fan, that the Cleveland Browns have had their best offseason to date since 2021 NFL Free Agency began on March 17.
New Browns general manager Andrew Berry and head Kevin Stefanski had their first offseason together as a pairing, which saw the duo signed former-Rams safety John Johnson III and cornerback Troy Hill. Both signings addressed serious needs for the Cleveland Browns secondary, allowing the Browns to turn their sights to other areas of the team in need of improvement.
Cleveland now heads into the 2021 NFL Draft, set to take place in Cleveland on April 29, with the 26th overall pick, the 59th pick in the second round, two third-round picks, two fourth-round picks, one pick in the fifth and sixth rounds, and a potential 7th-round.
Having patched up the secondary with a few savvy free agent signings, where else can the Cleveland Browns improve? Let’s take a look at a post-free-agency Cleveland Browns 7-round mock draft using The Draft Network’s mock draft machine.
Cleveland Browns 2021 NFL Draft: Full results after seven rounds
With the Cleveland Browns releasing veteran edge rusher Adrian Clayborn and fellow end Olivier Vernon becoming an unrestricted free agent after the 2020 season, the Browns are in dire need of talent and depth on the defensive line.
In comes Kwity Paye. At 6-4 and 277 pounds, the former-Wolverine is a physically dominating presence on the outside of defensive lines. Put alone on to play off the edge would be one thing, but the Cleveland Browns have the luxury of pairing Paye with All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett. Playing opposite each other, the two would best serve to draw double-team blocks while allowing the other to play on an island to easily get into the backfield and to the quarterback.
But even individually, Paye would bring a great set of skills to the Browns defense. Paye attacks with powerful hands and unreal strength, which in turn allows him to continue towards the ball even as blockers pile on to stop him.
After his 2020 campaign, Paye has also shown that he hasn’t even reached the peak of his potential. While he’d undoubtedly be a Day 1 starter, he’ll likely display a lot more depth in his play as he moves along at the professional level.
Besides his athletics, Paye is the product of a difficult upbringing as an immigrant coming to the United States. Although the Browns already have a changed locker room — as fans saw in 2020 — the addition of another no-nonsense, “all-in” player is just what Cleveland could use on the defensive side of the ball.