Cleveland Browns: 7-Round 2021 mock draft after free agency

The Cleveland Browns starting offensive line only played five games together as a unit. While Cleveland’s offensive line still managed to rank among the league’s best, the need for depth never hurts.

At 364 pounds, Brown is a literal brick wall at the interior position. Although he’s only ever played as an interior guard, which limits him somewhat, he does it very, very well. An excellent run-blocker, Brown spent his entire senior year creating lanes for potential first-round pick Najee Harris. With his wide frame and above-average strength, Brown also does a good job eliminating interior pass-rushing threats.

If drafted, Brown will learn under one of the best offensive line coaches in the league in Bill Callahan. This means he’ll potentially be able to pick up both right and left guard duties, making him a valuable piece for a run-heavy team like Cleveland. If the Browns somehow lose Wyatt Teller or Joel Bitonio to injury, or can’t afford to pay the whole unit down the line, Brown will prove to be a solid draft investment.

While not quite the dominant player like Kwity Paye, Tulane defensive end Cameron Sample does bring the size, standing at 6-3 and 274 pounds.

Sample may not have the flexibility of potential team mate Myles Garrett, but that didn’t stop him from having a productive career with the Green Wave over the past four years, playing at the defensive end, defensive tackle and linebacker positions. What he lacks in bend and length Sample makes up for in strength and power, having developed an impressive bull-rush over his collegiate career.

Sample would make an excellent replacement for former-Cleveland rotational edge rusher Vincent Taylor, who the Browns let go in free agency. One could actually expect Sample to see plenty more usage than your average rotational defensive lineman, as his versatility as an interior rusher can be utilized on late downs in the Browns blitz-happy scheme.

The Cleveland Browns are expected to go all out on the defensive-side of the ball in this year’s draft. In comes LaBryan Ray, Alabama’s resident run-stuffer.

Standing 6-5 and weighing 292 pounds, one might think Ray would be higher on scouting lists for his physical attributes alone. The issue is that Ray really only contributes in collapsing running lanes and plugging gaps. That’s okay, however, as assuming the Browns pick up Kwity Paye and company, they won’t need a multi-down pass rushing interior defender.

He won’t “wow” anyone with his pass-rushing abilities, but he will eat up space in running lanes – a lot of space. Ray is a perfect addition for rotational play, and would excel in run packages. If the Browns aren’t able to resolve all of their issues at linebacker via the draft or through late plays in free agency, Ray will make for a great insurance policy by helping stop the run before it ever gets to the “3” in their 4-3 scheme.