2022 NFL Mock Draft: Malik Willis in the top 5, Cowboys get elite EDGE

By Randy Gurzi | Sep 6, 2021

Dec 26, 2020; Orlando, FL, USA; Liberty Flames quarterback Malik Willis (7) runs the ball in for a touchdown as Coastal Carolina Chanticleers safety Alex Spillum (10) defends during the second half of the Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver John Metchie III (8) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

WR. 53. Alabama. John Metchie III. 28. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

28. Cleveland Browns: John Metchie III, WR, Alabama

The Cleveland Browns used this past NFL draft to revamp their defense. General manager Andrew Barry added Greg Newsome II in the first round out of Northwestern and in the second, he took Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.

This was in addition to him signing safety John Johnson III away from the Los Angeles Rams, linebacker Anthony Walker from the Indianapolis Colts, and defense end Jadeveon Clowney from the Tennessee Titans in free agency.

Cleveland needed to do this because their defense was a major problem for them in 2020. That was evident when they couldn’t slow the Chiefs down in the playoffs even with Patrick Mahomes sidelined due to a concussion — and they ended up losing in the divisional round by five.

Now in 2022, Berry gets back to work but this time he’s trying to fix the issues he has (or will have) on offense. Right now, Cleveland has a deep wide receiver corps, but Rashard Higgins is going to be a free agent in 2022 and the two biggest names, Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr., could end up being discussed as cap casualties.

In an effort to stay young and continue to give Baker Mayfield weapons, they add John Metchie III from Alabama. An explosive pass catcher, Metchie looks to be the next in a long line of Alabama wideouts to make it into the first round of the NFL.

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