Cleveland Browns 2022 NFL Draft: Day two mock adds multiple DL starters

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Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis (48) reacts as he walks off the field after losing to the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Browns pick No. 78: Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama

After bulking up the defensive line with the addition of Logan Hall at No. 44, the Cleveland Browns again go after a player for their front four at No. 78. This time, they get a pure defensive tackle as they add 6-foot-4, 310-pound Phidarian Mathis from Alabama.

Mathis is a powerful player with massive arms, who fit perfectly in Nick Saban’s defense. And taking players from Saban’s defense has usually been a smart move for NFL teams.

He’s capable of playing the 1-tech and shutting down the run, which is something Cleveland needs in the worst way. However, Mathis isn’t a one-trick pony as he can also play the 3-tech and generate a pass rush from the interior.

In 2021, he had a monster campaign that saw him rack up 53 tackles, 10.5 for a loss, and 9.0 sacks. It’s not likely he puts up numbers such as that at the pro level but he should still be a potential starter, maybe even as early as his rookie season.

Cleveland currently has Jordan Elliott, Tommy Togiai, and Sheldon Day as their best options on the interior. Being able to play Mathis and slide Logan Hall inside on passing-downs could turn this position around — while also solidifying the line as a whole.

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