It’s that time of year when mock drafts occupy most of us Cleveland Browns fans’ time.
Other than a couple of days of NFL Combine highlights, what else is there to do before free agency opens?
Then, of course, we have to re-draft based on combine results and free agency signings.
Social media is filled with examples to compare our own mock drafts to.
Maybe a few thousand too many, as every fan tries to nail a surprise they can brag about after the fact.
There are but a few folks whose name makes me stop and really look at their efforts.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper is one such person, and he came through with a bold prediction for the Cleveland Browns.
Mel Kiper has the Browns trading up for Drake London in his new mock draft pic.twitter.com/wI7pnA5Vm7
— Offseason Chopz (@Pchopz_) March 1, 2022
Kiper has Andrew Berry trading up to snag his stud wide receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Berry’s target is USC’s Drake London, a 6’5″ speedster, not any of the Ohio State receivers many Browns fans favor.
Why It Makes SenseÂ
Kiper is quick to highlight London’s obvious attributes, height and speed, to justify Berry’s move.
He goes on to remind us that London averaged 11 catches and 136 yards per game before breaking his ankle.
Moving up to snag London assumes he showed up at the combine in good health and at full speed.
Tall receivers don’t always make their mark in the NFL as life gets more difficult.
Drake London has been special after the catch since he was a FR pic.twitter.com/CzS19ehqpc
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) February 28, 2022
NFL receivers can’t rely on out-jumping lessor cornerbacks for a living.
But London appears to be the full package, able to create separation with speed and jukes.
Cleveland expects to receive an extra third-round pick as a result of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s hiring by Minnesota.
In Kiper’s scenario, Berry sends his #13 overall and the Browns’ original third-rounder to Denver to pick ninth.
Baker Mayfield, or any quarterback, can use a tall receiver and a deep threat, and London provides both.
How London Fits The BrownsÂ
Trading up for a first-round wide receiver all but assures him a starting position.
But fans should remember that despite some recent big rookie seasons, that doesn’t always work out.
Still, unless Berry also signs a top-notch wide receiver in free agency, there is nobody challenging London as the WR-1.
Donovan Peoples-Jones complements London well, providing reliable hands and strong point-of-catch play.
USC’s Drake London is currently drawing Mike Evans comps.
Would the 6’5 pass catcher be a good fit for Arizona?pic.twitter.com/7fX7FCzNg5
— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals) February 24, 2022
Both are tall enough and strong enough to provide solid end zone targets along with the Browns’ tight ends.
If Anthony Schwartz steps up, or if Jarvis Landryu is still on the roster, Stefanski will almost have to shift his game plans.
Cleveland fans should expect to see fewer 2 tight end sets, and very few 3-tight end sets, even if they run a lot.
London’s speed keeps safeties on their toes and can make defenses pay for stacking the box versus Nick Chubb.
And Mayfield has someone who might be able to catch up to his longest throws downfield.
Is it necessary to move up when there are four excellent WRs?
Nope!
In fact, my mock says Berry trades down and still snags one.
But if their scouts and analysts think there is only one guy with a Chase-like impact, they might trade up for him.
I will take Garrett Wilson.
If he’s the best go for it.
We need a great wide out if Landry stays we r set
WILSON!
I will take Garrett Wilson too. I’ve viewed him up close for at LEAST 2 full seasons ! He’s smooth and elusive, slips UNDER coverages . . . And quite frankly, I don’t think I’ve EVER scene him drop a ball ! Plus he’s fast enough and not afraid to “mix it up” with his blocking skills. He runs crisp, sharp routes, – goes about his business quietly and is the FULL package ! If the Browns are going to move up to get ANYBODY, this is the guy ! A TRUE franchise receiver !
I want to care about the Browns, but man they make it tough to support them!
Especially after seeing Pittsburgh already go sign their QB to replace Big Ben, which was only a few weeks after having to watch Cincy play in the super bowl( was supposed to be “our year” right??)
Should we draft a wide reciever absolutely! Where and when is the big question.
The previous year draft had multiple talented receivers drafted in the first and early second rounds(Chase,Waddle, Toney, Moore, etc)
If they are sold on London from USC, then you go get him at all costs. Just hopefully doesn’t cost you way too much like moving up to the top of draft to grab a QB, which it shouldn’t.
If get lucky enough that He drops to us without having to trade extra picks to move up then great!
I think this upcoming class has some good WR prospects tho, such as Wilson and even Olave from Ohio St.. After seeing what Chase did to help Burrow , i would definitely hope and think that if you can get someone like that on your team it will make a difference and help everyone else too, not just the Qb.
Regardless of what WR gets drafted by the Browns, they still have to get them the ball ! Something that wasn’t happening this past year!
If anything trade down 3 to 5 spots and get another 2nd rd pick. As there are 4 or 5 wide receivers all same quality. As we have seen the draft is a crap shoot. So get an extra 2nd rounder.
Garret for osu,our, him
Yeah! What he said.