The NFL Draft is right around the corner, so mock drafts are popping up all over the place.
Recently, Pro Football Focus released their predictions and have some interesting takes.
Among them are the Cleveland Browns going defense heavy in the first two rounds.
That isn’t too shocking considering this team does need a few pieces on the defensive side of the ball.
Cleveland doesn’t have a top 10 selection like they did last season.
Regardless, there are still plenty of quality players late in the first round and Browns fans should believe in the decision making of the front office.
No. 26: Christian Barmore
PFF:
“Barmore’s consistency at Alabama is one reason to be concerned about him as a high-end prospect, but his performances in the Crimson Tide’s bouts with Notre Dame and Ohio State in the College Football Playoff are some of the best we’ve seen from any defensive tackle in this class.”
This is not exactly a flashy move, but this selection does make sense for Cleveland.
The departure of defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi leaves the Browns with a lack of depth at the position.
It’s worth noting that they do have Andrew Billings and Jordan Elliott, but there is still room for more talent.
Alabama tackle Christian Barmore could be a worthwhile investment since the Browns do need some help at defensive tackle.
Plenty of organizations have certainly taken notice of Barmore, especially after he showed tremendous speed for a player at his position.
Alabama DT Christian Barmore ran a 4.93 at 310 lbs
(@TroyKGore)
pic.twitter.com/jHCFCXqEaT— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 23, 2021
His stats don’t exactly jump off the page and scream first-round talent, but Barmore has plenty of upside.
Barmore explodes off the snap with a terrific first step and is a technically sound tackle.
There is obviously plenty of athleticism with Barmore and room for him to grow at the professional level.
During two seasons at Alabama, he recorded 63 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks.
To be fair, he spent most of his time as a rotational player because the Alabama defensive line was that stacked with talent.
He does need to improve his overall strength, which could mean he could struggle early in his professional career.
Barmore has plenty of upside, but won’t be someone who can start right away in the NFL.
No. 59: Jamin Davis
Pro Football Focus has the Browns going linebacker in the second round, which isn’t a bad prediction.
Cleveland has no shortage of linebackers, but finding reliable help has been troublesome for them.
The addition of Anthony Walker through free agency should bring some life to the linebacker position.
Although, going after Jamin Davis doesn’t seem like the best route for the Browns.
The three-year linebacker at Kentucky exploded onto the scene during the 2020 season.
Jamin Davis is having a SEASON🔥
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 2, 2021
His first two seasons in college were mediocre with limited playing time.
Although in 2020, Davis recorded 102 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three interceptions in 10 games.
He put himself on the map and should draw plenty of interest in the second or possibly third round.
There is plenty of untapped potential, but the limited playing time could be a possible concern for NFL teams.
His decision-making is questionable and could make him a somewhat liability at the professional level.
Cleveland doesn’t exactly need another project linebacker that takes a few seasons to be ready to make an impact.
This is a high risk-high reward type of situation, so we’ll see if general manager Andrew Berry is willing to take the gamble on Davis.
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