With the Cleveland Browns not having their first-round pick, the thirteenth overall, and having moved their early fourth-round pick as well in the Deshaun Watson trade, a lot of focus will be placed on their first selection at pick #44. Much like many fans know the name Beau Bell, because he was the team’s first pick in 2008 despite that coming in the fourth round, whoever the team drafts in the second round will have a little extra attention.
Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN fame was one of the first to make covering the draft a full-time job. Kiper’s hair, passion and diction have made him a mainstay around the league’s annual event. That is why when he puts out a mock draft, many want to hear what he thinks will happen.
Today (subscriber, $), Kiper produced his most recent mock and this time included the second round which allows Browns fans to be involved. Kiper had a first-round trade projected with the New York Jets trading up with the Cincinnati Bengals but Cleveland’s first pick has a beefy interior defensive lineman headed to Ohio:
Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut
Like the Colts, the Browns have just one pick in the first two rounds, and Jones would fill a need. The 6-foot-4 and 325-pound nose tackle can eat up space and allow the rest of the defense to find the football. He might end up as only a two-down defender; I’d feel better about taking him in Round 2 than in the top 32.
Browns fans hoping for an impact receiver or edge rusher may be disappointed in the addition of Jones. While Kiper thinks he could be just a two-down player, it is possible that Jones can do a bit more as a pocket disruptor.
Kiper’s mock had five receivers and two tight ends being drafted after the Browns picked. He also had four other defensive linemen, including three edge players, selected after #44.
Jones would be a solid pick for Cleveland but lacks the wow factor that fans might hope for with their first pick. If Andrew Berry believes he can make an impact on all three downs, Jones would be a solid pick and help fill one of the team’s biggest needs.