The Cleveland Browns and NFL mock drafts go together like milk and cookies. Like Santa and Christmas. Like puppies and cuteness. Like… you get the point.
This offseason, Browns mock drafts and wide receivers have also gone together like hand in glove a majority of the time. It is not surprising given the team’s obvious need at the position, the quality of players expected to be available when Cleveland picks and the value of passing offense in the NFL today.
While Baker Mayfield needs to bounce back, maybe even have a “Joe Flacco-like Super Bowl run,” even the best quarterbacks need quality receivers.
Mel Kiper Jr., the godfather of the NFL draft media, put out his latest mock draft (subscriber, $) just as the NFL combine gets ready to open. In his mock, Kiper has Cleveland trading a third-round pick to move up to the ninth pick to nab their wide receiver:
9. Cleveland Browns (via mock trade with DEN)
Drake London, WR, USC
The Browns have a void at wide receiver and have to add better players around Baker Mayfield.
London is a 6-foot-5 aerial threat with the traits to be an end zone weapon. He averaged 11 catches and 136 yards per game last season, before he broke his ankle in late October. He would make Mayfield better.
London has not been as popular as receivers like Garrett Wilson, Treylon Burks, Chris Olave and, even with his injury, Jameson Williams.
Kiper notes London’s huge size. The biggest question for a receiver that size is if he is able to get separation or did he make his living making contested catches over lesser college cornerbacks. The combine can help put data to London’s athletic prowess if he is able to perform after his ankle surgery.
Trading a third-round pick, a top 100 selection, is a pretty penny to pay to move up for a receiver. While the Browns could be worried about the New York Jets taking one with the tenth pick, with talented prospects at the position it may be tough to move up. Expecting to have an extra pick in that round due to Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s hiring by the Minnesota Vikings would give Andrew Berry extra ammunition if he wants to be aggressive.
Do you think Berry should be aggressive to make sure he gets his top option at wide receiver?