With the 2023 NFL draft now just eight days away, mock drafts are getting last-minute pushes to prepare for what kind of hauls could be on the board. One of those mock drafts was completed by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, who completed a full seven-round simulation. Even though the Cleveland Browns do not have a first or second round pick, they do have six picks in the middle rounds of the draft to play around with. With defensive tackle, defensive end, linebacker, and wide receiver still lingering, who did the Browns land in Brugler’s simulation? We take a look there next to see who the draft expert mocked to Cleveland. 

Round 3, pick no. 98: EDGE YaYa Diaby, Louisville

It seems unlikely for the Browns to double up on defensive linemen in the 2023 NFL draft, but given the need upfront it would not be overly surprising. Diaby is a bit overhyped compared to my board, but he is an athletic player with a high floor who can come in and at least be a rotational contributor. Given who was available, Alabama defensive tackle Byron Young would be a better pick, but if they go Dexter with their first pick, then the value of Diaby matches here.

Round 4, pick no. 126: S Jammie Robinson, Florida State

This is a stellar pick. As the Browns look to replace Ronnie Harrison in 2023 and potentially look to replace Grant Delpit as he plays out a contract year, there are fewer players with a higher football IQ than Robinson. While his size and athletic profile are subpar, Robinson presents the ability to understand the game of football at a high level from the slot, from the box, and the third level of the defense. For just the cost of the 126th pick in the draft, Robinson would be a home run for the Browns.

Round 5, pick no. 140: CB Jakorian Bennett, Maryland

The Browns will never turn down more depth in the secondary, but the selection of the athletic Jakorian Bennett feels redundant unless the team does not feel Robinson could play in the slot. The Browns already have three young and promising cornerbacks on the roster, and the cost of a fifth rounder is not steep, but drafting ahead at a position of deep depth is a bit unwarranted.

Round 6, pick no. 190: RB Keaton Mitchell, East Carolina

Look for the Cleveland Browns to address running back depth in the 2023 NFL Draft. Here in the sixth round, Brugler gave the Browns one of the more fun players at the position in this class. While there is reason to believe they may try to take a better one earlier, Keaton Mitchell is a fine sixth round draft pick. While he is not overly elusive, Mitchell is linearly explosive and can burn when he gets into the open field.

#Browns

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