Cleveland Browns 7-round mock draft

Round 3: Kendall Fuller, Cornerback, Virginia Tech

Why would the Browns, already plagued by injuries in the secondary, pick a player who sidelined for most the season with a knee injury? Because Kendall Fuller will be a bargain. Had he stayed healthy, he would have likely been a higher-round talent, and there is no reason to assume Fuller will not make a full recovery.

Some analysts still have him going in the first round, but with the draft so defensive back-rich, and some teams perhaps leery about Fuller’s health, he could end up falling to the second or third round.

With several brothers in the NFL, Fuller comes from a freakishly talented family of athletes who played at both Virginia Tech and at the professional level. Coach Frank Beamer said of the clan via ESPN, “Virginia Tech is better because the Fuller brothers were Hokies. Vinny, Corey, Kyle, and Kendall were all different, but they were all the same in that they were smart, competitive, very athletic and great teammates, who possessed great character.”

Fuller is a sturdy cornerback, standing 6 feet tall and 200 pounds. He is a play-maker who has an impressive resume that includes eight interceptions, eight tackles for a loss, 27 pass breakups and 35 passes defended.

The Browns have a dismal defense, one that makes even marginally talented players look like future Hall of Famers. A player like Kendall Fuller will provide an immediate upgrade to the secondary. First-round pick Justin Gilbert has not panned out for the team, and even if his on-field play were stellar, he has too many off-field issues to be the backbone of the Browns defense and provide the leadership the squad so desperately needs.

Next: Round 4: QB Dak Prescott