Cleveland Browns full 2018 mock draft
By Conor Dorney
The Browns added help in their secondary with the acquisition of Damarious Randall from the Packers, but they’re still likely to add more depth via the draft. Colorado’s Isaiah Oliver is a big, physical corner with outstanding speed and the potential to be a lockdown corner in the NFL.
He logged two interceptions and 12 pass defenses with the Buffaloes last season and though he still has some room for development, he would make a solid addition on the outside to the Cleveland secondary.
The retirement of future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas throws a bit of a wrinkle into Cleveland’s plans for success in 2018, as the team has been one of the few who haven’t had to worry about its left tackle spot since Thomas entered the league in 2007.
If this were a strong class at tackle, Cleveland would have ample opportunity to select Thomas’ heir at with the first or fourth overall pick, however it’s more likely in this draft class that they opt to wait until Day 2.
Mississippi State’s Martinas Rankin dealt with injury in 2017 but is one of the more enticing offensive line prospects in a class with more question marks than answers. With Donald Stephenson in the fold as a stop gap at left tackle next season, the Browns can allow Rankin to develop before throwing him into a starting job before he’s truly ready. Some feel that Rankin is best positioned for a move to the inside, but the Browns can afford to be patient to see if he can stick at tackle for now.
With the amount of depth at running back in the 2018 class, the Browns should feel comfortable addressing the position on Day 2 if they choose to pass on Saquon Barkley. With the final pick in the second round, the team makes it a family affair with the selection of Georgia’s Nick Chubb, cousin of their first-round choice, Bradley.
If not for a devastating knee injury during the 2015 season, Chubb would certainly be in the first round conversation just like his cousin. It was a long road back for the former Georgia star, but Chubb managed to post consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for the Bulldogs in each of the past two seasons. Chubb has excellent size and sneaky speed and although he may be selected after his Bulldog running mate Sony Michel, don’t be surprised if Chubb ends up as one of the best running backs from this entire class.