Cleveland Browns full 2018 mock draft
By Conor Dorney
5th round
The revamping of the Browns’ secondary continues with the selection of Western Michigan cornerback Darius Phillips in the fifth round.
Phillips (5-foot-10 and 190 pounds) is a quick-twitch man cover corner who totaled 12 career interceptions and 35 pass defenses with the Broncos. In addition to Phillips’ cover skills, he also is a kick return specialist who returned five kicks and one punt for touchdown in his career.
Phillips is not reliable against the run and lacks elite speed/length but he is a solid nickel prospect who can also give the Browns a boost on special teams if needed.
6th round
The Browns pounced on former Dolphins star Jarvis Landry but may look to the draft to add another receiver on the outside. Pittsburgh’s Jester Weah (6-foot-3 and 210) possesses a good frame and catch radius and could be a target for Cleveland at some point during the sixth round.
Weah had an impressive showing at the Combine (4.43 40-yard dash, 10-foot-9 broad jump) and has the physical traits to be a potential late-round steal. The free agent and trade market for wide receivers in this offseason show a lack of faith in this draft class, but there are still plenty of players like Weah worth taking a flyer on in the later rounds.
7th round
The Browns hope that Damarious Randall will bolster their secondary at free safety, but Randall will still be a free agent following the season, meaning they could look for safety help in the draft.
Colorado’s Afolabi Laguda has a nice frame (6-foot-1 and 2015 pounds) and ball skills to be a nice depth option at free safety in the seventh round.
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Laguda was a team captain last season with the Buffs and pairing him with former teammate Isaiah Oliver in this mock will help to infuse some much-needed youth into the Cleveland secondary. At worst, Laguda can contribute as a valuable member of the special teams unit.