2019 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns 7-round mock
By Joe Romano
Round 4 – Pick 119
Christian Miller, EDGE, Alabama
Continuing to help the defense, the Cleveland Browns should look opposite Myles Garrett and realize they can use a situational pass rusher who is an upgrade over Emmanuel Ogbah. Waiting until round four leaves some slim pickings unless Christian Miller was still sitting there.
Miller was a situational player for Alabama last year but productive when he played. He’s a technically refined pass rusher who wins with great hands, solid bend and counters for days. His ceiling will be limited because of a lack of elite athleticism, but he has a case for being a rotational pass rusher, the exact role he’d fill in Cleveland.
The fact that he had to wait until his fifth year to get playing time is a bit concerning but less so because it’s at Alabama. This pick would give Cleveland a way to bump Garrett inside on long downs while putting Miller and exceptional rookie Genard Avery on the edges. Without Gregg Williams, the team will blitz less and needs people who can win one on one, that is what Miller can bring.
Round 5 – Pick 145
Marvell Tell, S, USC
Cleveland has their safeties in place with Jabrill Peppers and Damarious Randall. The team does have to figure out how free agent-to-be Briean Boddy-Calhoun factors into that rotation as well. enter Marvell Tell to ease some concerns and provide some depth. In a talented safety class, very few are talking about Tell. Despite being a three year starter, Tell has concerns about his size and effort that will push him down the board. He’s strong in cover and looks like an exceptional athlete on tape. Should he be coached to his full potential Cleveland would get an ideal third safety to allow Peppers to play the hybrid linebacker role he was destined to be.
Round 5 – Pick 156
Kendall Joseph, LB, Clemson
Speaking of linebackers, Cleveland has a solid group led by criminally underrated Joe Schobert. With news that Jamie Collins may be given his walking papers, depth becomes a concern. Clemson’s Kendall Joseph is a mid-round linebacker that would fit Steve Wilks system really well. Joseph is built for the modern NFL. With sideline to sideline speed he’s adept in coverage and can patrol the middle of the field for Cleveland.
Despite being undersized he proved that he can rush the passer helping Clemson’s talented defensive line constantly all season. He’ll need to get stronger but projects favorably as a sub-package linebacker and a good running mate for Schobert and Christian Kirksley.
Round 5 – Pick 171
Keesean Johnson, WR, Fresno State
Cleveland would be wise to double dip into this talented receiver class with their gluttony of picks. Receiver might be the best position in the entire draft, and this sweet spot of the fifth round could land the Browns a steal. Fresno State’s Keesean Johnson was one of the most productive wide receivers in college football.
Johnson is a solid possession receiver who can win with crafty routes and an exceptional set of hands. He’ll never be a big burner but he is a reliable target on a team that features few of those. Johnson will drop in rankings because of his lack of deep speed but in the right role he can be an absolute steal for Cleveland.