2022 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns 7-round mock draft

2022 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns 7-round mock

COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 20: Chris Olave #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the first half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

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Cleveland Browns mock draft, Brian Asamoah

STILLWATER, OK – NOVEMBER 27: Linebacker Brian Asamoah #24 of the Oklahoma Sooners stops quarterback Spencer Sanders #3 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys from breaking into the open on a short run in the third quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys won ‘Bedlam’ 37-33. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

Round 3: Brian Asamoah

The Browns could lose both Malcolm Smith and Anthony Walker to free agency this offseason. That makes finding a potential starter at linebacker an offseason priority for the franchise.

Asamoah isn’t the thumper that some fans like to see in their base linebackers, but his speed and ability to cover receivers in space could make him a great fit for the Browns’ defensive scheme. He has a chance to turn into a top-notch coverage linebacker at the NFL level if he can make marginal gains with his functional strength.

The knock on Asamoah is that he’s just not physical enough at the point of attack to hold up against the run. That’s a fair criticism. Any team that selects him will need to pair him with two other physical linebackers who can help cover up some of his deficiencies.

If the Browns want to stop modern passing attacks they need to get more pass coverage production from the second level of their defense. Asamoah is a guy who can come in right away and contribute in their sub-packages with a real chance to grow into a solid three-down linebacker.

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