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5 players Browns should draft in the first round

By Rucker Haringey

COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 13: Garrett Wilson #5 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs the ball during the second half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ohio Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 13: Garrett Wilson #5 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs the ball during the second half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ohio Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns mock draft, Chris Olave
Chris Olave #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

3. Chris Olave

Olave doesn’t have the same physical gifts as some of his receiver peers in this year’s draft class, but he makes up for it by being a masterful route-runner. He isn’t going to stretch the field vertically for the team that drafts him but he can rack up yards on finesse-laden intermediate routes.

The Browns might prefer a receiver who isn’t quite as dependent on accurate throws given Mayfield’s recent struggles. That won’t stop them from taking Olave if the No. 1 guy on this list is off the board. Olave’s versatility gives him the ability to help any type of quarterback in a variety of offensive systems.

Early on, Olave might find the most professional success in the slot. The Browns desperately need more pop from their inside guys than they enjoyed last season. Long-term, he can replace Jarvis Landry on the outside assuming the veteran is re-signed in free agency.

Olave may not have superstar potential, but his high floor makes him a solid value proposition in the middle of Round 1. Browns fans should dream of a better outcome on draft day but coming away with Olave shouldn’t be labeled a disappointment.

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