Mock Draft: Browns trade down, get offensive tackle, safety in first round

The Browns are in a strong position to take the next step in their roster transformation and fast-forward the return to playoff contention. They enter the NFL Draft, which begins Thursday night, with nine picks, including Nos. 6 and 24 in the first round.After general manager Andrew Berry hit on Mason Graham, Carson Schwesinger, Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin Jr. a year ago, fans' hopes are high he'll have a repeat performance.Here's my best guess for what they do at No. 6 (a trade down) and throughout the seven rounds, along with the rest of the NFL in the first round: TeamPlayerPositionCollegeComment Las VegasFernando MendozaQBIndianaThis pick was made in January. N.Y. JetsArvell ReeseLB/EdgeOhio StateThe first of many Buckeyes. ArizonaDavid BaileyEdgeTexas TechCardinals can't pass on big-time pass rusher. TennesseeSonny StylesLBOhio StateNew coach Robert Saleh gets athletic freak for his defense. N.Y. GiantsCaleb DownsSOhio StateJohn Harbaugh goes defense with first pick in his new gig. L.A. Rams (from Cleveland)Jeremiyah LoveRBNotre DameCleveland gets No. 13 this year and first- and third-rounders in 2027. WashingtonMansoor DelaneCBLSUCommanders take draft's best corner. New OrleansCarnell TateWROhio StateSaints get QB Tyler Shough another Buckeyes wideout. Kansas CityRueben Bain Jr.DEMiamiChiefs choose short-armed pass rusher over receiver. N.Y. GiantsFrancis MauigoaTMiamiGiants use Bengals' pick they got for Dexter Lawrence for first offensive lineman off board. MiamiMakai LemonWRUSCThe rebuild starts with perhaps the draft's best receiver. DallasKeldric FaulkDEAuburnCowboys missed out on the top-tier defenders. Cleveland (from L.A. Rams)Monroe FreelingTGeorgiaTall, athletic left tackle is the choice over Utah right tackle Spencer Fano and Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson. BaltimoreSpencer FanoTUtahHis future could be at guard but still a solid pick. Tampa BayKenyon SadiqTEOregonBaker Mayfield gets an intriguing weapon to help fill the void left by Mike Evans. N.Y. Jets (from Indianapolis)Jordyn TysonWRArizona StateWithout injury concerns, might've been first wideout taken. DetroitOlaivavega IoaneGPenn StateThe top natural interior lineman in the draft. MinnesotaDillon ThienemanSOregonGood fit for coordinator Brian Flores. CarolinaOmar Cooper JrWRIndianaMade the best catch in college football in the fall. DallasJermod McCoyCBTennesseeMissed 2025 season with a torn ACL and health remains a concern. PittsburghKC ConcepcionWRTexas A&MWhoever's at QB gets another playmaker. L.A. ChargersAkheem MesidorDEMiamiWith Ioane gone, Chargers turn to defense. PhiladelphiaKadyn ProctorTAlabamaGiant man has giant upside. Cleveland (from Jacksonville)Emmanuel McNeil-WarrenSToledoWith top five receivers taken, Browns address defense's biggest need. ChicagoT.J. ParkerEdgeClemsonBears' pass rush needs a boost. BuffaloMalachi LawrenceEdgeCentral FloridaA mini-run on pass rushers continues. San FranciscoCaleb LomuTUtahTwo Utah tackles go in the first round. HoustonKayden McDonaldDTOhio StateThe first interior defensive lineman off the board. Kansas City (from LA. Rams)Colton HoodCBTennesseeChiefs secondary needs a boost. Miami (from Denver)Avieon TerrellCBClemsonHe and Lemon will have fun battles in training camp. New EnglandBlake MillerTClemsonStrongsville native joins Akron native Mike Vrabel. SeattleJadarian PriceRBNotre DameA second Irish back in the first round.REST OF BROWNS' PICKSSecond roundNo. 39: Germie Bernard, WR, AlabamaThird roundNo. 70: Logan Jones, C, IowaFourth roundNo. 107: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia StateFifth roundNo. 146: Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSUNo. 149 (from Cincinnati): Taylen Green, QB, ArkansasSixth roundNo. 206 (from Chicago): Lorenzo Styles Jr. CB, Ohio StateSeventh roundNo. 248 (from Seattle): Max Bredeson, FB, MichiganThe post Mock Draft: Browns trade down, get offensive tackle, safety in first round first appeared on BrownsZone with Scott Petrak.