Browns seven-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Defensive front seven, pass catchers of interest to Cleveland

The Cleveland Browns do not hold a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft — or either of the following two drafts for that matter — after acquiring quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans. Cleveland still has three picks inside the top 100 and holes to fill on the roster. Here is one scenario as to how things could play out over three days in Las Vegas:

Second Round

No. 44 overall: Travis Jones, DT, UCONN

Cleveland signed Taven Bryan in free agency to compete with Jordan Elliott and Tommy Togiai, but none have produced consistently in the NFL. The Browns have Myles Garrett to rush the passer, but they need to upgrade the run defense. Jones was one of the best performers, pound for pound, at the NFL combine but his collegiate tape was up and down. If it were more consistent, there would be little doubt that he was under first-round consideration. 

Jones has strong hands, which allows him to get off blocks and play down the line. He is a traditional space eater that sacrifices little neutral ground. Houston defensive tackle Logan Hall and North Dakota State wide receiver Christian Watson are a few others who might be intriguing should they be available.

One scenario that can not be accounted for has been general manager Andrew Berry’s opportunistic nature. The Browns jumped at the chance to end LSU safety Grant Delpit’s slide in 2020 and traded up to nab Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah in the second round a year ago. If a perceived first-round talent is attainable, Cleveland would likely try and move up to draft that prospect.

Third Round

No. 78 overall: John Metchie III, WR, Alabama

Metchie was probably a victim of playing with first-round pick after first-round pick at the wide receiver position in Tuscaloosa. When it became his time for extended exposure, he did not carry the same weight as Devonta Smith, Jerry Jeudy and others before him. However, Metchie is…