I usually don’t do mock drafts until after the NFL combine, but it’s a nice distraction from all the Myles Garrett talk. Speaking of this mock will be done with the assumption the Browns sign Garrett to an extension and sign a veteran bridge quarterback. Also, there won’t be any trades. Most draft experts are speculating the Titans, who pick first, will not draft a quarterback. I’m assuming they will, because they need to make a big splash with their fan base, Besides, Will Levin is nothing more than a decent backup.

Round 1, pick 2, Adbul Carter, DE, Penn St.

Round 2, pick 33, Josh Conerly, Jr., OT, Oregon.

Round 3, pick 67, Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss.

Round 3, pick 94, Cameron Skattebo, RB, Arizonia St.

Round 4, pick 103, Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas.

Round 5, pick 165, Luke Lackey, TE, Iowa.

Round 6, pick 181, Nazir Stackhouse, DL, Georgia.

Round 6, 194, Upton Stout, CB, Western Kentucky.

Round 6, pick 202, Ja’Corey Brooks, WR, Louisville.

Round 6, pick 216, Seth McLaughlin, IOL, Ohio State.

Round 6, pick 217, Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia.

Round 6, pick 257, Teddye Buchanan, LB, Cal.

I decided to go with Carter at number two, mainly because if the Browns find the right bridge quarterback, then they can wait to draft a developmental player. After watching what the Eagles did in the Super Bowl, a defensive line with Garrett and Carter would be scary. I also picked a rotational player with Nazir Stackhouse. He could potentially replace Dalvin Tomlinson in 2026. Connerly and McLaughlin will help Cleveland’s offensive line depth now and in the future. QB Jaxson Dart in the third round is a great value. I know several pundits have him graded as a round one pick, but I think he’ll last till the then. Safety and tight end are needs and this is great draft to pick up both. On offense, head coach Kevin Stefanski loves to run two or three tight ends, so Lackey feels a need and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz plays three safeties, so Mukuba makes sense because of the retirement of Rodney McLeod. Some may question the drafting of a cornerback and a linebacker, but Browns GM Andrew Berry always drafts a corner, and I could see the Browns drafting a linebacker because of the uncertainty of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s health. Drafting a wide receiver every year seem to be another Anderw Berry certainty. Finally, because this is a fantastic draft for running backs, I went with two, Skattebo and Etienne. Both can help the Browns offense. In future mock drafts. I’ll be more descriptive in the players strengths and weaknesses.