The Cleveland Browns 2023 draft includes a total of eight selections, none of them coming within the first two rounds. As you likely already know, the trade for star quarterback Deshaun Watson last offseason subtracted a ton of draft capital from the Browns’ war chest.
Even then, general manager Andrew Berry needs to plug some holes and find more depth on a roster that won just seven games a season ago.
Below, we provide you with our final Browns mock draft for 2023 with an explanation about the top picks. But before that, let’s look at needs for Cleveland while laying out the selections they boast heading into Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft with some team needs.
Cleveland Browns draft needs 2023
Here is a list of the Cleveland Browns draft needs heading into Day 2 of the 2023 draft.
- Defensive end
- Defensive tackle
- Wide receiver
- Linebacker
- Safety
2023 Cleveland Browns draft picks
- Round 3 – 74th overall
- Round 3 – 98th overall
- Round 4 – 111th overall
- Round 4 (via MIN) – 126th overall
- Round 5 (via LAR) – 140th overall
- Round 5 – 142nd overall
- Round 6 – 190th overall
- Round 7 – 229th overall
Cleveland Browns mock draft: Filling holes and adding depth
Sportsnaut used Pro Football Focus’ NFL Draft simulator, which provides the flexibility to trade and work through a variety of scenarios. Let’s dive into our Browns mock draft.
Round 3, 74th overall: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
This would be an ideal scenario for Cleveland given that Sewell was largely projected to be a first-round pick heading into the 2022 season. The former Oregon star has an ability to play in the box, cover tight ends from the slot and put pressure on the quarterback out on the edge. Despite some regression in Eugene last season, this is a value pick for Cleveland.
Linebacker is also a major need for the Browns. A second-round pick back in 2021, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has not panned out as a starter (132.1 QB rating allowed last season). Veteran Anthony Walker also returns as a starter after missing all but three games a season ago to a quad injury.
Round 3, 98th overall: Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
As any football fan knows, building up the trenches is key to success in today’s NFL. Cleveland yielded an average of 4.7 yards per rush while boasting one of the worst run defenses in the league a season ago. Signing Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency helps. But there’s more of a need here.
That’s where the 335-pound Ika comes into play. The former Baylor star has a propensity for being double-teamed given his size. Whether that translates to the NFL remains to be seen. But his presence could help both Tomlinson and star edge rusher Myles Garrett moving forward.
Round 4, 111th overall: Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State
Even after adding Elijah Moore in a trade with the New York Jets earlier this offseason, picking up another weapon for Watson makes a ton of sense. The idea would be to create an elite-level receiving core to go with starters Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones.
- Xavier Hutchinson stats (2022): 107 receptions, 1,171 yards, 6 TD
As you can see, the 6-foot-1 Hutchinson was extremely productive for the Cyclones last season. He would be a tremendous fit out on the boundary behind the two aforementioned starters out of the gate.
Full 7-round Cleveland Browns mock draft
- Round 3 – 74th overall: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
- Round 3 – 98th overall: Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
- Round 4 – 111th overall: Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State
- Round 4 — 126th overall: Ronnie Hickman, S, Ohio State
- Round 5 – 140th overall: Isaiah Land, EDGE, Florida A&M
- Round 5 – 142nd overall: Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia
- Round 6 – 190th overall: Juice Scruggs, C, Penn State
- Round 7 – 229th overall: Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati
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