Browns 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Roundup of NFL.com, ESPN and Expert Picks

The Cleveland Browns sent a large package of draft picks to the Houston Texans in exchange for quarterback Deshaun Watson last offseason. Because of that, the Browns won't be nearly as active in the draft in the short-term future.

That includes in the 2023 NFL draft, which is set for April 27-29 in Kansas City. Cleveland's first selection isn't until No. 74 overall, which will come in the third round on the second day.

Still, the Browns will have opportunities to add impactful players who could become key contributors to their team, whether that's immediately in 2023 or further down the line. But they'll also need to make smart decisions with their selections.

Here's a look at what some recent mock drafts are predicting Cleveland will do with its top picks this year.

No. 74 pick

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 04: Running back Zach Evans of Mississippi speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

NFL.com's Chad Reuter: Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss

CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson: Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas

ESPN's Jordan Reid: Keondre Coburn, DL, Texas

With Kareem Hunt now a free agent and unlikely to return, the Browns could be looking for another running back to increase their depth behind starter Nick Chubb. They have Jerome Ford and Demetric Felton Jr., but the addition of a rookie could be beneficial for the group.

Evans may not have reached his full potential during his college career, which featured two years at TCU and one at Ole Miss. His best showing came in 2022, when he rushed for 936 yards and scored 10 total touchdowns for the Rebels. He may be capable of better as he continues to develop in the NFL.

Johnson could also be a solid target for Cleveland, even though he didn't get a ton of carries during his four-year career at Texas. His college high of 123 came in his freshmen year. He flashed his potential at times, despite being blocked on the Longhorns' depth chart by some strong RBs.

It's not a given Cleveland will use its first draft pick on a running back, but if it decides to do so, it certainly wouldn't be surprising. Chubb can't get every rushing attempt of the season after all.

No. 98 Pick

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 02: Linebacker Owen Pappoe of Auburn participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 02, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

NFL.com's Chad Reuter: Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn

CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson: Brodric Martin, DL, Western Kentucky

ESPN's Jordan Reid: Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska

The Browns need to build some more depth in their defensive front seven. They could do so by selecting a player such as Pappoe or Martin in the third round, or any other solid defensive prospect who could be on the board around this time.

But Cleveland also needs to bolster a receiving corps that doesn't have many reliable, proven players beyond Amari Cooper. There are some high-potential players, but it'd still be worth adding a rookie to the mix. And Palmer could be an intriguing fit.

"This could be a spot for the Browns to add a young wideout, especially a speedster," Reid wrote. "Palmer, who ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine, checks the criteria boxes required for Cleveland prospects while also bringing downfield ability."

Palmer, who played at LSU from 2019-21, had a breakout year for Nebraska in 2022, recording 71 catches for 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns. It could be exciting to see what he may do if given an opportunity to develop in an NFL offense.

No. 111 Pick

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 03: Defensive back Clark Phillips of Utah participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 03, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

NFL.com's Chad Reuter: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah

CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson: Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army

ESPN's Jordan Reid: DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas

If the Browns end up adding offensive players with each of their first two picks, they could target defense in the fourth round. Of course, they could be looking to add a defender even if they've added players on that side of the ball in the previous round.

Of these three players projected to go to Cleveland in mocks, Phillips may be the most interesting prospect. The Browns already have a solid secondary, so the former Utah standout could be a cornerback to develop behind Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II and others.

Phillips had a knack for making big plays for the Utes, as he notched nine interceptions in 31 games over his three-year college career. And six of those came in his final season in 2022.

Cleveland could greatly benefit from the addition of a big-time defensive playmaker, and Phillips has the potential to eventually become that at the NFL level.