Browns 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Roundup of B/R Staff, Kiper and Expert Picks

The Cleveland Browns have a few clear needs that NFL draft experts believe they must address at the 2024 NFL draft.

Cleveland needs help on the defensive interior and at the offensive skill positions.

Kevin Stefanski's side does not pick until No. 54 because of the Deshaun Watson trade, so it must come away with a few perfect selections on Days 2 and 3.

This is an approach the Browns staff should be used to by now since they have not acted in the first round since they took Greg Newsome in 2021.

The AFC North side needs to find someone who can make an impact similar to 2021 second-round pick Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and 2022 fifth-round selection Jerome Ford.

Defensive Line Is Priority

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MOBILE, AL - FEBRUARY 01: National edge Austin Booker of Kansas (49)during the National team practice for the Reese's Senior Bowl on February 1, 2024 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Most mock drafts have the Browns taking at least one defensive lineman in the second or third round.

Bleacher Report's NFL scouting department predicted Kansas EDGE Austin Booker would go to the Browns at No. 85 in its latest mock draft.

Pro Football Focus made Michigan's Kris Jenkins the selection at No. 54.

B/R's experts had the Browns going after Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter with the 54th overall pick before landing Booker at No. 85.

The Browns have a solid collection of linemen around Myles Garrett, but they could get younger at the position to provide help for Dalvin Tomlinson, Za'Darius Smith and Shelby Harris.

A defensive line pick in either the second or third round would fill that need for the Browns.

Still Need for Wide Receiver After Jerry Jeudy Trade

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 1: Troy Franklin #11 of the Oregon Ducks warms up prior to the Pac-12 Championship game against the Washington Huskies at Allegiant Stadium on December 1, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)

The Browns appeared to satisfy their wide receiver need with the offseason trade for Jerry Jeudy from the Denver Broncos.

However, the Browns could be even more aggressive at the position through the draft to prepare for Amari Cooper's impending free agency.

ESPN's Field Yates predicted Oregon's Troy Franklin would be the pick at No. 54 in his latest mock draft with Mel Kiper Jr.

"The Browns traded for Jerry Jeudy this offseason, but they still feel one wide receiver short on offense, especially since Amari Cooper is entering the final year of his deal. Franklin is a speedy big play waiting to happen," Yates wrote.

The Browns have Elijah Moore, Cedric Tillman and David Bell behind Cooper and Jeudy on the depth chart.

A wide receiver draft pick is needed if the Browns feel none of those players can take a step up in their respective games in 2024.

Running Back Should Be Mid-Round Target

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 02: Florida State Seminoles running back Trey Benson (3) during the ACC Football Championship Game between the Louisville Cardinals and the Florida State Seminoles on December 2, 2023 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Browns should be in the mid-round running back market.

Kiper predicted the Browns would address that position at No. 85 with Florida State's Trey Benson.

Nick Chubb is expected to be back from his torn ACL, but it make take a few games for him to reach 100 percent in game speed.

Chubb could still have a few good years left in his legs, but the Browns have to start preparing for the future at running back.

Ford was a solid fill-in for Chubb last season, but he does not project as a No. 1 running back in the NFL.

Benson, or another mid-round pick, could become the heir apparent to Chubb in the Browns ground game.