Cleveland 2013 Mock Draft: Final 7-Round Predictions for Cleveland

The 2013 NFL draft is finally here.

For Cleveland Browns fans, the draft is, unfortunately, often one of the most exciting times of the year. Naturally, every Browns fan is wanting to know what players will be joining their team. 

Unfortunately, Browns fans, you're going to have to wait a bit longer. Even on the day of the draft, a mock draft is still just educated guess work, and the educated can be optional.

There are no guarantees in the NFL draft.

Though nothing is certain, certain assumptions can be made. It's easy to look at Cleveland's roster and see that the team needs a cornerback or that the team might be looking at a quarterback. Media reports can also be helpful here.

So don't expect every pick here to be correct.

Don't, however, rule anything out or call anything impossible because in the NFL draft, those words don't apply.

Round 1, Pick 6: Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU

This pick is nearly impossible to peg. It could be Geno Smith. It could be Dee Milliner. It could be Dion Jordan. It could be someone not at all on the radar. 

So Ezekiel Ansah, it is. 

Cleveland is transitioning to a 3-4 defense under defensive coordinator Ray Horton, and Ansah could be a fit opposite Paul Kruger. The 6'5", 271-pound Ansah is a physical freak with incredible strength and tremendous athleticism. 

Browns general manager Michael Lombardi is a fan of power pass-rushers, and Ansah is exactly that. He fits the exact profile Lombardi often painted of his ideal threat off the edge.

Ansah's physical ability has drawn many to compare him to Jason Pierre-Paul. Though he is raw, he does have incredible upside and could be a star.

The Browns could easily go with Geno Smith, a different pass-rusher or Dee Milliner here. A trade back remains an option, as well.

Round 3, Pick 6: Logan Ryan, CB, Rutgers

If the Browns don't address cornerback in the first round, they almost have to in the third.

The position is in a dire state with Buster Skrine currently starting on the outside. Joe Haden clearly has one position locked down, but the other spot is in need of an upgrade.

Logan Ryan isn't anything special, but he's an all-around solid player. Ryan had a visit with the Browns during the offseason, and the team appears to be interested. 

Ryan is a strong player who can press at the line of scrimmage and handle bigger wide receivers. He will, at times, struggle with quicker receivers, however.

In the third round, Ryan is a potential starter and a good value. The team could look at a number of cornerbacks here and a safety would also address a need.

Round 4, Pick 7: Josh Evans, S, Florida

The Browns desperately need a safety to play next to T.J. Ward. Josh Evans is a solid fit at free safety and could compete for a starting position from day one.

At 6'1", 207 pounds, Evans has good size and is a great athlete. He needs to improve his technique in coverage, but the quick hips, natural speed and ball skills are present.

He has legitimate starting potential.

Cleveland could look at a tight end here as the team adjusts to Rob Chudzinski's offense. A quarterback could also be an option. 

Round 5, Pick 6: Nick Kasa, TE, Colorado

The Browns signed two tight ends in free agency and already had Jordan Cameron on the roster. However, Rob Chudzinski's offense heavily features tight ends, and the team could probably still use another one. 

Nick Kasa is a big tight end with solid athleticism.

The 6'6", 270-pounder has potential as a blocker, though he still needs to improve his technique. His sheer size and speed make him an appealing option, though.

In time, Kasa could, at the least, be a solid No. 2 tight end. There is room for him to be better than that, though.

Round 6, Pick 5: Joe Kruger, DE, Utah

Cleveland needs players in the front seven. Whether they come at defensive line or linebacker isn't necessarily important. Both units need depth.

Joe Kruger could potentially add depth at either unit.

The 6'6", 270-pounder is athletic enough to stand up at linebacker but strong and physical enough to gain weight and play 5-tech.

In all likelihood, he would be a rotational player doing some of both.

The younger brother of current Browns' linebacker Paul, Joe is big, physical and athletic. He has potential and could immediately provide depth in sub packages. 

Round 6, Pick 7: Eric Herman, OG, Ohio

If he returns healthy, Jason Pinkston gives the Browns one decent starting guard. Shawn Lauvao and John Greco don't make such a strong team, though, and the other position is up in the air.

Cleveland definitely needs depth along the interior offensive line, however.

Eric Herman is a strong athlete with great strength. He needs some work on the football field, but his 6'4", 320-pound size and athletic ability make him an appealing option.

With refinement, Herman could compete to start. In the mean time, he provides valuable depth at a position in much need of additional bodies.