Browns Mock Draft 2018: Projecting Every Pick for Full 7-Rounds

The Cleveland Browns have nine picks in the 2018 NFL draft, including the first overall selection, the fourth overall selection and three more picks in Round 2 alone.

For a team that went 0-16 in 2017 (and won just one game in 2016), this year's draft class represents a good opportunity to restock the roster with high-caliber players with an eye toward overall team improvement.

With the draft starting on Thursday, it's time to make final predictions about who the Browns will select.

Here is a full, seven-round mock draft for Cleveland.

Round 1, Pick 1: QB Sam Darnold, USC

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The Cleveland Browns have been linked to all four of the top quarterback prospects in this year's draft class. 

Peter King of the Monday Morning Quarterback reported a friend of Browns general manager John Dorsey believes Josh Allen will be the selection at No. 1; draft consultant Scot McCloughan has long been a fan of Baker Mayfield, per Mary Kay Cabot for Cleveland.com; and Josh Rosen is considered an outlier for the top pick, but he impressed head coach Hue Jackson when the Browns met with him, according to Patrick Maks of the team's official website. 

Ultimately, though, it's USC's Sam Darnold who will win out as the first pick in the draft and be crowned the Browns' latest quarterback of the future. King himself changed his mind from Allen to Darnold just this week in his first-round mock draft.

Darnold completed 64.9 percent of his passes as a two-year starter at USC. He threw for 7,229 yards and had 57 passing touchdowns to 22 interceptions. However, his turnover rate was alarmingly high in 2017, with 13 of his 22 interceptions plus 12 fumbles (nine lost) coming in his sophomore season.

Still, as Lance Zierlein of NFL.com pointed out in his scouting report: "At the end of the day, Darnold has NFL size, arm strength, accuracy, pocket mobility, poise and field reading capability."

The report added that he "gets through progressions like a pro," "shakes off sack attempts and throws with accuracy and pace when on the move," and perhaps most importantly for a young quarterback, he "doesn't get shaken by in-game mistakes."

While there are some concerns about his throwing motion and style, both can be corrected with proper coaching. And Darnold may have time to work on his technique during his rookie year; Jackson has made it clear he plans for Tyrod Taylor to be the team's starter this season.

While it's far too early to entirely buy into what Jackson has declared, a year to get acclimated to the demands of the NFL wouldn't be a bad way for Darnold to begin his career.

The Browns are investing time into their top pick, and Darnold has the highest long-term upside among the draft's quarterback prospects.

Round 1, Pick 4: DE Bradley Chubb, North Carolina State

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With so many other teams targeting quarterbacks for early picks—and running back Saquon Barkley a potential top-five selection—the Browns are set up nicely to bring aboard the draft's top pass-rusher and run-stopper, North Carolina State's Bradley Chubb, with the fourth overall selection.

Chubb totaled 198 combined tackles (100 solo with 98 assists, including 54.5 tackles for loss) and 25 sacks over three years as a starter. He's had over 20 tackles for loss as well as 10 sacks for each of his last two seasons.

He would upgrade a pass rush that totaled just 34 sacks in 2017 as well as a run game that, while ranking seventh in yards allowed, gave up 14 rushing scores.

Chubb's skill set isn't just limited to what he can do up front, though. As Zierlein  wrote in his scouting report, he "doesn't quit on plays and makes tackles downfield" and is "able to drop, open hips and roam in coverage." Thus, he has "the ability to play in a variety of positions in both odd and even fronts."

This would make him a great, all-purpose defensive weapon for Browns defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

That the Browns didn't schedule a pre-draft meeting with the player should be of no concern. Dorsey explained in his pre-draft press conference, per the Akron Beacon-Journal's Nate Ulrich, he spoke to Chubb at the Scouting Combine and prefers to use his player visits on "guys you have questions about."

Per Ulrich, Dorsey went on to say about Chubb:

"Now the guy from North Carolina State is a really good football player, and I continually say you can't have enough of these good football players on your team. If it so happens that [Chubb] becomes a member of the organization, I'd be thrilled to have a guy like that. Again, because he fits all the models we talk about. He's a good football player, he's a man of character and he'd be great in the locker room."

It's clear the Browns have more than just passing interest in Chubb. He can affect opposing offenses in all areas, making him a no-brainer choice if he's still available when they select at No. 4.

Round 2, Pick 33: OT Geron Christian, Louisville

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It's certain Cleveland will not soon—if ever—find a replacement for longtime left tackle Joe Thomas, who retired in March. But the show must go on, and the Browns need to bolster their tackle depth. 

Shon Coleman is getting the first crack at Thomas' old spot (with free-agent signing Chris Hubbard the team's new right tackle), while Spencer Drango and Donald Stephenson are also candidates to compete for the left tackle spot.

However, adding Louisville's Geron Christian to the mix via a second-round draft pick means the Browns will have numerous options to explore as OTAs and minicamps give way to training camp and the preseason.

Christian has played both left and right tackle, and that positional versatility is just one of his many intriguing traits.

Bleacher Report's Matt Miller  is impressed with both his arm size (35") and athleticism, as well as "natural instincts" that give him "day-one starter upside." He does have room for improvement as far as technique and strength are concerned, but that is to be expected for practically every offensive lineman as they transition from the college game to the professional level.

Christian would push Coleman and the rest of the veterans competing to start at left tackle this year. And even if he doesn't win out immediately, he could transition to starting left tackle later in the season or in 2019. 

Round 2, Pick 35: RB Rashaad Penny, San Diego State

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The Browns have two capable running backs in the newly signed Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson, who has also proved himself an asset as a receiver.

But the depth of the draft's running back class and the fact there have been no breakthroughs in contract extension talks with Johnson (which began in mid-March) point toward the Browns nabbing high-quality depth with an eye to the future.

Rashaad Penny would be a fantastic fit, particularly given the January addition of Todd Haley as offensive coordinator.

Penny totaled 488 carries in four years at San Diego State (289 of those coming in 2017), netting him 3,656 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns, 23 last year. He has a career average of 7.5 yards per carry and has also caught 42 passes for 479 yards and six scores.

Additionally, he's been a productive kick returner, with 81 runbacks totaling 2,449 yards and seven touchdowns. His triple-threat skill set is one reason why the Browns should have Penny on their shortlist.

The other is that Penny compares favorably to another back with whom Haley has much familiarity: The Pittsburgh Steelers' Le'Veon Bell.

According to NFL.com's pre-draft accounting, Bell clocked in at 6'1", 230 pounds, with 31.5" arms and 9 5/8" hand size; meanwhile, Penny is a comparable 5'11" and 220 pounds, with 31.25" arm length and 9.25" hands. But that's not all the two have in common. 

On Bell, the NFL.com scouting report noted he "proved capable of handling a tremendous amount of touches," "doesn't have very good vision," "subpar vision prevents him from seeing cut back lines," "size also limits his breakaway speed," and he "uses a strong stiff arm in space." Most of those negatives have turned into positives at the professional level.

On Penny, the report read: "Arm tacklers won't cut it," he "doesn't always show a feel for the best run lane choices," and "runs with short, controlled strides allowing him to elude sudden tackle attempts and alter his rush track."

Bell was compared to LeGarrette Blount in 2013; Penny has been compared to Willis McGahee. But Penny and Bell might be best compared to one another.

If Haley has any say, one call to make in this year's draft is demanding Penny should be atop his priority list. He fits the offense, fits the coordinator, provides depth and insurance for 2018 and could replace Johnson should he and the Browns not come to an agreement on a new contract.

Though the Browns can address running back in later rounds, when it comes to Penny, they shouldn't. 

Round 2, Pick 64: S Tarvarius Moore, Southern Mississippi

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Southern Mississippi's Tarvarius Moore may not be a household name—he wasn't invited to the Scouting Combine, for one—but his talent has generated buzz in recent months.

Though Round 2 may seem an early spot for the Browns to target him as a prospect, their lack of Round 3 picks plus his upside doesn't make him a reach.

Moore is draft expert Dane Brugler's highest-ranked player to not be invited to the combine this year. He wrote: "If a non-Combine prospect is going to crash the top-100 picks, it will be Moore."

Zierlein  believes Moore will be an "easy second day selection" and is "one of the most under-the-radar safeties in the class."

He later wrote: "What I found on tape was a safety with good size, play speed that matched his timed speed as well as the smooth footwork and athleticism needed to handle his coverage duties. Moore has cover skills and he's a downhill run supporter. He has quality ball skills and instincts."

Moore totaled 104 tackles, five interceptions and 12 passes defensed in two years at Southern Miss, with 87 of those tackles and 10 passes defensed in 2017. He also impressed at his pro day, running a 4.32-second 40-yard dash, and posting a 39.5" vertical leap and an 11'2" broad jump, numbers that Brugler noted "matches the tape."

Cleveland would be well-served to improve its safety corps this year. While Jabrill Peppers' full potential has yet to be tapped (perhaps moving closer to the line of scrimmage is in the cards this year) and shouldn't be in line for replacing just yet, Moore could quickly supplant Damarious Randall and Derrick Kindred on the depth chart.

If the Browns are mining for the draft's hidden gems, Moore is a solid choice for their final of three Round 2 picks.

Round 4, Pick 114: CB Nick Nelson, Wisconsin

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It's quite possible Wisconsin cornerback Nick Nelson would be a Round 2 selection this year if he had not torn his meniscus at his pro day earlier in April. But that setback could prove to be the Browns' gain in Round 4, especially considering the injury is not expected to linger into the regular season.

Nelson spent two years at Hawaii before transferring to Wisconsin in 2016, which became a redshirt year. However, he showed no rust in his one starting season for the Badgers.

Of his 122 combined career tackles and 41 passes defensed, he tallied 35 of the former and 21 of the latter in 2017. And though he lacks a single interception, Zierlein still pegs Nelson "as a man cover corner who looks the part of an average NFL starter."

Zierlein also points out that Nelson "plays with good patience from press… and keeps man coverage tight," but he "needs to play with better technique," with "too much arm tackling" as one of his primary weaknesses.

However, as a developmental prospect, the Browns could do far worse when selecting a mid-round cornerback. Nelson also has return skills, having returned 43 punts for 347 yards and a touchdown, which also adds to his draft stock.

The Browns have enough present depth to be able to pick a presently injured player, especially considering his notable upside.

Nelson is a starter-in-waiting who just needs time to heal and a bit of coaching attention to reach his full potential. 

Round 5, Pick 150: WR Equanimeous St. Brown, Notre Dame

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Though the Browns added Jarvis Landry during the offseason and have the impressive Josh Gordon on their roster, there isn't much else to the team's receiving corps.

By selecting Notre Dame's Equanimeous St. Brown in Round 5, they improve the position while also getting a talented player at a relative bargain.

St. Brown played for three seasons at Notre Dame, starting in his final two. He closed out his collegiate career with 92 receptions for 1,484 yards and 13 scores.

His production slipped in 2017 with the loss of quarterback DeShone Kizer (whom the Browns drafted last year only to trade him to the Green Bay Packers in March); St. Brown had just 33 catches for 515 yards and four scores.

But the 6'5" St. Brown has, in the words of Zierlein, the "combination of size and speed [that] will be coveted by offenses looking for a prospect who can create throwing windows down the field with his ability to separate as the route progresses."

He does have to be more physical and competitive to battle against professional-level cornerbacks, but the challenge of the NFL may be enough to spur St. Brown to push himself. 

Teams that have met with St. Brown are apparently concerned about his love of football given his intelligence; he said to 247Sports' Pete Sampson in March his alma mater and his multilingualism have some general managers dropping him down their draft boards.

But St. Brown's intelligence and focus are assets that could turn him into a valuable piece of Cleveland's offense in time.

Round 6, Pick 175: DT P.J. Hall, Sam Houston State

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Sam Houston State defensive tackle P.J. Hall is one of the more intriguing players in the 2018 draft class, though it's hard to call him a true sleeper after a dominant performance in the East-West Shrine Game led everyone to turn to his collegiate tape and see him do the same things on a near-weekly basis. 

This may mean the Browns will have to use an earlier-round pick on the player if they believe numerous other teams have designs on him; but there are also reasons to believe Hall could fall into Cleveland's hands in Round 6.

As a four-year starter, Hall totaled 284 combined tackles (including 86.5 for a loss) and 42 sacks. He also blocked 14 kicks—six field goals, six extra points and two punts—all while playing at nearly 310 pounds. He also had an impressive pro day, in which he ran a 4.7-second 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical leap. 

Zierlein wrote "Hall has the quickness and strength to be disruptive against the run and pass," and is "equally powerful with upper and lower body." But he also noted the player "will have to prove he can maintain his weight," adding that Hall "tried to carry additional weight which may have slowed him this year" and that it "appeared to impact conditioning and fatigue levels."

Further, he "faced very few opponents who could match his strength on FCS level," which won't be the case in the NFL.

Depending on how those drawbacks impact the Browns' interest as well as that of other teams, Hall could be there when the Browns make their penultimate pick.

Round 6, Pick 188: DB Simeon Thomas, Louisiana-Lafayette

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The late rounds of the draft are great places to find developmental players, the type who can spend a year on the practice squad without fear of being poached or depth roster additions who can enhance special teams while working to improve at their given positions.

Louisiana-Lafayette defensive back Simeon Thomas fits those bills for the Browns, thus making him a solid option for Cleveland with it's final selection this year.

Thomas saw his collegiate career hindered by a combination of academic-related suspension and NCAA sanctions against Louisiana-Lafayette. Thus, he comes to the NFL at 25 years of age and having missed three years' worth of work while at college.

However, in three seasons (and two as a starter), he totaled 90 combined tackles, three tackles for a loss, two interceptions and 19 passes defensed while working at both cornerback and safety. 

While the DraftAnalyst.com scouting report on Thomas noted he "does not consistently play under control and guesses wrong," those are tendencies that coaching attention can correct.

Otherwise, he "quickly picks up coverage assignments, plays heads-up football and nicely locates the pass in the air," and is "feisty, physical and works hard to break up throws."

DraftAnalyst noted Thomas would be best suited as a dime back on the NFL level, and with teams so often operating on subpackages that include extra defensive backs, he could find his way onto the playing field early in his career.

Their scouting report also noted he's "a solid special teams player," which provides additional upside for an otherwise marginal prospect. As the Browns' final selection, Thomas would be a smart use of the pick.