2021 NFL Team Draft Page

I've gone several different directions with this pick, with most coming on the defensive side. I've grabbed linebackers like Notre Dame's Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Missouri's Nick Bolton. TCU safety, Trevon Moehrig, has also been a frequent prediction to improve the Cleveland secondary. However, this time I decided to take some risk and swing for the fences.


This defense is clearly a step behind their offensive counterparts, considering the basis of Kevin Stefanski's case for being named the AP Coach of the Year centered around what he did with this offense. If the Browns can get this defense playing just as consistently, it will give them plenty of opportunities to pick up more playoff wins in the future. While one pick isn't going to make that happen, adding a top pass-rusher across from Myles Garrett would really make this unit a nightmare to oppose on passing downs. I get Oweh didn't record a sack in 2020, but the pressure was definitely there, and he is expected to put on a show at his Pro Day. Given Oweh's upside, and if Cleveland can develop the former Nittany Lion, it could be a steal.

~ Austin Smith, DraftTek Senior Analyst

Much like Cleveland's first-round selection, I've considered a variety of players here. This week, I'm going with the hard-hitting safety from Florida State. Nasirildeen's best fit is up in the box, but we saw some versatility from him in college, and Grant Delpit having similar flexibility, Joe Woods could take advantage by disguising his coverages and moving the pair around. Jabril Cox is another player I considered as an athletic linebacker that can start from Day One on the weak side.

~ Austin Smith, DraftTek Senior Analyst