Browns Mock Draft 2.0: Best Player Available

The Browns are in a unique position to draft the best player available in all rounds for the 2024 draft. Here's how it would go if I was Andrew Berry.

Nov 4, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (33) / Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Berry and the rest of the front office have the Browns roster in a position where they should no longer be drafting for need in the 2024 NFL Draft. Instead, they can draft the best player available each time Cleveland goes on the clock.

In this version of the draft, I do not factor in any trades. This is how I would attack the board with the Browns current five picks.

Round 2, Pick 54: Clemson DL Ruke Orhorhoro

Ruke Orhorhoro is as raw as they come. He stands at 6'4", 294 pounds with a game that is built upon explosiveness and leverage. He didn't start playing football until his junior year of high school in 2017! He committed to Clemson and after a couple of years of polishing his game, he began to make an impact for the Tigers in year three. One characteristic that is continually used to describe Ruke is his athleticism. His hands are incredibly quick and he has shown the ability to dominate interior linemen in both the run and pass game. His game will need some fine-tuning but he is a guy that could become a nice starter in the league for years to come.

Round 3, Pick 85: Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley

My favorite prospect in the draft comes from Western Kentucky. Malachi Corley has drawn the comparisons of a guy like Deebo Samuel thanks to his aggressiveness and love for contact after the catch. Corley is a former running back, turned wide receiver, who thrived at WKU. This is a guy that Cleveland is certainly interested in and I would not be surprised if they even make a move to try and snag him. Corley is quick, fast, tough and aggressive. He has all of the traits that Cleveland is looking for in their wide receiver room.

Sep 17, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Malachi Corley / Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Round 5, Pick 156: Michigan G Zak Zinter

Ohio State fans are probably familiar with this young man out of Michigan. In "The Game" last season, Zak Zinter, who was the heart of Michigan's team, went down with a horrific leg injury that not only cost him the afternoon but also a chance to play for the National Title. This is a player who was a projected first-round pick prior to the injury. Cleveland is going to have some decisions to make at the guard position after 2024 and giving Zinter a chance to continue healing for a season may pay very positive dividends in the future.

Round 6, Pick 206: Alabama RB Jase McClellan

I go running back in the sixth round here to try to catch lightning in a bottle. A lot of contending teams have found difference-makers in the backfield late in the draft and I would try to do that here. Jase McClellan has found success in both the pass and run game. In his senior season, he rushed for 890 yards and eight touchdowns to go along with 137 receiving yards. Playing under Nick Saban, he will not be averse to contributing on special teams, which will be a key factor in his success at the next level. The Browns try to uncover a diamond in the rough in Round 6.

Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jase McClellan (2) runs against / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7, Pick 243: Washington S Dominique Hampton

Another diamond in the rough potential late in the draft. Cleveland struck gold last year by signing UDFA Ronnie Hickman, immediately becoming a legitimate player on their defense. Dominique Hampton would get his first crack at the roster by becoming a special teams ace and then as injuries happen, potentially stepping up as depth on the back end of the defense.

Cleveland does have a few areas of need but addresses those while still selecting best available with their early-round picks. The rest of the way they are able to select the best available on their draft board without having other true needs. This is the approach that I believe Cleveland will take in late April and if they do, it will prove positive both now and in the future.