Alabama Football: 2021 NFL Mock Draft 2.0 with trades
By Dakota Cox
Cleveland bolsters the defensive front
26. Cleveland Browns: Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami
Cleveland exceeded expectations in 2020, and they are now drafting higher in the first round than most fans can remember without trading back. With their recent success, they also have different needs than usual. They use to have to draft franchise cornerstones, but they can now draft complementary pieces due to the talent already on the roster.
With that in mind, look for Cleveland to add a pass rusher if they like one on the board. They might prioritize secondary help or adding a linebacker, but the value of Jaelan Phillips makes sense. The only other player I considered was Nick Bolton, but I think that the Browns like the secondary pieces that are coming back from injuries in 2021.
The Browns are ready to compete in the AFC North, but it is clear that they need to do more if they want to compete with the Chiefs. Thankfully, the Tampa Bay Bucs have proven what it takes to stop Patrick Mahomes. You have to attack with the defensive line and drop back in coverage.
The Browns have Myles Garrett, but adding Phillips could make it harder for teams to double-team any one player. Phillips had an elite season with Miami after transferring from UCLA, but he is in a similar situation as Gregory Rousseau.