2021 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Miami Dolphins trade back again
By Dakota Cox
2021 NFL Mock Draft 3.0
26. Cleveland Browns: Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
The Cleveland Browns are drafting in the 20s without trading back to do so. 2021 is a weird time indeed.
However, the Browns intend to stay in this range for a while. They proved that they can succeed in the NFL Playoffs last year, but they want to build off of that success as Baker Mayfield continues to develop.
Assuming the Browns don’t trade OBJ, there is no reason to draft a receiver in the first round. They bolstered the offensive line last year with Alabama football’s Jedrick Wills. That frees them up to focus on defense, and that’s why I have them taking Ossai in the 2021 NFL mock draft.
The Browns struggled with the secondary last year, but they should bring back healthy players to fix that this year. Adding depth will be important, but that’s not as pressing of a need as one would think. They could use a linebacker, but the value doesn’t make as much sense as it would in the second round.
That frees them to take an edge rusher, and Ossai is the best on the board. He wasn’t perfect at Texas, but you don’t need perfect. You need someone who can succeed as offenses double-team Myles Garrett. Ossai can be that guy without a doubt.