The Cleveland Browns spent a king’s ransom to acquire Deshaun Watson, yet they have plenty of draft capital to improve their roster in the 2022 NFL Draft. Our final mock draft brings home some defensive answers and helps Watson and Co. on offense. Which players should you be on the lookout for as possible players Cleveland could select?
Cleveland Browns 2022 7-Round Mock Draft
Here are projections of every pick the Cleveland Browns could make within a 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft, with the Pro Football Network staff as the general manager. This is what we would do with the picks after the board shook out while doing a full 7-round, 32-team mock draft.
Round 2, Pick 44: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
It didn’t go Cleveland’s way this offseason at acquiring a defensive tackle. Thus, a big need in the draft hails from the interior of the defensive line. There may not be any better than Devonte Wyatt, so grabbing him here was an easy pick. Wyatt has an awesome first step that allows his massive frame to get into the backfield quickly.
Other players in consideration: Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina; Sam Williams, EDGE, Ole Miss
Round 3, Pick 78: Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky
Even after trading for Amari Cooper, the Browns need help in the receiving game. Wan’Dale Robinson will go a long way toward increasing their production. The former Nebraska receiver had a great 2021 season at Kentucky and is a threat to take it the distance every time he touches the ball. Robinson, though small in stature, is not just track fast — he’s football fast. Deshaun Watson will love his new weapon.
Other players in consideration: George Pickens, WR, Georgia; Charleston Rambo, WR, Miami (FL)
Round 3, Pick 99 (Resolution JC-2A selection): David Anenih, EDGE, Houston
If you don’t know David Anenih‘s name, get to know it. The Houston edge rusher clocked a 4.74-second 40-yard dash, repped 225 on the bench press 25 times, and hit a massive 10’3″ broad jump, among other terrific pro day performances. Doing all of this at 6’2″, 245, Anenih’s skills translate to his game on the field, which is that of a dominant pass rusher.
Other players in consideration: Dominique Robinson, EDGE, Miami (OH); Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
Round 4, Pick 118: Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati
Making the trek north up I-71, Darrian Beavers heads to the Browns at pick 118. Beavers is a potential improvement as a three-down linebacker with Cleveland as he plays to a great strength. His massive frame allows him to eat up space in a hurry, and he’s just as talented across every facet of defense.
Other players in consideration: Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor; Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma; Sterling Weatherford, S/LB, Miami (OH)
Round 6, Pick 202 (from DAL): Dane Belton, S, Iowa
Perhaps one of the more underrated prospects in this class, Dane Belton heads to Cleveland, as the former Hawkeye comes fully equipped to play either safety role. Belton was pressed into heavy action after Riley Moss was injured for Iowa last year, and he saw an uptick in production the more he was targeted. He can cover from the slot, stand tall as a box safety, or range as a free safety.
Other players in consideration: Dane Belton, DB, Iowa; Kyler McMichael, CB, North Carolina
Round 7, Pick 223 (from DET): Kevin Austin Jr., WR, Notre Dame
Kevin Austin Jr. heads to Cleveland after the big man averaged over 18 yards per catch in 2021. He showcased an ability to win outside — even as the primary target — as the season went on. Austin Jr. also proved to be more athletic than we gave him credit for. It may have been the Notre Dame system holding him back.
Other players in consideration: Joshua Williams, CB, Fayetteville State; Corey Sutton, WR, Appalachian State
Round 7, Pick 246 (from BUF): Tayland Humphrey, DT, Louisiana
The Browns grab Louisiana’s Tayland Humphrey to close out their 2022 NFL Draft haul. Humphrey is a big man on the interior who shines against the run. Though he may not be the most adept at pass rushing, short-yardage situations will be his bread and butter, as he’ll add a vital component to red-zone packages.
Other players in consideration: Percy Butler, S, Louisiana; D’Marco Jackson, LB, Appalachian State