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With free agency officially underway, I approached this week's mock draft with a sense of urgency regarding the talent I selected. You will notice that I traded back from pick 33 to gain additional selections within the top 100. I also made a crucial trade involving a player currently on the Browns' roster, with the goal of adding talent that can have an immediate impact.
On offense, the Browns need to get younger on the offensive line and improve their run game to support their quarterback. On defense, the focus is on acquiring young talent to fill key positions and, of course, selecting the best player in the draft.
Here is my Daily Browns Mock Draft 5.0. Enjoy!
Pick 2. Abdul Carter EDGE, Penn State
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 253 lbs.
Projected 40 Time: 4.48
Age: 20.7
Carter is likely the best player in this draft. The Browns would be adding an emerging talent with genuine All-Pro potential. His mix of speed and bend is unique. While he'll most likely start his career as a specialized pass rusher while gaining the muscle and technique to play three downs, Carter's work ethic and ability to take coaching suggest he'll make the most of his immense physical traits.
Carter's natural gifts were freed when he switched positions to edge rusher, and his output has been astounding, considering his inexperience at the position. Jim Schwartz will use him primarily as a wide-9 technique early in his career, enabling him to pin his ears back and disrupt in the opponent's backfield while developing a more comprehensive set of pass rush moves. Carter is projected to be an every-down force for years in the NFL. He is capable of taking over a game with his game-wrecking ability.
His athletic testing results should be remarkable, and his quick burst and agility will translate on Sundays. He's demonstrated that he understands the principles of playing the position sufficiently enough to contribute immediately while showing the potential to evolve into a foundational piece of the franchise on defense.
Trade Back
Browns Receive:
Round 2: Pick 57
Round 3: Pick 74
Round 4: Pick 110
Round 3 2026
Panthers Get:
Round 2: Pick 33
Round 6: Pick 200
Round 6: Pick 254
Pick 57. Elic Ayomanor WR, Stanford
Height: 6-2
Weight: 206
Projected 40 Time: 4.44
Ayomanor has been projected as a high-end wide receiver two with the upside to be a wide receiver one. He is dominant in the intermediate range and has a reliable capacity to excel in vertical plays, with notable size and strength. He is a well-rounded receiver capable of challenging defenses at every level. His perfect destination would be within a vertical passing scheme that prioritizes play-action and intermediate crossing routes, allowing his blend of size and deep speed to reach its full potential. Teams will especially appreciate his success in the 15-20 yard range, where his exceptional route-running and body control establish him as one of the most efficient chain-movers in this class.
The athletic testing puts his speed in the 79th percentile for his size, suggesting that he possesses the physical attributes necessary to evolve into a well-rounded threat. With his confirmed athletic profile and proven performances against top-tier competition, Ayomanor stands out as one of the more reliable choices in the draft. Expect him to make an immediate impact in three-receiver formations as he evolves into a dependable starter capable of consistently challenging defenses vertically and in the intermediate zones, where he has demonstrated the most effectiveness.
Pick 67. Benjamin Morrison CB, Notre Dame
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 305 lbs.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69
Age: 21.10
Arroyo is am extremely gifted athlete for his size. His tantalizing physical tools will make him a mismatch nightmare for defenses in the passing game. His size, quickness, and natural receiving skills make him an intriguing option for clubs looking for a move tight end with upside
He can be an immediate weapon in an offense at the NFL level using multiple tight ends. Initially, he will likely be restricted to a situational role, mostly used in passing scenarios and red zone packages where his size and catch radius can be maximized. His success will be determined by his ability to stay healthy and develop his play strength and blocking technique.
Trade CB Greg Newsome - Saves $13M
Morrison's versatility and ability to cover from anywhere on the field makes Greg Newsome expendable. Newsome's greatest value to the Browns is his ability to fill in when Ward is injured on the outside while playing in the slot the rest of the time. Morrison effectively replaces Newsome and has more upside on a rookie deal, allowing the Browns to deal Newsome. A Newsome trade will net the Browns a draft pick and relieve them of the $13 million he is due on his fifth-year option this season.
Pick 74. Jonah Savaiinea OL, Arizona
Height: 6-4
Weight: 324
Projected 40 Time: 4.95
His film reveals a player whose prospects in the NFL are best suited for the guard position, where his imposing size and strength can be fully utilized, effectively addressing his athletic constraints. Savaiinaea's experience at tackle offers significant versatility. Yet, his blend of size, power, and technical skill positions him as a likely day-one starter at guard in a gap-heavy run scheme. His ability in pass protection should adapt effectively to the interior, where his composed hands and inherent stability will stand out against defensive tackles.
He will be a significant asset to a team prioritizing a strong running game. Considering his build, technical skills, and three years of experience as a starter at a high level, Savaiinaea stands out with the potential to exceed expectations. Still, his consistent performance as a dependable interior starter positions him as a worthwhile asset for teams aiming to strengthen their offensive line.
Pick 94. Charles Grant OT, William & Mary
Height: 6-5
Weight: 311
Projected 40 Time: 5.15
Charles Grant's rise is one of the best stories in this year's draft class. His playing style displays outstanding athletic traits and a solid technical foundation. He is a versatile prospect who has real promise as a starting tackle. What he may lack in sheer size, he more than makes up for with his exceptional movement skills and an innate competitive spirit.
Grant excels in zone-heavy systems, where his agility and precision at the second level deliver instant impact. Teams employing Shanahan or Kubiak-style offenses will see him as a day-two steal. He is a prospect who will be precisely what teams are looking for after he adds some NFL strength. Once his physical growth aligns with technical skills, the ceiling here looks like a promising starter at either tackle position. His film reveals a natural athlete with remarkable competitive toughness.
Pick 104. Devin Neal RB, Kansas
Height: 5-11
Weight: 213
Age: 21.7
40-Time: 4.58
Neal's dynamic athleticism is impossible to miss, especially when he plants his foot and bursts through the hole, showing off a second gear that differentiates potential backups from future stars. He is trending upwards, showcasing progress every season at Kansas, especially in his ability to process information quickly and overall field vision. Neal is expected to start as a change-of-pace option, capable of delivering immediate impact plays. However, he could take on a larger role if he can improve his pass protection and show more reliability between the tackles. His perfect destination would be a system emphasizing zone concepts, allowing his one-cut prowess and explosive speed to shine. Franchises such as Green Bay or Cleveland could provide Neal with the perfect environment to thrive, focusing on his ability to read the field, make quick cuts, and take advantage of cutback opportunities.
Pick 110. Joshua Farmer DT, Florida State
Height: 6-3
Weight: 305
Projected 40 Time: 5.11
Farmer is an ideal candidate for the three-technique position at the next level, where his explosive first step and inherent strength can be effectively utilized in a one-gap system. His unique combination of physical build and agility is clearly demonstrated in both his game film and testing metrics.
His potential as a pass rusher makes him an appealing option for sub-packages right from the get-go. Teams that employ aggressive 4-3 strategies, which focus on penetration rather than gap control, will benefit the most from his skill set.
Pick 179. Kyle McCord QB, Syracuse
Height: 6-3
Weight: 218
Age: 22.5
McCord presents as a quintessential pocket passer, showcasing a football IQ and rapid release that will seamlessly adapt to precision-oriented passing systems, highlighting the importance of ball placement and anticipation. His decisiveness and skill in layering throws with high-level accuracy place him perfectly for teams implementing West Coast strategies incorporating vertical elements. Although he may not impress with flashy plays, his ability to navigate the pocket and his keen anticipation when passing enable him to advance the offense reliably.
Teams employing robust play-action strategies will appreciate McCord's talent for executing fakes and delivering precise throws while on the move. His precision with deep throws and sophisticated grasp of defensive leverage indicate a quarterback ready to implement an NFL playbook.
Pick 192. R.J. Mickens Safety, Clemson
Height: 6-0
Weight: 199
40 Time: 4.49
Vertical: 41.5* (98th Percentile)
Mickens is seen as a diverse safety capable of making an immediate impact in sub-packages while exhibiting the potential to evolve into a starting role. His football IQ and disciplined eyes make him an asset on the backend of a defense. Still, he has shown the capacity to match up with tight ends, providing him with instant value in specific formations. His combination of intellect and athleticism equips him to serve as a dependable defensive asset capable of assuming various roles in the secondary.
His optimal placement at the next level will be with a defense that utilizes various coverage schemes and is willing to shuffle their safeties as needed. Teams employing heavy Cover-2 or quarters concepts will especially appreciate his skill in reading and reacting in zone coverage while also delivering a strong presence against the run.
Expect Mickens to influence special teams as he establishes his sub-package position quickly. While he isn't among the top-ranked safeties in this class, his versatility in playing both safety positions allows defensive coordinators to deploy modern schemes that use both safeties to alternate deep coverage, box responsibilities, and man-to-man coverage pre and post-snap in an effort to confuse opposing quarterbacks. His heady awareness and anticipation could allow him to carve out a valuable role in more complex defensive schemes.
Pick 216. Smael Mondon Jr. LB, Georgia
Height: 6-2
Weight: 224
40-Time: 4.58
Mondon exemplifies what it means to be a superior athlete instead of a football player. While showcasing exceptional explosiveness and impressive sideline-to-sideline speed that captivates viewers, the film indicates a defender who has yet to entirely translate those abilities into reliable playmaking on the field.
The ideal destination would feature a defense with strong leadership and clearly defined responsibilities, enabling him to perform while absorbing the intricacies of the role. His athletic traits suggest a top-75 selection, yet the inconsistent tape and medical concerns push him off most team's draft board.
Mondon's allure lies in the unexploited potential that he possesses due to his freakish athleticism. When he relies solely on instinct – such as shooting through a gap while blitzing or chasing down a screen in the flat, you catch glimpses of the potential. The key issue isn't about Mondon's physical capabilities to succeed at the next level; instead, it revolves around his ability to hone those skills and become an instinctual linebacker even when faced with the growing intricacies of NFL offenses.