We are just 12 days out from the NFL Draft. And if there was ever a draft that the Cleveland Browns needed to hit on, it’s this one.

Before I attempt to attack this draft, let me rewind the clock to the worst trade in NFL history.

This will be the first time since the 2021 NFL Draft that the Browns have their first round pick. The Deshaun Watson trade destroyed the last the few years of this franchise. If you listen to our podcast, you know how I’ve felt from the jump — there’s no reason to bore you here. In summation, Deshaun Watson has been hot garbage since he arrived. The decision to trade for him was asinine. And the contract given to him is something that could only be contrived by a smooth-brained ignoramus.

I’ve been the conductor of the DRAFT CAM WARD train, but it’s pretty clear that Ward will not drop to Cleveland at the second pick.

So what now?

Well, I have played around with Pro Football Network’s Mock Draft Simulator (you can try it out at: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/mockdraft) for a while now.

Here is the draft I’m most content with (for now) and I’ll dive into it below.

In PFF writer Mason Cameron’s latest mock draft, he simulated a trade between the Browns and the Chicago Bears. In his trade, he sent Cleveland’s 2nd overall pick to Chicago for the 10th, 39th, 148th, and the Bears’ 2026 first round pick. I completed this trade in the mock draft simulator and the Browns are on the clock at 10.

First Round, Pick 10

Ashton Jeanty, Running Back, Boise State

Listen, I know I’m already starting this off shaky as the Las Vegas Raiders and new head coach Pete Carroll are clubhouse favorites to take the draft’s best running back with their pick at 6. But let’s imagine a world where Jeanty is available at 10. With Nick Chubb gone, this team cannot go into 2025 with Jerome Ford being their go-to option at running the ball. Jeanty is simply built different. He had a legendary 2024 season with 2,601 yards and 7.0 yards per carry. He also averaged 5.1 yards after contact. You can’t ignore the fact that he racked up 30 touchdowns either and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting. He has a low center of gravity, is explosive, and very agile. Pair all of that with his instincts and I’m sold. I’ve seen the tape. I believe in Ashton Jeanty.

Now, here is where I played general manager again. The Browns were slated to not pick again until 33 (the first pick of the second round). I made a trade to get back into the first round. I sent the 33rd pick, 67th pick, 148th pick (received from the Bears) and Cleveland’s 2026 2nd round pick (remember, I picked up another 1st round pick from Chicago so I don’t necessarily need a 2nd round pick next year) to the Seattle Seahawks for the 18th overall pick.

First Round, Pick 18

Mike Green, Edge, Marshall

Ian, why not just take the best edge in the draft at 2? I am, but I’m taking him at 18 (ducks tomatoes being thrown at me).

I love Abdul Carter’s game, but I don’t think Mike Green’s game is far off. His 20.2% pass-rush win rate is impressive. He’s explosive and smart. The knock on him is his size and a few off the field questions. When I look at Green, I see an absolute monster capable of double-digit sacks opposite of the best edge in the league in Myles Garrett. Give me Green, get him in the weight room, and make Jim Schwartz’ defense even more potent.

Second Round, Pick 39

Jaxson Dart, Quarterback, Mississippi

Despite trading for Kenny Pickett, signing Joe Flacco, and still dedicating time to rehab Deshaun Watson, I have the Browns going quarterback here (and later on as well). Dart is the pick. During his three years leading Lane Kiffin’s offense at Ole Miss, Dart got better each year. In 2022, he threw for 2,974 yards, 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. In 2023, he threw for 3,364 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. In 2024, he threw for 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. He was first team SEC and broke the school record for most career passing yards and all-purpose yards. Pair the stats with his adequate size, plus athleticism, toughness, and decision-making skills, I like Dart’s value here. He can tuck and run when necessary, but he can also make it through a full field of progressions when he needs to as well. His work on third downs received high praise across the NCAA.

Third Round, Pick 94

Harold Fannin Jr., Tight End, Bowling Green

Fannin led the NCAA in catches and yards — for all pass-catchers — both wide receivers and tight ends. He hauled in 117 receptions for 1,555 yards. A knock on Fannin is that he played in the MAC. Well, he also played against Penn State and Texas A&M last year and they weren’t able to stop him either. His resume doesn’t stop there: he was a first team AP All-American, the MAC Player of the Year, and MAC Offensive Player of the Year. He also won the 68 Ventures Bowl MVP despite Bowling Green losing the game. The Canton, Ohio native ranked 2nd in overall production score at the combine among tight ends. He’s a monster after he catches the ball. He can get to his top speed quickly and can stay there until he’s wrestled to the ground. I like giving the Cleveland offense a second tight end to go along with David Njoku.

Fourth Round, Pick 104

Tory Horton, Wide Receiver, Colorado State

If you’re familiar with this name, then you know Horton has been a name tossed around the last few drafts; he was a fifth-year starter this year for Colorado State. His game translates. He has quick feet and is a leggy runner who covers a TON of ground once he kicks it into his top gear. He can stop on a dime and switch fields to elude defenders. His RAS is 9.81. I think his ceiling is a WR2, but I think he can get there quickly and be productive.

Sixth Round, Pick 179

Ty Robinson, Defensive Tackle, Nebraska

What Robinson lacks in defending the run (which, I should add, he’s not below average here), he makes up for in getting to the quarterback in the pass rush. He was a massive frame at 6’5. He plays PHYSICAL — I wouldn’t want to line up across from him. In 2024, he had 13 tackles for loss and 7 sacks. He’s a great bull-rusher and can toss offensive lineman aside with ease. Schwartz adds to his defensive front with Robinson.

Sixth Round, Pick 192

Carson Vinson, Offensive Tackle, Alabama A&M

Vinson played more that 3,300 career snaps in college football. He’s been at left tackle for each of those snaps. He’s physically gifted at 6’7 and 314 lbs. He has long arms and keeps defenders at bay. He’s a physical competitor with a high motor. Due to his size, it’s tough to get around him with how wide he can make himself. He’s not someone who is going to come in at start this year, but if Cleveland can find someone to develop their offensive linemen again (Miss you, Bill Callahan), Vinson could be a value pick this late in the draft.

Sixth Round, Pick 200

Kyle McCord, Quarterback, Syracuse

I told you I was taking another quarterback later. I’m going Kyle McCord (if he’s here). While McCord was banished from Ohio State, I knew he would do well elsewhere. Buckeye fans, I get it, he couldn’t get it done, but he wasn’t awful. At Syracuse, McCord led the FBS in completions with 391 and passing yards with 4,779. He offers little to nothing in the athlete department, but he’s an excellent thrower. He became a smarter quarterback at Syracuse and improved his decision-making skills. His poise and confidence improved as well. Of all my picks in this mock, I think this is the biggest stretch. I don’t think McCord is here this late. If I’m being honest, I think someone takes him in the third round. But if he’s here, I’m RUNNING to turn in the ticket.

Sixth Round, Pick 216

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Defensive Tackle, Georgia

Ingram-Dawkins has tremendous upside, but he’s a gamble. It’s kind of low risk/high reward getting someone like this at this point in the draft. His RAS is 9.79. His athleticism is his greatest strength, but his game IQ is his greatest weakness. The knock against him is his inability to diagnose plays. If Schwartz can work with him and the rest of the staff can tap into that potential, this could be a solid pick. The problem is, will other teams jump and take him earlier for the same reasons?

Seventh Round, Pick 255

Nickolas Martin, Linebacker, Oklahoma State

What Martin lacks in size, he makes up for in athleticism: very agile and quick. He had an incredible 2023 season, but was limited to just 5 games in 2024. In 2023, he led the Big 12 in solo tackles with 83. He added 16 tackles for loss. He is an above average blitzer. Before his knee injury in 2024, he had 47 tackles and 7.5 for loss. This could be a sneaky pick in the final round if no one else is willing to take a chance.

There you have it, ladies and gentlemen. My Cleveland Browns mock draft ahead of the actual draft on April 24th. None of this will actually happen and I’ll be made to look like a fool.

Joke’s on them, I’m a Browns fan — I can’t be made to look anymore foolish than I already am.

Go Browns!