The 2024 NFL draft is nearly a year away but you can bet general manager Andrew Berry has already begun scouting for next April. It is hard to tell what the Cleveland Browns will need to focus on before watching the 2023 season start to play out. However, you can be a little predictive based on contracts and the age of the current roster.
The team doesn’t have any linebackers outside Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah on long-term deals past this season. They also have questions about the future of the offensive line both at tackle and guard. Let’s take a look at how next year’s draft could play out in this way too early 2024 mock draft.
Round 2, Pick 48: Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Ohio State
The Browns need to find a tackling machine for the middle of their defense and that is exactly what Eichenberg was last season. In 2022 he totaled 120 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and one interception. He is an instinctual player with a high football IQ and good athleticism to pair with it. He could be the long-term answer as the quarterback of the defense going forward.
Round 3, Pick 80: Javion Cohen, OG, Miami (FL)
The former Alabama left guard has transferred to Miami FL and was one of the highest recruits at his position coming out of high school. The Browns have an aging left guard, who is still playing great, and a right guard who might not be in the financial future of the team. Cohen has played at the highest level in college for Alabama and allowed just 1.5 sacks in 2022.
Round 5, Pick 133: Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
The Browns still have long-term depth questions at defensive tackle and Braden Fiske would provide a solid pass rush off the bench. Transferring to Florida State will also show if he can play well against better competition. Last season for Wester Michigan Fiske had 12 tackles for loss and six sacks as well as three forced fumbles.
Round 5, Pick 162: Trey Sanders, Running Back, TCU
The Browns will be facing questions about the running back room soon as Nick Chubb nears the end of his contract. Sanders is a strong back that runs with impressive power but also has good vision and athleticism to hit cutback lanes to break big runs. He hasn’t seen a ton of chances as a receiver out of the backfield but has shown the ability to pick up blitzes as a pass protector.
Round 6, Pick 184: Jalen Catalon, S, Texas
The team will face a decision with Grant Delpit next season and if they move on they will need to add to the room. Jalen Catalon is an aggressive ball-hawking safety that has missed some time due to injury. He is a thumper who isn’t afraid of contact and lays some big hits against the run. Moving over to Texas the biggest questions for Catalon will be answered about his health moving forward.
Round 7, Pick 198: J. Michael Sturdivant, WR, UCLA
J. Michael Sturdivant is a long player that has dynamic playmaking after the catch with track star-level speed. He has a nice blend of size and athleticism that could help him blossom into a productive NFL player. In his redshirt freshman season last year, he had 65 catches for 755 yards and seven touchdowns.
Round 7, Pick 208: Julian Pearl, OT, Illinois
You can never have enough offensive linemen and we have seen the Browns focus on drafting multiple each year. Pearl has the versatility the Browns love having played right guard, right tackle, and left tackle for Illinois in his collegiate career. He allowed only two sacks in nine games last year and will be an older prospect returning for a sixth season.
