The consensus among draft analysts for who — or even what position — the Browns should target with their first draft pick at No. 74 hasn't exactly been unanimous, but that's changing in the second (and final) edition of the ClevelandBrowns.com mock draft.
Our three mockers each believe the Browns will add to the defensive line with their first pick at No. 74 overall, and all but one of the picks at No. 98 will target the defense, too.
Who do the guys think will be in Cleveland by the end of Day 2? They explain their reasoning below.
Staff writer Anthony Poisal sees the Browns drafting an Ohio State defensive end and Penn State safety in his mock draft of the Browns' third round
Penn State safety Ji'Ayir Brown answers questions during a press conference ahead of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Utah, Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Ohio State defensive lineman Zach Harrison plays against Arkansas State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Defensive back Ji'Ayir Brown runs a drill during Penn State's football pro day, in State College, Pa., Friday, March 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State defensive end Zach Harrison (9) celebrates with fans after defeating Penn State 44-31 in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Defensive back Ji'Ayir Brown runs the 40-yard dash during Penn State's football pro day, in State College, Pa., Friday, March 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Ohio State football defensive end Zach Harrison runs a drill at the school's NFL Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Penn State safety Ji'Ayir Brown takes a selfie with fans after the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Utah Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Penn State safety Ji'Ayir Brown (16) returns a fumble for a touchdown past Rutgers defensive lineman Wesley Bailey (23) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Piscataway, N.J. Penn State won 55-10. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Penn State defensive back Ji'Ayir Brown runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Penn State defensive back Ji'Ayir Brown runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Ohio State defensive end Zach Harrison (9) pass rushes during an NCAA college football game against Penn State, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Ohio State defensive lineman Zach Harrison poses for a portrait at the NFL football Combine on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023 in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Images for the NFL)
Penn State safety Ji'Ayir Brown (16) grabs the jersey of Utah wide receiver Money Parks (10) during the first half in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Penn State safety Ji'Ayir Brown (16) arrives for an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Ohio State defensive lineman Zach Harrison plays against Iowa during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State defensive end Zach Harrison answers questions from the media after a college football game with Minnesota Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Ohio State defensive lineman Zach Harrison plays against Maryland during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State defensive lineman Zach Harrison plays against Penn State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State defensive end Zach Harrison (9) against Rutgers during an NCAA football game, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Piscataway, N.J. Ohio State won 52-13. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
Penn State safety Ji'Ayir Brown (16) returns an interception while being pursued by Northwestern wide receiver Donny Navarro III (80) and running back Evan Hull (26) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Anthony Poisal
Round 3 (No. 74)
DE Zach Harrison, Ohio State - This would be an excellent option at this stage of the draft for the Browns. Harrison is just 21 years old, tested well at the combine and wouldn't be needed to take immediate snaps if he isn't ready after the Browns grabbed Ogbo Okoronkwo to be a starting option. They need more depth, however, next to Alex Wright and Isaiah Thomas, and Harrison appears to be a player other draft analysts believe could climb up depth charts rather quickly.
Round 3 (No. 98)
S Ji'Ayir Brown, Penn State - The Browns also need to add depth at safety behind Juan Thornhill and Grant Delpit, and Brown, who was named Penn State's Most Valuable Player last season, could be a great fit. He snagged 10 interceptions his last two college seasons, including four last year, and also punched two forced fumbles. He's incredibly aggressive, and draft analysts believe he'll need to use that trait more wisely in the NFL to avoid making mistakes, but he could be a solid backup option as a newcomer.
Color commentator and Cleveland Browns Daily host Nathan Zegura has mocked a defensive tackle and a running back to the Browns in his mock draft of their third round
Pittsburgh running back Israel Abanikanda (2) leads the Pittsburgh band in the school fight song after the team defeated Virginia Tech in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Pittsburgh. Abanikanda scored six touchdowns and ran for over 300 yards as Pittsburgh won 45-29. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh running back Israel Abanikanda takes part in the NCAA college football team's NFL Pro Day in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, March 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh running back Israel Abanikanda, right, takes part in the NCAA college football team's NFL Pro Day in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, March 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
National defensive lineman Keeanu Benton of Wisconsin (95) during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, in Mobile, Ala.. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Wisconsin defensive lineman Keeanu Benton runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Wisconsin defensive lineman Keeanu Benton runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Wisconsin nose tackle Keeanu Benton smiles while warming up before playing against Nebraska in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
Wisconsin defensive lineman Keeanu Benton runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Pittsburgh running back Israel Abanikanda (2) runs against North Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
Wisconsin's Keeanu Benton warms up before an NCAA college football game against Illinois State Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022 in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
Pittsburgh running back Israel Abanikanda (2) runs away from Duke linebacker Cam Dillon (35) on a twenty yard plus run during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh won 28-26. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh running back Israel Abanikanda (2) looks for an opening in the Louisville line during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
Pittsburgh running back Israel Abanikanda (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Duke during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh running back Israel Abanikanda (2) runs away from Duke linebacker Cam Dillon (35) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Wisconsin nose tackle Keeanu Benton plays during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Pittsburgh running back Israel Abanikanda, right, takes part in the NCAA college football team's NFL Pro Day in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, March 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
FILE - Pittsburgh running back Israel Abanikanda (2) runs the ball past Virginia Tech defensive back Brion Murray (8), scoring one of his six touchdowns in an NCAA college football game against Virginia Tech, during the second half Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Pittsburgh. Abanikanda was selected the surprise player in the Associated Press ACC Midseason Awards, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022.(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)
Wisconsin defensive lineman Keeanu Benton, right, tackles Ohio State running back Dallan Hayden during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Wisconsin defensive lineman Keeanu Benton, right, sacks Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
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Nathan Zegura
Round 3 (No. 74)
DT Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin - The Browns still need help in the interior of their defensive line, and they get a big, strong anchor with pass rushing ability in Benton. He has the great size the Browns are looking for at 6'4", 309 and is coming off of a productive season that saw him net 10 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks at Wisconsin.
Round 3 (No. 98)
RB Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh - Following the departures of both Kareem Hunt and D'Ernest Johnson, the Browns are thin at the running back position and use their compensatory third round pick to add some real talent to the mix along with Nick Chubb and last year's fifth round pick. Abanikanda is a natural zone-scheme, one-cut runner with home run speed and the elusiveness to make defenders miss. He also carries 216 pounds well and clocked in with a brisk 4.44 40-yard dash as well. In his last season at Pitt, he amassed over 1,500 total yards and led the nation with 21 total touchdowns (20 rushing), while averaging 6.0 yards per carry. He has the talent to be a starter down the line and could definitely challenge for the top backup spot immediately while also bolstering the return games.
Radio producer Jason Gibbs predicts the Browns to take not one, but two defensive ends in his mock draft of their third-round picks
Bowling Green defensive lineman Karl Brooks (44) rushes on defense at Akron quarterback Kato Nelson (1) in the first half during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Bowling Green, Ohio. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Army linebacker Andre Carter II speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Wednesday, March 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Army linebacker Andre Carter II poses for a portrait at the NFL football Combine on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023 in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Images for the NFL)
Bowling Green defensive lineman Karl Brooks (44) during an NCAA football game on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 in Bowling Green, Ohio. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
National linebacker Andre Carter II of Army (34) runs drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, in Mobile, Ala.. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National linebacker Andre Carter II of Army (34) runs drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, in Mobile, Ala.. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Army linebacker Andre Carter II speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Wednesday, March 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Army linebacker Andre Carter II (34) celebrates after sacking Georgia State quarterback Cornelious Brown IV (4) during the first quarter of an NCAA football game Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
National linebacker Andre Carter II of Army (34) runs drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, in Mobile, Ala.. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
FILE - Georgia State quarterback Cornelious Brown IV (4) is tackled by Army linebacker Andre Carter II during the first quarter of an NCAA football game Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Atlanta. Army plays Missouri in the Armed Forces Bowl on Wednesday, Dec. 22. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)
National linebacker Andre Carter II of Army (34) runs drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, in Mobile, Ala.. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Jason Gibbs
Round 3 (No. 74)
Andre Carter, EDGE, Army - OK, hear me out. Yes, he needs time in the weight room (our strength guys are the best), but he has great length and is a great athlete. He has all the tools you need to develop into a solid pass rusher in the NFL. In 2021, Carter became Army's first AP All-American in 31 years (third-team). He finished his career with 20 sacks, which is second all-time in the history of the program. I'm told Army hasn't had a player drafted in the top 200 picks in the Super Bowl era. In honor of my father who served in the Army, I say that string ends here in 2023.
Round 3 (No. 98)
Karl Brooks, EDGE/DL, Bowling Green - Strictly a homer pick. But there are A LOT of NFL teams that have an interest (the Browns reportedly met with him). 6'3"and 303 pounds. Crushed it at the Senior Bowl. Was somehow NOT invited to the NFL Combine. Can play anywhere on the D-Line. First team PFF All-American. Two-Time All-MAC. Top five nationally in pressures. Led BG in sacks in ALL FIVE SEASONS. Need I say more? Sure, he's probably more of a day three guy, but let's go get him early.
