This is a new spot for the Browns.
In recent years, Cleveland was near or at the top of the draft. And while predictions for whom the Browns would take still had their fair share of misses, there were only so many guesses to make.
Now, with the Browns at No. 17 after their encouraging 2018 campaign, the possibilities seem endless.
We'll track the guesses every week in some form or fashion leading up to the 2019 NFL Draft. Here's the first round.
Mel Kiper Jr. - ESPN.com: DT Jeffery Simmons - Mississippi State* Of note*: The ESPN draft guru compares Simmons to another former Bulldog, Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs. Jones, who was selected by Browns general manager John Dorsey, is coming off a 15.5-sack season.
Daniel Jeremiah - NFL.com: OT Andre Dillard - Washington State* Of note*: Jeremiah considers Dillard, who was a three-year starter for the Cougars, to be the best pass protector in this year's draft class.
Of note**: Simmons, a first-team All-SEC selection, was a dominant force in the middle of Mississippi State's defense who constantly drew double teams.
Walter Cherepinsky - WalterFootball.com: DT Dre'Mont Jones - Ohio State* Of note*: It'd mark the second straight year the Browns take a Buckeye in the first round. Last year's didn't work out too bad, did it?
Matt Miller - Bleacher Report: CB Deandre Baker - Georgia* Of note*: Baker capped his final season at Georgia by winning the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given annually to the nation's top defensive back.
Steve Palazzolo - Pro Football Focus: DT Christian Wilkins - Clemson* Of note*: Wilkins surprised a lot of people when he opted to return for his senior season. His decision netted him a national championship and no damage to his draft stock,
Of note**: A Miami native, Baker started for three seasons and racked up seven interceptions. He was a consensus All-American in 2018.
Chris Trapasso - CBSSports.com: WR D.K. Metcalf - Ole Miss* Of note*: At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, Metcalf would provide a massive target in Cleveland's young receiving corps.
Of note**: Metcalf's 2018 season was cut short by a neck injury. He had 26 catches for 569 yards and five touchdowns in seven games.
