Over the next few weeks, as the 2021 NFL Draft gets closer and closer, we're spotlighting a different position group or draft storyline at ClevelandBrowns.com.
In our Road to the Draft series, we've taken a deep dive into the top prospects available at each position group. Now, we're focusing on the teams ahead of the Browns and how their draft decisions might affect what Cleveland does with the 26th overall pick.
The Browns are in uncharted territory.
With the 26th overall pick, Cleveland is holding its latest first-round selection since 1995, when it was also pegged 26th in the draft order. The Browns will have numerous options and plenty of time once the draft starts to decide how they spend their pick, and much of the reasoning behind that decision will likely be based on what occurs with the 25 decisions other NFL teams will make before them.
When might selections begin to impact their plans? For this exercise, we're going to start at pick No. 15 — that's when some of the top defensive prospects, many of whom have been mocked to the Browns, might start to come off the board. We'll use mock drafts from ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay, The Athletic's Dane Brugler, NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah and NBC Sports' Peter King.
15. Patriots
Kiper/McShay: (Lions trade up from pick No. 7) LB Micah Parsons (Penn State)
Brugler: LB Zaven Collins (Tulsa)
Jeremiah: Parsons
King: WR DeVonta Smith (Alabama)
Summary: Parsons, as well as cornerback Patrick Surtain II, are widely projected to be the top two defensive players off the board. Any slide past No. 10 for either prospect likely means good news for the Browns if they're looking for top defensive prospects in the first round. Collins' selection at No. 15 proves just how scattered the mock predictions are for many of the top defenders — he's been selected as a potential second-rounder in other mock drafts.
16. Cardinals
Kiper/McShay: CB Jaycee Horn (South Carolina)
Brugler: WR DeVonta Smith (Alabama)
Jeremiah: WR Jaylen Waddle (Alabama)
King: CB Greg Newsome II (Northwestern)
Summary: The Cardinals need to replace All-Pro CB Patrick Peterson, who's now with the Vikings, and could target a trusted young receiver to pair with WR DeAndre Hopkins. Top options for both of those needs likely will be on the table for Arizona.
17. Raiders
Kiper/McShay: S Trevon Moehrig (TCU)
Brugler: OT Christian Darrisaw (Virginia Tech)
Jeremiah: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Notre Dame)
King: CB Caleb Farley (Virginia Tech)
Summary: The Raiders need starting caliber players and depth across several positions, so this pick very much falls in the "best player available" range. With three defensive positions as a possibility, this pick could also determine how other dominoes fall among defensive prospects.
18. Dolphins
Kiper/McShay: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Notre Dame)
Brugler: LB Micah Parsons (Penn State)
Jeremiah: EDGE Gregory Rousseau (Miami)
King: EDGE Jaelan Phillips (Miami)
Summary: The Dolphins will probably address an offensive position with their first pick of the draft at No. 6, which leaves No. 18 available for the defense. A slide to No. 18 from Parsons would be a surprise, while the three other prospects are candidates the Browns could consider for their pick.
19. Washington
Kiper/McShay: LB Jamin Davis (Kentucky)
Brugler: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Notre Dame)
Jeremiah: OL Alijah Vera-Tucker (USC)
King: OT Christian Darrisaw (Virginia Tech)
Summary: Linebacker, guard and tackle are among the top needs for Washington. Owusu-Koramoah is arguably the most athletic and versatile linebacker of the class, while Davis has gained much traction recently due to an attractive pro day.
20. Bears
Kiper/McShay: CB Caleb Farley (Virginia Tech)
Brugler: OT Teven Jenkins (Oklahoma State)
Jeremiah: CB Greg Newsome II (Northwestern)
King: WR Rashod Bateman (Minnesota)
Summary: The Bears are one of a few teams rumored to be interested in trading up for one of the top quarterbacks. If they stay put, they have several positions on both sides of the ball that need help with a first-rounder.
21. Colts
Kiper/McShay: EDGE Jaelan Phillips (Miami)
Brugler: Phillips
Jeremiah: OT Christian Darrisaw (Virginia Tech)
King: (Browns trade up from pick No. 26) LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Notre Dame)
Summary: King's trade prediction would move the Browns up to selecting one of the most athletically gifted linebackers of the class. He compared Owusu-Koramoah to Devin White, whose sideline-to-sideline speed helped the Buccaneers win Super Bowl LV. If the Colts stay pat, they've been largely projected to take an edge rusher.
22. Titans
Kiper/McShay: WR Elijah Moore (Ole Miss)
Brugler: DT Christian Barmore (Alabama)
Jeremiah: CB Caleb Farley (Virginia Tech)
King: (Ravens trade up from pick No. 27) EDGE Kwity Paye (Michigan)
Summary: The Titans have several defensive positions to fill in the draft and could also use a replacement for departed free agent WR Corey Davis. Brugler's selection of Barmore is the earliest a DT has come off the board in any of the four mock drafts.
23. Jets
Kiper/McShay: CB Greg Newsome II (Northwestern)
Brugler: EDGE Azeez Ojulari (Georgia)
Jeremiah: Ojulari
King: EDGE Gregory Rousseau (Miami)
Summary: The Jets will grab their quarterback with their first selection at No. 2, so No. 23 is a prime position for a defensive addition. Their pick could be the final defensive player drafted before the Browns three picks later.
24. Steelers
Kiper/McShay: RB Najee Harris (Alabama)
Brugler: Harris
Jeremiah: OT Teven Jenkins (Oklahoma State)
King: Harris
Summary: RB James Conner is now with the Cardinals, so the Steelers, who averaged a paltry 3.6 yards per carry last season, are heavy favorites to take the first running back of the draft. Harris is considered by most to be the top prospect at the position.
25. Jaguars
Kiper/McShay: WR Kadarius Toney (Florida)
Brugler: WR Elijah Moore (Ole Miss)
Jeremiah: S Trevon Moehrig (TCU)
King: EDGE Jayson Oweh (Penn State)
Summary: The Jags already have WRs DJ Chark, Marvin Jones and Laviska Shenault but could opt to give Trevor Lawrence a fourth quality receiving weapon. They have lots of areas to fill on the defense, too.
What did we learn?
- Good luck predicting the order in which the DEs will fall. Paye, Ojulari, Phillips and Rousseau are all candidates to be the first off the board, but each of them are also candidates to be the last edge rusher taken in all of Round 1.
- Owusu-Koramoah appears to be unlikely to still be on the board at No. 26. That's why King predicted the Browns to trade up and get him.
- The top linebackers to fall after Parsons and Owusu-Koramoah in all the mock drafts were Davis and Collins. Brugler had Collins as the first linebacker selected in the draft, which would be a big surprise to many others.
- Farley and Newsome have a much greater chance of being available at No. 26 than initially thought one month ago. Both CBs were still on the board when the Browns were up in Brugler's mock draft, while Newsome was only three picks away from them in the Kiper/McShay mock.
- It appears likely that at least one receiver from the group of Rashod Bateman, Kadarius Toney or Elijah Moore will be available at pick No. 26. The Browns might not be interested at all in taking a receiver, but they should have promising options should they consider adding to the position.
The 2021 NFL Draft is coming to Cleveland, and you can be a part of the action at the NFL Draft Experience. The free, three-day football festival celebrates all 32 clubs and attracts fans who want to feel connected the NFL, its history and future. Click to get your tickets now.
Over the next few weeks, as the 2021 NFL Draft gets closer and closer, we're spotlighting a different position group each day at ClevelandBrowns.com.
Our Road to the Draft series will dive deep into the top players available at each position group. In this series, we'll be analyzing what the Browns have on hand and how that may affect the team's decision making with its nine selections.
South Carolina defensive back Jaycee Horn (1) lines up against Vanderbilt wide receiver Amir Abdur-Rahman (2) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
UCLA defensive lineman Jaelan Phillips, right, and linebacker Josh Woods, left, is seen against Texas A&M an NCAA college football game, Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017, in Pasadena, Calif. UCLA won 45-44. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)
FILE - Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) sets up for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Gainesville, Fla., in this Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, file photo. Toney is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft, April 29-May 1, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
FILE - Georgia linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) celebrates with his teammates after a sack during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi State in Athens, Ga., in this Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, file photo. Ojulari is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft, April 29-May 1, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)
FILE - Kentucky linebacker Jamin Davis (44) rushes UT Martin quarterback John Bachus III (18) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., in this Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, file photo. Davis is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft, April 29-May 1, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston, FIle)
FILE - Christian Darrisaw smiles after completing a set of offensive line drills during Virginia Tech Pro Day in Blacksburg, Va., in this Friday, March 26, 2021, file photo. Darrisaw is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft, April 29-May 1, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Matt Gentry, File)
Oklahoma State offensive linemen Teven Jenkins, left, and Ry Schneider, right, participate in a drill at NFL pro day, Thursday, April 1, 2021, in Stillwater, Okla. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman makes a catch during Minnesota NFL football Pro Day Thursday, April 1, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton- King)
Northwestern cornerback Greg Newsome II, participates in the school's Pro Day football workout for NFL scouts Tuesday, March 9, 2021, in Evanston, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Southern California guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) participates in the school's pro day football workout for NFL scouts Wednesday, March 24, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Former Mississippi wide receiver Elijah Moore pulls up after catching a pass during a drill at the school's pro day football workout for NFL scouts in Oxford, Miss., Thursday, March 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah participates in Notre Dame's Pro Day workout on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Robert Franklin)
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney of Florida (1) during the American team practice for the NCAA college football Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza)
National Team running back Najee Harris of Alabama (22) walks to the sideline during the National team practice for the NCAA college Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza)
Alabama defensive lineman Christian Barmore celebrates after a tackle against Ohio State during the first half of an NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith celebrates after scoring against Ohio State during the first half of an NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
National Team running back Najee Harris of Alabama (22) talks to a coach during the National Team practice for the NCAA Senior Bowl college football game in Mobile, Ala. Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith looks on against Notre Dame during the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) looks on against Alabama during the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) warms up before the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama running back Najee Harris (22) runs with the ball during the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Penn State defensive end Jayson Oweh (28) watches pregame before an NCAA college football game against Illinois in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Mississippi wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) runs for yardage during an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. Moore was selected to The Associated Press All-America first-team offense, Monday, Dec. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19) defends against Minnesota in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Minneapolis. Michigan won 49-24. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs against Alabama during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Penn State defensive end Jayson Oweh (28) lines up against Ohio State in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State defensive end Jayson Oweh (28) warms up for an NCAA college football game against Michigan State in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye plays during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Oklahoma State offensive lineman Teven Jenkins (73) during an NCAA college football game against Texas in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman (0) during an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, in Minneapolis. Iowa won 35-7. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Alabama defensive lineman Christian Barmore (58) runs before an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman (0) stands on the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Purdue, Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 34-31. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Southern California offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) in the second half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Tucson, Ariz. Southern California won 34-30. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Mississippi wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) runs against South Carolina in the first half in an NCAA college football game, in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. Mississippi won 59-42. (AP Photo/Bruce Newman)
South Carolina defensive back Jaycee Horn plays against Vanderbilt in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah plays against Boston College during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Jaelan Phillips of Miami celebrates a defensive stop during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Virginia Tech Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Blacksburg, Va. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP, Pool)
TCU safety Trevon Moehrig (7) defends during an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Fort Worth, Texas. Oklahoma won 33-14. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
FILE - In this Nov. 30, 2019, file photo, Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons (11) tackles Rutgers tight end Johnathan Lewis (11) in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, in State College, Pa. Penn State All-American Micah Parsons is opting out of the 2020 season because of concerns about COVID-19. The junior linebacker made his announcement with a social media post Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)
Georgia linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons (11) celebrates with his team following the 53-39 win over Memphis in an NCAA Cotton Bowl college football game, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Georgia defensive back Azeez Ojulari (13) against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game in Fayetteville, Ark. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
FILE - In this Aug. 31, 2019, file photo, Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons (11) laughs on the bench in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Idaho in State College, Pa. Parsons was selected to The Associated Press preseason All-America first-team, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. Parsons and Oregon tackle Penei Sewell are among 11 players selected who are not slated to play this fall. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith runs the ball during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Missouri Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
FILE - In this Sept. 21, 2019, file photo, Miami defensive lineman Gregory Rousseau (15) celebrates a turnover and wears the turnover chain during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Central Michigan, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Rousseau was selected to The Associated Press All-Atlantic Coast Conference football team, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)
FILE - In this Nov. 30, 2019, file photo, Miami's Gregory Rousseau (15) tackles Duke's Deon Jackson (25) during the second half of an NCAA college football game between Miami and Duke in Durham, N.C. Rousseau was selected to The Associated Press preseason All-America first-team, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Chris Seward, File)
Kentucky linebacker Jamin Davis (44) celebrates after sacking Louisville quarterback Evan Conley (6) during the second half of the NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Lexington, Ky. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Virginia Tech tight end James Mitchell celebrates his touchdown with teammates Luke Tenuta and Christian Darrisaw during the Pittsburgh Virginia Tech NCAA college football game in Blacksburg, Va., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Matt Bell)
Alabama defensive lineman Christian Barmore (58) celebrates a sack against Western Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) carries the ball against Auburn during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
South Carolina defensive back Jaycee Horn (1) celebrates a stop during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) runs after a catch against Arkansas during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Virginia Tech defensive back Caleb Farley (3) lines up during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Miami, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Virginia Tech defensive back Caleb Farley (3) returns an interception for a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA football game against Georgia Tech Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Virginia defensive back Caleb Farley (3) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Miami, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye reacts after sacking Rutgers quarterback Artur Sitkowski in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
TCU safety Trevon Moehrig (7) in action as TCU played Purdue in an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
UCLA linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) celebrates after sacking Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
TCU safety Trevon Moehrig (7) in action as TCU played Purdue in an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Oklahoma State's Teven Jenkins at the start of an NCAA college football game in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.(AP Photo/Brody Schmidt)
Northwestern defensive back Greg Newsome II (2) in action against Stanford during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
