Saturday, January 16, 2021

Cleveland Browns 2021 NFL Mock Draft Roundup, 4.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Cleveland Browns Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Cleveland Browns from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

For a more inclusive lists of mock drafts for the Cleveland Browns, check out our 2021 Cleveland Browns Mock Draft Database.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Browns:

EDSFootball - Kevin Hanson (1/15)

26. Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

The recipient of the Bronko Nagurski Award, the versatile Tulsa defender (6-4, 260) can rush the passer or drop in coverage. Collins had four sacks and four interceptions, which includes two returned for scores, in eight games this season.

San Diego Union Tribune - Eddie Brown (1/13)

26. Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

The Browns need to upgrade their pass rush outside of Myles Garrett, but they also need to improve their linebacker corps. Collins has the size (6-4, 260), athleticism and positional flexibility that will cause most defensive coordinators to drool. He received the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded by the Football Writers Association of America to the top defensive player in college football.

CBS Sports - Chris Trapasso (1/13)

26. Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia

Ojulari has threatening acceleration off the line of scrimmage and with more pass-rushing moves and strength, he can be one of the best young edge rushers in the NFL.

The Athletic - Dane Brugler (1/12)

26. Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami (FL)

With Myles Garrett frequently facing multiple blockers, the Browns need to add another pass rusher opposite him. Phillips is a first-round talent with his athletic movements and handwork, but his landing spot on draft day will come down to teams' medical grades.

The Draft Network - Joe Marino (1/7)

23. Daviyon Nixon, IDL, Iowa

Larry Ogunjobi is set to become a free agent and so is Sheldon Richardson after 2021, creating the need for Cleveland to invest in the interior defensive line. Nixon put together an exceptional 2020 campaign and is among the biggest risers in the class. He's an athletic pass rusher that provides gap-penetration ability on the inside.

ESPN - Todd McShay (1/7)

23. Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

The playoff-bound Browns will probably be looking exclusively at the defense here, though wide receiver depth is again something to watch. The secondary could use reinforcements, with Terrance Mitchell, Karl Joseph, Andrew Sendejo and Kevin Johnson finishing their current deals with the team; but remember that Grant Delpit and Greedy Williams will return from the injured reserve next season. A middle linebacker also might be in play. But edge rushing is this team's biggest hole going forward. Myles Garrett can't do it alone -- he had 12 of Cleveland's 38 sacks this season -- and Olivier Vernon might not be back. Collins, who would be Tulsa's second first-rounder in the common draft era, has closing burst off the edge.

USA Today - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (1/5)

23. Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

At 6-4 and 260 pounds with impressive coverage ability and burgeoning pass-rushing skills, Collins is the kind of playmaker Cleveland needs at the second level.

Athlon Sports - Bryan Fisher (1/5)

23. Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

There's a bit of a drop-off at cornerback after Horn in this year's draft so Cleveland would be wise to jump on this selection to help upgrade that secondary.

Previous update: Cleveland Browns Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

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