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Cleveland Browns: 2018 4-Round mock draft, projecting needs

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:19 p.m. ET

Fansided, Peter Smith/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; General overall view of in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft as the Cleveland Browns prepare for the No. pick at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With the 2017 draft in the books, we can turn to the 2018 NFL Draft and use it to project needs the Cleveland Browns will have and players that could interest them.

The Cleveland Browns appeared to hit on several incredibly talented players that could become great players for the team now and in the future, but even the team itself acknowledged that they still have issues to address and needs to fill.

With that state of the roster and how the Browns have drafted the past two seasons, it's not incredibly difficult to identify where the team needs help and project players that could interest them in the upcoming class, assuming the underclassmen declare. The front office has also been able to add a number of extra picks, including an extra first-round pick, two second-rounders, an extra fourth and a sixth-round pick.

Obviously a year out, it's easy to say that a certain player won't be available at a certain pick. It's possible that almost none of these players are available at the pick they are taken, but it's an easy way to get to highlight some players in the 2018 class, regardless of where they go or if they choose to come out this season at all.

The draft order is based on odds from Las Vegas of teams winning the Super Bowl. Amazingly, the Browns are ahead of seven other teams in that respect. The draft was done on Fanspeak.com and it was four rounds, which in the case of the Browns means they will have an incredible eight picks, so there's no shortage of players to talk about and areas to address.

Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) makes an interception and returns it for a touchdown against the Florida Gators during the first quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB – Alabama – 6-1, 203 lbs. (Listed)

In two years, Fitzpatrick's production at Alabama is outstanding. He appears to have prototypical size, shows tremendous athleticism and raw speed with great instincts as a defender. Fitzpatrick has largely played corner but when Eddie Jackson broke his leg this past season, they moved Fitzpatrick to free safety to fill the void and he was great.

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He's a defensive back that could conceivably play both spots in the NFL, but he may prove more valuable to the Browns if he's a free safety playing next to Jabrill Peppers. With his outstanding range and the ability to play over the top or underneath, he becomes a huge wildcard in Gregg Williams' defensive scheme.

They have the ability to play a match up defense where Fitzpatrick can follow around a particular opposing player if the defense wants or the situation dictates. He's also shown the ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage, has been able to contribute as a blitzer from the corner or safety spot.

As long as his athleticism checks out and he doesn't have the character or medical flags that dogged some of his teammates in this past draft class, Fitzpatrick has a chance to be a top 10 pick and the top defensive back in the 2018 draft, should he choose to declare.

Although the Browns didn't draft a free safety in 2017, they reportedly were ready to take Malik Hooker if they didn't trade down with Houston and Gregg Williams was lobbying for Obi Melifonwu at the 52nd pick, per Michael Silver of NFL.com. They clearly see the need there, but just didn't address it this year, save a promising undrafted free agent in Kai Nacua from BYU. It's difficult to imagine this won't be a major focus heading into 2018.

Dec 27, 2016; San Diego , CA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) prepares to throw a pass against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the 2016 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1 (via HOU): Luke Falk, QB – Washington State – 6-4, 216 lbs. (Listed)

Age: 22 (Born Dec. 28, 1994)

Nothing the Browns have done at the quarterback situation precludes them from taking a top prospect in 2018. Most likely, they will be looking at this class and looking to pick the guy they really want to build around as a franchise quarterback.

For all the talk about the underclassmen and all of the potential they have, the top senior might be the right option for the Browns. Had Luke Falk declared in 2017, I think he had a good shot to be a first round selection and one the Browns would have targeted.

It would hardly be a surprise if Falk steadily works his way up draft boards and is one of the top quarterbacks in the 2018 class and is a target for the Browns, given his metrics and having the tools that Hue Jackson would want in a quarterback in terms of raw arm talent.

His numbers and efficiency are excellent which will translate to high marks in terms of analytics. While some will dismiss them to due to the fact he played in an Air Raid scheme, so did Patrick Mahomes, who was just selected 10th overall. Mitchell Trubisky's offensive scheme had a lot of those types of principles in it.

Falk is not a dual threat quarterback. The less moving he does, the better. He wins from the pocket and he beats team with his arm. His arm strength and accuracy are excellent. The best case for Falk may simply be the fact that he's producing and winning in an extremely stout Pac-12 conference.

There will be valid concerns about Falk transitioning to a pro style offense, how he does calling plays and taking snaps under center. Hopefully he's working on some as he prepares for his senior year. Nevertheless, Falk has led the Cougars to an 18-11 record and as long as he stays healthy, he'll leave college with over 40 starts, a winning record and the potential to come in and start immediately.

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans defensive back Iman Marshall (8) celebrates an interception against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the first quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2 (via PHI): Iman "Biggie" Marshall, CB – USC – 6-1, 200 lbs. (Listed)

Age: 20 (Born Feb. 27, 1997)

Marshall was a 5-star recruit that came in and immediately started, earning Freshman All-American honors. He became a bigger part of the defense as a sophomore but was overshadowed somewhat by playing across from Adoree' Jackson, who was a first round pick by the Tennessee Titans.

Now, as a true junior, Marshall becomes the main event in the Trojan secondary. He has good size for corner and is brings physicality, but needs to be more consistent with his tackling technique. Too often, he'll drop his head or not bring his feet with him.

In coverage, Marshall can play in an opponent's hip pocket and out physical them getting to the ball. He's a really good athlete, but Marshall displays excellent mirroring skills as well as anticipation and doesn't waste a lot of motion. He also doesn't panic, enabling himself to get back into plays.

With Jackson gone, 2017 should be a true showcase year for Marshall. He's been fantastic for two years but in a year where he'll get more of the spotlight, he has a chance to really make a name for himself and could potentially be a first round pick.

The Browns need corner help anyway, but 2017 is likely Joe Haden's farewell tour in Cleveland as well. His contract finally makes it so releasing him becomes manageable and the Browns don't look too eager to keep him for the contract he has been getting. Haden would rather test free agency and potentially get another decent contract rather than his restructure his. Rather than playing across from Haden, Marshall would likely be his replacement.

Nov 5, 2016; Starkville, MS, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Christian Kirk (3) carries the ball during a play that would result in a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2: Christian Kirk, WR – Texas A&M – 5-11, 200 lbs. (Listed)

Age: 20 (Born Nov. 18, 1996)

The Browns drafted four receivers in the 2016 draft and after the 2017 season, they'll have a pretty good idea of what they have in them, even if they aren't fully formed. As a result, they may decide to cut bait on one or some and bring in additional firepower.

With that in mind, what could be more fun than having one Corey Coleman? Having two. Christian Kirk is eerily similar to Coleman in his build and how he plays the game. He's incredibly fast, agile and has a strong build like Coleman as opposed to more waifish players like Travis Benjamin or Will Fuller.

Like Coleman, Kirk can stretch the field deep but he's a tremendously dangerous player in space as can be seen in his punt returns. Jabrill Peppers is the favorite to return punts for the Browns, but if they don't want him to do it, Kirk is as good as there is at that area of the game.

Whether it's across the field from each other or side by side in the formation, Coleman and Kirk are a problem. They offer so much speed and ability after the catch that it's just about creating matchups and letting them do what comes naturally. While the Browns could seek size on the outside, having David Njoku and Seth DeValve potentially on the inside really reduces the need there.

It's the same dynamic when the Browns had Gary Barnidge who went to the Pro Bowl flanked by a bunch of smaller receivers on the outside in 2015 with John DeFillippo as offensive coordinator. The difference here is that the guys on the outside aren't nearly as small and everyone is substantially bigger, stronger and would give the Browns one of the fastest groups of offensive weapons in the league.

Kirk was the second leading receiver at Texas A&M this past year behind Josh Reynolds, who was selected in the fourth round of the draft by the Los Angeles Rams. Kirk also chased Speedy Noil and Ricky Seals-Jones out of the program, who both declared and went undrafted because Kirk was taking all of their touches. In his junior season, Kirk will be the focal point of the Aggie offense and his production should reflect it.

Nov 20, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Chris Moore (15) runs with the ball as South Florida Bulls cornerback Deatrick Nichols (3) defends during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2 (via HOU): Deatrick Nichols, CB – South Florida – 5-10, 189 lbs. (Listed)

Continuing to add talent to the secondary, Deatrick Nichols appears to play the style of football Gregg Williams would want. He's aggressive downhill, both as a tackler and attacking the football. Although his solo tackle market share dipped as a junior (it's 6.3 percent the past two years), when he brings it, he is a wrap-up tackler that brings some aggression.

He doesn't have the length of Howard Wilson, who was just selected in the fourth round pick in 2017, but he is a stronger player. Nichols, like Wilson is aggressive and is looking to jump routes with the hope of causing turnovers.

The concern with Nichols will be his height, but he plays bigger than his size would suggest,, playing with toughness and showing good reach to make plays on the ball. The hope for NFL teams and particularly the Browns is that he's going to measure 5-10 or taller.

Nichols appears to have the ability to come in and play immediately, potentially starting across from Marshall, but at the very least, he'd likely compete with Wilson for that starting job. Regardless of who wins, the Browns would get some badly needed boundary corner depth.

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Mike Gesicki (88) makes a catch for a touchdown against USC Trojans defensive back Adoree' Jackson (2) and defensive back Leon McQuay III (22) during the second quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3: Mike Gesicki, TE – Penn State – 6-6, 252 lbs. (Listed)

Age: 21 (Born Oct. 3, 1995)

The Cleveland Browns added David Njoku with the 29th pick of the 2017 NFL Draft and he looks like he could be great. They also have Seth DeValve, a fourth round pick in 2016, who they are very high on as a space player. The goal appears to be to have Njoku play the Y and DeValve the U.

And yet, the Browns should be in the market for another Y. Currently, the only inline tight end that has shown the ability to block on the Browns roster is Randall Telfer. Telfer does a nice job as a blocker, but he has gotten nicked up and doesn't pose any threat as a receiver.

For my money, Penn State had the best receiver in the 2017 draft class in Chris Godwin. They may also have the best tight end prospect of 2018 in Mike Gesicki and I think when all is said and done, he'll end up going much higher in the draft.

Gesicki was the second leading receiver on the Nittany Lions behind Godwin and he has a huge body and fantastic hands. The Browns released Gary Barnidge, who had a highlight reel of circus catches on his way to a Pro Bowl season in 2015. Gesicki had that type of year for Penn State as a junior. One-handed catches, catches in traffic, acrobatic catches in the end zone, he did a little bit of everything.

Gesicki also has the size to be an inline player and that's what the Browns really need to keep adding. Hue Jackson had a ton of tight ends in Cincinnati when he was the offensive coordinator there and now he's building up a pretty intriguing stable in Cleveland. A player like Gesicki would enable them to be dynamic in double tight end sets and make them dangerous as a team that can show run to force the defense to bring in bigger, slower players and then kill them with speed between Njoku, DeValve and potentially Gesicki.

Beyond depth and formation options, it's incredibly difficult to defend guys of that size who can run, so collect as many as possible. Njoku and DeValve are both incredibly talented, create matchup problems immediately when they step on the field. Gesicki is in that same mold.

Sep 10, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Kalen Ballage (7) is tackled by Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back Justis Nelson (31) at Sun Devil Stadium. Ballage tied an NCAA football record by scoring eight touchdowns in the game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Round 4: Kalen Ballage, RB – Arizona State – 6-2, 227 lbs. (Listed)

Kalen Ballage is a curious prospect. He has tremendous physical tools and despite the fact he scored a touchdown every 11.3 touches, he only touched the ball on offense 170 times. He had 1,005 total yards for the year.

The Sun Devils just weren't a very good offense and they split time between Ballage and Demario Richard, who didn't gain 600 rushing yards on the season either. Ballage is a substantially better receiver than Richard and was the third leading receiver on the team.

Ballage is a gifted runner that would thrive in a power scheme. He's a load but doesn't really show it because he's such a tall back. Ballage is able to run with power as well as agility and obviously has shown to be a threat as a receiver.

This is another year where there will be a ton of talented running backs. What makes Ballage stand out for the Browns is his size and running style. Darius Jackson is currently the biggest back on the Browns roster and he doesn't run like it. Jackson is more of a speed, agility back that has power. Ballage, on the other hand, is a power back with speed. He thrives on initiating contact, running over or through opposing defenders while maintaining his balance.

There is a possibility the Browns won't need a running back in 2018, but now since Isaiah Crowell has signed his tender, he'll be an unrestricted free agent in 2018. There's a good chance he'll be on another team next year. So the Browns are likely to be in the market for another running back and Ballage could be an attractive prospect.

It will be interesting to see if Ballage becomes more of a feature back this year or if they will continue to roll with more of a two-back tandem. Regardless, when he is in the game, he's fun to watch.

Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) runs as offensive tackle Bentley Spain (75) blocks at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The Tar Heels defeated the James Madison Dukes 56-28. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Round 4 (via CAR): Bentley Spain, OT – North Carolina – 6-6, 300 lbs. (Listed)

First, I think it's important to note that the Browns have this pick because they traded Andy Lee to get it. Andy Lee is a punter. Carolina gave up a fourth-round pick for a punter, then promptly finished dead last in the NFC South.

Bentley Spain will be protecting the blind side for his third different Tar Heel quarterback this year. He protected Marquise Williams in 2015, Mitchell Trubisky in 2016 and will be there to block for whoever Larry Fedora chooses in 2017.

While I fully expect Joe Thomas intends to play out and actually sign another contract for the Browns, they have acknowledged the reality that they need to look for a swing tackle that can potentially take Thomas's place in the future. The Browns selected Roderick Johnson in the fifth round in the 2017 NFL Draft and he doesn't appear physically capable of doing the job.

Whether it's a player like Spain or someone else, that search continues and while the Browns have a good starting line and excellent depth at every other spot on the offensive line, a genuinely talented offensive tackle prospect is an opportunity the Browns are going to be hoping to find. The sooner they can do it, the more that player can benefit from Thomas's guidance and the reps when he takes days off at practice.

Nov 20, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson (29) before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Summary

8. Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB Alabama
26. Luke Falk, QB Washington State
39. Iman Marshall, CB USC
40. Christian Kirk, WR Texas A&M
58. Deatrick Nichols, CB South Florida
72. Mike Gesicki, TE Penn State
110. Kalen Ballage, RB Arizona State
115. Bentley Spain, OT North Carolina

How it happened.

The two biggest issues coming into the 2018 class were quarterback and the secondary. The Browns finally take a quarterback in the first round and may have someone they can simply have take the job as a rookie and start right away.

The secondary, meanwhile, gets a substantial infusion of talent and Jabrill Peppers has a bunch of new running mates that make the secondary more dangerous, more athletic and a little bigger. The hope is that at that point beyond development and adding talent through depth, the defense will effectively be done.

The rest of the draft is largely geared toward filling potential holes in the offense that might arise because players they picked in 2016 or inherited didn't work or have moved on in free agency. Christian Kirk adds potential star power at receiver while Mike Gesicki continues to bolster a strong tight end group and Kalen Ballage gives them a power back with receiving skills. Lastly, they keep searching for the player that can be Thomas's eventual replacement.

The Cleveland Browns appear to have gotten substantially better in the 2017 draft class, adding some potential studs, but still have some major needs. In 2016, the team overhauled their receivers. In 2017, their defensive line. 2018 appears to be the year for the secondary, which outside of quarterback, is the most glaring need on the roster.