A choice of Iowa's Tristan Wirfs v. a trade might be awaiting the Browns on Thursday night. (Getty Images)
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
The Browns say they are fully prepared for the NFL’s first stay-at-home, virtual draft on April 23-25.
“My biggest disappointment for this year because of the circumstance is that we all can’t be together to really enjoy it,” said Paul DePodesta, Browns chief strategy officer.
“It has been an incredibly collaborative exercise to date, and I think it is going to be an incredibly collaborative experience next Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Ultimately, it would be fantastic if we could all experience that together in the same room and in the same building with all of our coaches, with all of our scouts and with all of our football personnel.
“Unfortunately, we will not be able to do that piece of it. I think that is a shame. In terms of picking players and the execution of our plan, I feel great about where we are and do not think the setup is going hinder us in any way whatsoever.”
This is our next-to-last mock draft. Our final mock draft, 7.0, on April 23, will be our prediction of the entire first round.
1. Cincinnati Bengals: QB Joe Burrow, Louisiana State.
The Bengals have been using Zoom conferences to educate Burrow on coach Zak Taylor’s offense. There isn’t a trade offer that could change their plans at this point.
Last time: Burrow.
2. Washington Redskins: DE Chase Young, Ohio State.
Tua Tagovailoa’s injury concerns eliminated any drama about a possible trade of this pick.
Last time: Young.
3. Detroit Lions: CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio State.
See above.
Last time: Okudah.
4. New York Giants: DT Derrick Brown, Auburn.
There probably is not a draft board in the NFL that would rank an offensive tackle above Brown in this draft.
Last time: Jedrick Wills.
5. Miami Dolphins: QB Justin Herbert, Oregon.
If Herbert turns out to be the Josh Rosen of this draft, the Dolphins can always re-load next year with two No. 1s already in the bank for 2021.
Last time: Herbert.
6. Los Angeles Chargers: QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama.
No player has more star power in the LA market. Plus, they can afford to “redshirt” Tagovailoa and let his body fully heal from multiple injuries at Alabama.
Last time: Tagovailoa.
7. Carolina Panthers: LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson.
Any top player on defense fits the Panthers. The fact Simmons was a star at Clemson makes it a no-brainer.
Last time: Simmons.
8. Arizona Cardinals: OT Jedrick Wills, Alabama.
They go with the surest tackle on the right side.
Last time: Tristan Wirfs.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina.
This is another case of a great regional college player being the right fit.
Last time: Brown.
10. Cleveland Browns: OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa.
For the first time, I’m not completely sure the Browns would take Wirfs even if he were there at No. 10. I think a trade down is gaining steam.
Last time: Andrew Thomas.