NFL Mock Draft 7.0: Round 1 of the 2018 NFL Draft

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 16: Leighton Vander Esch #38 of the Boise State Broncos celebrates with the trophy after the Broncos defeated the Oregon Ducks in the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 16, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boise State won 38-28. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

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Offensive Tackle. Texas. Connor Williams. 15. player. 53.

After trading down from the No. 4 pick, the Cleveland Browns get a few picks and a chance at grabbing another talented player here. With Joe Thomas set to retire, and Spencer Drango backing him up, left tackle is a dire need for the Cleveland Browns, in order to keep their new quarterback protected.

As far as left tackles go in this NFL Draft class, Texas’ Connor Williams has a case to be the best one available. Williams has a wealth of starting experience at left tackle in college, and while he lacks the desired length for the position, he has the proper athleticism and strength to succeed in the NFL at that position.

Williams’ production dipped in his final season, but that shouldn’t scare scouts away. Williams has had success before at left tackle, both in the running game and the passing game, and he has all the tools to keep himself afloat in the NFL.

With Williams, Carlos Hyde will have a reliable blocker to run behind, and the team’s quarterback will have a sense of security. It won’t be as strong as it was with Joe Thomas, but the Williams hype is far from a mirage.

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