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2020 NFL Mock Draft: Sifting through the pre-draft noise

By Jacob Camenker

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 05: Andrew Thomas #71 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up on the field before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 05: Andrew Thomas #71 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up on the field before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 13: Linebacker Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the LSU Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 13: Linebacker Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the LSU Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

53. . Linebacker/Safety. Cleveland Browns. Isaiah Simmons. 10. player

The Browns have long been expected to target a tackle here. And they certainly could, given that three of the Big 4 are still on the board.

But will they target one with Andrew Thomas off the board? That’s a little less clear.

The Browns have a gaping hole at left tackle. It’s been a weakness of theirs since Joe Thomas retired. But in a deep tackle class, will they be willing to wait until the second round to try to find a true successor to him? It’s certainly possible.

The Browns have also been linked to Ezra Cleveland as a possible trade-down candidate. That makes sense, but maybe they believe they could get Cleveland in the second round. And if that’s possible, they may take one of the better defensive players on the board here.

Isaiah Simmons makes a lot of sense. The Browns lost Joe Schobert in free agency and need to replace him. Simmons could replace him as a do-it-all player on defense. He can play linebacker, the edge, and even some safety. He’s like Derwin James, except he’s a better fit at linebacker than in the secondary.

Simmons logged 104 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, three picks, and eight pass defenses last year. He should be an impact player at the next level if he lands in the right situation. Cleveland will find a way to use him and pair him with two solid picks from last season, Mack Wilson and Sione Takitaki.

By selecting Simmons, the Browns would open themselves up to the possibility of selecting a tackle like Cleveland in the second round, as previously mentioned. Or, they could try to acquire Trent Williams via trade from the Redskins. They would have options and be landing one of the better defensive players in this draft class. It’s a possibility that can’t be discounted, especially if Simmons falls into their lap here.

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