The 2022 NFL Draft begins on April 28, which means that The Game Haus will be debuting draft profiles for every team. Each NFL team will be evaluated heading into this year’s draft, as our staff recaps their last season, highlights their needs and pinpoints their potential 2022 NFL Draft targets. The Cleveland Browns are the subject of today’s 2022 NFL Draft profile.
In 2020, the Cleveland Browns returned to the postseason and won their first playoff game since 1994. In 2021, they finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs. This was partially due to the injury and subsequent poor play of quarterback Baker Mayfield. They also released high profile wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. during the season among some internal turmoil.
The offseason has been kinder to the Browns, as they managed to land Deshaun Watson in what can only be described as a sweepstakes. They gave up a haul of draft picks and guaranteed money to do it, but it seems as if they have their quarterback of the future. Cleveland also landed Amari Cooper from the Dallas Cowboys to supplement the losses of Beckham and (maybe) Jarvis Landry.
With their first round draft pick surrendered, the Browns still have three to use in the first three rounds. Here is how Cleveland can use them to return to the playoffs in the tough AFC North.
Cleveland will have two picks to use in the first three rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft.
First Round (zero picks)
Second Round (two picks): No. 44
Third Round (two picks): No. 78
Wide receiver- The Browns picked up Amari Cooper in the offseason, but they still do not have a clear-cut WR2, as Jarvis Landry remains unsigned. They need another pass catcher for Watson to make this offense formidable.
Defensive end/defensive tackle- If Myles Garrett is going to continue to succeed as he ages, he needs another great player on the D-line to take some of the pressure and double teams off of him. The draft is a great place to get that kind of depth, especially in 2022.
Tight end- David Njoku may have been franchise tagged, but the Browns need a plan for the future if he plans to leave after the tag is up. Also, they tried touchdown machine Austin Hooper out, but he was ineffective in this offense. They need another threat off of the offensive line.
Second Round:
Pick No. 44: Skyy Moore, WR, Purdue
So much has been made of Skyy Moore and his ability to produce at a high level. Some mock drafts have him absolutely soaring up boards, while others still have him as a second round talent. This particular profile will assume he is still available in the middle of the second round.
Moore had 95 receptions for almost 1,300 yards last season to go along with double-digit touchdowns. All of these numbers were huge jumps from his freshman and sophomore seasons. That spells an NFL-readiness that teams should jump at; especially the Cleveland Browns.
Third Round:
Pick No. 78: Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina
Likely had a huge year at Coastal Carolina. one of the most surprising teams in college football in recent years, in 2021. He had 12 touchdowns on 59 receptions, racking up over 900 yards. One of those touchdowns was 99 yards. This is the big play tight end Cleveland fans are looking for next to Njoku.
You can “Like” The Game Haus on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other great TGH writers along with Ben!
“From Our Haus to Yours“
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
