Todd McShay’s 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Browns select DE/OLB Drake Jackson

We’re still picking apart the actual 2021 NFL Draft, but it’s always fun to take a very advanced look at a mock draft for a year from now. ESPN’s Todd McShay posted his 2022 NFL Mock Draft, and he has the Browns answering the question that DBN’s Barry Shuck asked the other day (about why the Browns didn’t draft a defensive end):

27. Cleveland Browns - Drake Jackson, DE/OLB, USC*

The Browns still need a pass-rushing boost opposite Myles Garrett, especially since Jadeveon Clowney is on a one-year deal. Jackson already has eight career sacks and 17 tackles for loss, and he is versatile off the edge.

The draft order was determined based on early 2022 NFL Power Rankings. Defensive end is still a position the team needs to address long-term, and with Clowney on a one-year deal, DE Drake Jackson of USC could be someone who the Browns look at. The Browns’ offense is still in pretty solid shape for the future, so my early assumption would be to look toward the defense as well.

What would your reaction be if this is how things unfolded for the Browns in 2022?