For the past decade-plus, the week after Thanksgiving has generally been the unofficial kickoff to NFL Draft season in Cleveland.
Downtown Cleveland is set to host the 2021 NFL Draft next April, but for now, the Browns are 8-3 and in position to make the playoffs for the first time in 19 seasons. While the focus is on this weekend’s big game at Tennessee and the ability of the Cleveland defense to hold up over the final five games of the season amid several key injuries and absences, it’s never too early to look ahead — especially with the state of this defense. Myles Garrett is the only starter on the defensive line guaranteed to be back next season. With Denzel Ward and Ronnie Harrison out, the Browns won’t have a single secondary starter this weekend who’s under contract for next year.
Monday, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler released his first 2021 NFL Mock Draft and found a fit for the Browns along the defensive line.
