2019 NFL Mock Draft: Projected first round after college football season

Marquise Brown did little to help himself in the Orange Bowl against Alabama, but he was still obviously hampered by the hamstring injury he suffered in the Big 12 Championship against Texas. In what he hoped would be a showcase of his abilities, Brown didn’t manage a single catch, ceding the spotlight to teammate CeeDee Lamb.

That shouldn’t hurt his draft stock though as he was clearly hobbled. He still projects as a first round pick after back-to-back 1000 yard seasons in Norman. He had the benefit of playing with consecutive Heisman Trophy winners at QB, but Brown was the preferred option for both Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray.

The Browns, for the first time in what feels like forever, have a bright future after finally seeming to solve their long-time issues at QB by drafting Mayfield with the No. 1 pick last year. They’ll be a popular pick to make the playoffs for the first time since 2002, potentially capturing their first AFC North title.

Cleveland has struck gold with several recent draft picks, with Denzel Ward and Nick Chubb joining Mayfield in an insanely talented class from last year. They have a good young defense, and some talent at the skill-positions highlighted by Jarvis Landry and David Njoku, but adding another weapon like Brown could take their offense to another level.

Brown is a big play threat, and has the obvious continuity with Mayfield. He’d serve as an excellent complement to Landry and Njoku with his propensity to take the top off of defenses.

Cleveland could also look to shore up Mayfield’s protection by grabbing an offensive lineman, but Greg Robinson played well enough at left tackle when he was inserted into the lineup that they can probably afford to take a luxury player like Brown here instead of grabbing a lineman like Cody Ford or Jawaan Taylor.