Five 2022 Cleveland Browns NFL Draft Predictions

On the eve of the 2022 NFL Draft, smokescreens are aplenty.

Here's a couple predictions I've gathered ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft.

1. Browns Add DB and RB On Day 3

We all have read about the holes in this Browns roster. They're defensive line and wide receiver.

Surely, they'll improve at that position, but GM Andrew Berry is always future-oriented when it comes to the NFL Draft. He looks to plug holes before they arise.

Next offseason, cornerbacks Greedy Williams and Troy Hill will be free agents. So will Kareem Hunt.

While they likely feel comfortable with their secondary and backfield for 2022, as they should, look for them to take a Saturday flier at a few future positions of need.

2. Browns Draft a TE

This hasn't been talked about enough as a position of need, as David Njoku and Harrison Bryant are the only NFL-caliber tight ends on this roster.

Now, the team did the smart thing by releasing Austin Hooper, but they need to fill that void with a young body. A slight issue here is that several tight ends in this draft class fall out of Berry's age guard-rails (he likes drafting players as young as possible).

With Kevin Stefanski's affinity for the position, I think they'll look to add some depth here.

3. Baker Mayfield is Traded

No Earth-shattering news here.

Mayfield is guaranteed over $18 million. The Browns will eat some of that, and ship him off to the Seattle Seahawks or Carolina Panthers for a mid-round pick. It's essentially buying a draft pick.

Keep in mind, there's always a "surprise" team that will pop up in NFL trade talks.

4. Browns Don't Draft At 44

Berry's track record shows his willingness to move around. Barring something unforseen, it's nearly impossible for the Browns to trade into Round 1 this year.

Despite that, this is an incredibly deep draft.

If a player he likes (think George Pickens, George Karlaftis, or Jahan Dotson) starts to slide, look for the Browns to get active and move up on Day 2 similar to the Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah trade.

If the Browns nightmare scenario comes true, where all the receivers and defenders they like are gone, they can easily trade back, recoup some picks from the Deshaun Watson trade, and snag a player like John Metchie from Alabama.

5. Over 2 QBs Drafted In Round 1

Listen, I get that this is an underwhelming QB class. But this is a quarterback league. You either have one or you don't.

Malik Willis and Kenny Pickett are just about surefire selections on Thursday. But there's way more than just two QB-needy teams. Atlanta, Carolina, Seattle, Pittsburgh, and Detroit, just to name a few. (Oh yeah, that Tom Brady guy is a free agent after this year, also).

It only takes one team to fall in love with a guy. A player like Sam Howell, Desmond Ridder, or Matt Corral could sneak their way right into the first round.