WKYC: Cleveland Browns 2024 NFL Draft picks, betting odds, mock drafts

CLEVELAND — We are just one week away from the 2024 NFL Draft, and 3News is giving you a preview of what to expect from the Cleveland Browns.

3News has broken down everything you need to know ahead of the draft, including this year’s picks, betting odds and who NFL analysts predict will go to the Browns in their mock drafts. 

This year’s draft takes place April 25-27 in Detroit, Michigan. Unfortunately, Browns fans will have to wait until Friday, April 26, to learn who the team’s newest member will be since the team does not have a first-round pick.

The good news is that 2024 marks the last year that fans will feel the lingering effects of the Deshaun Watson trade, as the Browns have gone without a pick in the first round in each of the last three years.

The trade for Watson sent the Texans three first-round picks (2022, 2023 and 2024) as well as two fourth-round picks (2022 and 2024) and a 2023 third-round pick. 

At the start of free agency, the Browns traded two picks — a 2024 fifth-round pick and a 2024 sixth-round pick — to the Broncos for WR Jerry Jeudy. They recently added a seventh-round pick (No. 227) after sending offensive tackle Leroy Watson IV to the Tennessee Titans. 

This year, the Browns have a mere six draft picks, with their first pick coming in the second round at No. 54. 

• Round 2

• Round 3 

• Round 5

• Round 6

• Round 7

Below are who NFL experts and analysts expect the Browns to pick at No. 54. 

• Sam Monson, Pro Football Focus
  • Kris Jenkins Jr. | DL | Michigan
  • Analysis: “Cleveland overhauled its defensive line a season ago, but the interior could still use an impact player, and Kris Jenkins Jr. could become that guy in a hurry.”
• Field Yates, ESPN 
  • Troy Franklin | WR | Oregon
  • Analysis: “The Browns traded for Jerry Jeudy this offseason, but they still feel one wide receiver short on offense, especially since Amari Cooper is entering the final year of his deal. Franklin is a speedy big play waiting to happen.”
• Connor Rogers, NBC Sports 
  • Junior Colson | LB | Michigan
  • Analysis: “Colson creates chaos in the middle of the field with explosive run stops and sideline-to-sideline range. The Browns have a lot of talent up front, but his skill set fits perfectly in the middle.”
• Matt Miller, ESPN 
  • T’Vondre Sweat | DT | Texas
  • Analysis: “Adding a space-eating defensive tackle for Jim Schwartz’s scheme may not seem like a need, but my goodness, would this cause problems for offenses. How do you give Myles Garrett double-team attention when a 366-pound Outland Award-winning nose tackle is crashing the pocket? Trading for receiver Jerry Jeudy and signing linebackers Devin Bush and Jordan Hicks frees the Browns up to add the big nose tackle here.”
• Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball
  • Javon Bullard | S | Georgia 
  • Analysis: “The Browns could use more defensive back depth. Bullard (5-11, 180) totaled 56 tackles, two interceptions and five passes broken up in 2023. During 2022, he recorded 46 tackles, two interceptions, three passes broken up and 3.5 sacks. Bullard is highly instinctive, tough, physical, and has excellent feel and awareness. He also has a thinner frame, so it would help him to gain some weight for the NFL. Bullard is a corner/safety hybrid who is similar to Detroit Lions defensive backs C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Brian Branch.” 

Here are the odds for what position the Cleveland Browns will select with their first draft pick, according to FanDuel:

• Defensive Lineman/Edge
• Offensive Line
• Cornerback
• Wide Receiver
• Linebacker
• Running Back
• Tight End
• Safety
• Quarterback