LAS VEGAS — The first round of the 2022 NFL Draft is in the rear-view mirror as more action will arrive with the second and third rounds on Friday night live from Las Vegas. The Cleveland Browns were inactive, as expected, on Thursday night, but will have plenty of work to do on Friday and Saturday.
The Browns have three selections Friday night, which of course could be subject to change with any trades. The first of the three is at No. 44 overall, followed by a pair of third-round draft picks at Nos. 78 and 99.
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Here are five players that did not get selected in the first round on Thursday night that could still be on the board when the Browns are on the clock...
George Pickens, WR, Georgia
There was some smoke late in the week about the possibility of Pickens moving up into the first round of the draft. He’s been a late riser in this process after missing much of last season while recovering from a torn ACL he suffered more than a year ago. There are a few teams that may have their eyes on him before the Browns have their selection, but if he’s still there when they’re on the clock, Pickens should be the pick.
David Ojabo, Edge, Michigan
Ojabo was thought of as a lock to go in the first round a couple of months ago. The prospect from The University of Michigan was as high as a top-10 pick in some mock drafts, but then disaster struck as he torn his Achilles during his pro day at Michigan, causing him to slide out of the first round. Ojabo is a bit of a raw talent still who didn’t start playing organized football until 2017. Whichever team picks him has to be content with the fact it’s very unlikely he plays at all during his rookie season. If it’s the Browns, they could end up with an edge rusher for the future to pair with Myles Garrett, but would still need help at that position this year.
Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published on March 25, 2022.
Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
Moore is another receiver that many had pegged to be a first-round selection. After six wide receivers were picked in the first 18, there was little hope that he would slide to the second round. The final 14 picks of the first round then saw zero receivers come off the board. Moore is one of the quicker receivers in this draft and could be a great value as a deep ball threat in the second round.
Drake Jackson, Edge, Southern California
There was late buzz that Jackson could sneak his way into the first round of the draft, but that proved to be incorrect as he didn’t hear his name called. Jackson may be the best edge that can help a team out right away by getting to the quarterback. He could thrive in the NFL in a position where he doesn’t get nearly enough attention because of opposing offensive lines triple-teaming Garrett in Cleveland.
Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
Watson is a wide receiver that has sort of seen his stock drop heading into the draft. There was a time when it was thought he would be a first-round pick, but ultimately it was always a bit of a stretch. This may be a stretch pick for the Browns at No. 44, too, considering that Watson will turn 23 years old in two weeks and Cleveland typically prefers to draft players who are much younger. That said, Watson is a big body standing at over 6’4” and turned in a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine this winter.