It’s getting predictable for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL mock-draft universe. This week, ESPN’s Mel Kiper put out his mock draft, and at No. 6, it was Georgia left tackle Monroe Freeling. In the mock draft posted by his colleague, Jordan Reid, it was the same thing: No. 6, Monroe Freeling. Pro Football Focus‘ NFL mock draft? Monroe Freeling, sixth. Even in The Athletic’s beat-writer NFL mock draft, Zac Jackson tried to trade down, but was stuck with Freeling at No. 6.
It seems the Browns are on a collision course, then, if the mock drafts are to be believed, with Freeling, a notion that wouldn’t be so bad except for a few asterisks.
The first is that, at 21, Freeling is raw. His athleticism is off the charts, and he was among the big winners at the combine in Indianapolis last month, with Top 5 finishes among linemen in all athletic testing drills. He also has the treasured left-tackle arm length–34 and 3/4 inches, well above average. But Freeling simply has not played enough.
The second is that No. 6 is just too high for Freeling. The Browns are lacking at left tackle, and while Freeling is not considered the best lineman in this draft, he is the best left tackle. So many mock drafts have him going to Cleveland based more on need than on ability.
Myles Garrett ‘Might Destroy’ Monroe Freeling
For longtime lineman Brian Baldinger, who played 11 NFL seasons before becoming a well-respected analyst, the Browns could be walking into a mistake taking Freeling at No. 6. There’s talent and potential. But this is a guy who will go against Myles Garrett daily in practice. There’s significant risk of a wasted pick.
Baldinger, talking on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland, had a warning for the Browns on what is looking like a consensus pick.
“I like Monroe Freeling. He’s got size at almost 6-foot-8,” Baldinger said. “He’s just not very strong. He’s only 21. He’s going to get a lot stronger. If you’re willing to be patient with him, I think he has the chance to be really good. But, if you’re saying we’re going to take him No. 6 and play him right away, I think Myles Garrett might destroy his confidence at practice. It seems awfully rich, though, at 6. He’s just a young kid that’s athletic. I think you’ve got to be patient with him.”
Browns Lacking Other LT Options
As Baldinger mentioned, Freeling opted not to participate in the bench press at the combine, and that’s a red flag for the Browns, or for anyone.
But one of the issues the Browns have in this draft is that they’ve left themselves exposed at both receiver and left tackle, the two biggest offensive holes on the roster, not including quarterback. It’s difficult to enter a draft saying you’ll take the best player available but knowing you’ve got a serious need to fill.
The Browns could try again with Dawand Jones at left tackle, but he has played 24 games in three years, and it would be malfeasance not to have a better plan than Jones at the position. Freeling is a risk. But Cleveland might well need to take that risk.
Browns Warned Myles Garrett ‘Might Destroy’ Likely No. 6 Pick