While the hopes are the Cleveland Browns will field a competitive team and, hopefully, soon compete for the NFL playoffs, the NFL Draft will always be an important part of the team's building process. Not because they are the Browns, but because that is how all good teams build their foundation.

The Browns could be on the way to an undefeated season and a Super Bowl run, and the NFL Draft will still be important. Maybe not as important as it has been recently, but still important.

In order to prepare for the next NFL Draft, I will do a semi-regular Browns Mock Draft using the FanSpeak website. These will not need to be taken too seriously but should be used as a way to start getting an idea of what players could be in play in the 2019 NFL Draft, as well as what areas of the team the Browns might be looking to address. I will not break down each player and pick but will select a player or two to spend a little attention on.

Remember, some of the players that were on the top of draft boards at this time last year didn't end up being drafted in the first round, while some who were drafted in the first round were not considered very high at this time last year.

Again, the goal is fun and excitement looking forward to what could be in the future, while still spending energy on the present. It does not have to be an either/or conversation.

A reminder the Browns, for the first time in what seems like a long time, do not have extra picks in the first or second rounds but do have extra third and fifth-round picks coming from the Patriots.

Here are the previous three Browns Mock Drafts:

1.0 Breaking the Tie

2.0 Building Around Baker

3.0 Building A Contender

Today, after a big loss to the Houston Texans which makes any chance toward the NFL playoffs all but naught, we take a look at the team taking the next step. For some, this would mean filling needs versus adding talent, but when you have your "Franchise QB" established, adding the best talent possible and making it work is good as well.

With Baker Mayfield proving that he is "The Guy" for the Browns, the team will hope he can continue to elevate the talent around him on offense along with a few big upgrades while building a destructive defense with this Browns Mock Draft.

Round 1

CB Greedy Williams - LSU

With Denzel Ward being a great pick with the No. 4 overall pick, general manager John Dorsey adds his complementary piece in the first round a year later. Williams is believed to be the best corner in this year's draft but, unlike Ward, has the impressive size to go along with his skill.

Williams stands 6'3" with long arms and the ability to be physical. Even with his height, Williams is still quick enough to stay with most receivers in the NFL. The combination of Ward's speed, quickness and ball skills on one side and Williams' size and athleticism on the other side could make it very difficult for opposing quarterbacks. Williams replaces E.J. Gaines and would give Myles Garrett, Larry Ogunjobi and Emmanuel Ogbah even more time to get after the quarterback.

If Ed Oliver were available here, or with a trade up, he'd be the pick as he would complete the Browns defensive line with a 3-tech defensive tackle. Other "need" positions like OT and WR could be addressed here, but the value with Williams is just too high and the wide receiver group looks like it will be pretty deep this year and have a quality guy available in the second round

Round 2

WR N'Keal Harry - Arizona State

As expected, we find a perfect WR compliment for Mayfield here in Harry. At 6'3" and about 220 pounds, Harry gives the Browns the big receiver that they currently are lacking. His ability to get after the ball at the high point and make contested catches will open up things on the outside for Mayfield and whatever offensive system they are running next year.

Some of the early highlights in this video show you exactly what Harry would give the Browns:

Round 3

Edge Austin Bryant - Clemson

While another edge player may not be a high priority, it could be really helpful to have that perfect fourth guy along with Garrett, Ogbah and rookie Genard Avery. In high scoring games or when the Browns need a big sack, all four can be on the field at the same time. Partner that with Ward, Williams, Damarious Randall and Jabrill Peppers and the Browns defense can be something to be reckoned with on passing downs.

TE Dawson Knox - Mississippi

While this writer still believes Seth DeValve could be more helpful than he has been so far this year, the team can't turn down a 6'5" and 250-pound tight end that is described this way by The Draft Network's Jon Ledyard:

Size, length and athleticism is rare at the position. Strong hands to go outside his frame and reel in tough catches. Made some nice adjustments to off-target throws over the middle of the field. Body control and concentration through the catch point is impressive.

Imagine that paired with David Njoku at tight end and with the rest of the weapons the team now has with Harry, Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, Antonio Callaway, Duke Johnson and Nick Chubb.

Round 4

LB TJ Edwards - Wisconsin

Jamie Collins is probably not long for the Browns future, so adding another linebacker should be a priority at some point in time. Edwards isn't the perfect Collins replacement as he doesn't have that sideline to sideline ability, but he has a high football IQ and makes plays.

Round 5

WR Riley Ridley - Georgia

There was no plan to add another receiver but Ridley was here and his ability, and family history, was too hard to turn down. At some point in 2019, the Browns are going to have to cut players that fans think are talented. Finally, a good problem to have. At WR, there might become a numbers issue that could push out a player or two that fans think could have some upside, like Breshad Perriman or Damion Ratley.

Adding top-level talent is the goal.

OC Garrett Bradbury - NC State

JC Tretter will be going into the final year of his contract in 2019, so drafting a guy to replace him in the future is a good idea. Depth is very important on the offensive line. With Mayfield's comparison to Drew Brees, the Browns would be smart to emphasize interior offensive linemen the way the Saints have for Brees.

S Jordan Fuller - Ohio State

What Dorsey decides to do with Briean Boddy-Calhoun in free agency this offseason will be very interesting. Boddy-Calhoun has shifted between slot corner and backup free safety this season. Fuller can help provide safety depth if Dorsey moves on from him or moves him back to the slot full time.

Round 6

WR Jalen Hurd - Baylor

Again, a focus on adding talent with the former Tennessee Volunteer in Hurd who has had a very good year at Baylor. Hurd has the ability to play WR and running back to give the Browns offense another versatile player. With roster spots, let the best men win.

Round 7

DL Dontavius Russell - Auburn

Russell is more of a 1-tech/nose tackle type but still gives the Browns more to work with on their defensive line. Dorsey should be prioritizing a 3-tech in free agency instead of relying on the draft to fill that important need. Late in the draft, adding big guys who could make the team is the best case scenario.

RB Trayeon Williams - Texas A&M

Williams is a smaller back with speed and the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, which gives just another option for Mayfield and the Browns offense.