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The Browns need to bolster up the defense and that is exactly what general manager Andrew Berry and co. had their sights set towards on day two of the NFL Draft. After drafting LSU safety Grant Delpit with the No. 44 pick and trading down from No. 74, the Browns stayed in the SEC for their next selection.
At No. 88 the Browns selected Missouri defensive tackle Jordan Elliott, marking three SEC players drafted by Berry in two days. Elliott joins a crowded but good defensive line group in Cleveland.
The Browns are pretty much set at their starting defensive tackle spots with former third-round draft pick Larry Ogunjobi and veteran free agent signing Sheldon Richardson. But behind Ogunjobi and Richardson, they’re thin.
In free agency, the Browns added a former fourth-round pick and division foe in Andrew Billings on a one-year deal. Following the 2020 season, Ogunjobui and Billings are free agents and Richardson has a potential out in his contract that would only cost the Browns 1.6 million in dead cap space if he is released.
So that is where Elliott’s services come in to play.
Cleveland third-round pick, Elliott has a perfect opportunity to contribute as a rotational defensive lineman next season while also learning from an experienced group. By the time 2021 hits, there is a very good chance Elliott is the Browns’ No. 1 guy on the defensive interior.
That track is very familiar to Elliott.
After beginning his career at Texas, Elliott transferred to Missouri in 2017. He sat out a season and earned defensive scout team player of the year. He then played in 13 games the following season as a rotational piece, registering eight tackles for loss and three sacks. That earned him the starting role in 2019.
Last year for the Tigers, Elliott became a staple of the defense as a team captain. He collected 44 tackles and led the team with 10 tackles for loss while matching three sacks. He also swatted down three passes, causing more than just physical disruption from the inside.
Elliott played both one- and three-technique last season for Missouri, making him a valuable asset for the Browns. His gap presence and explosiveness is what made him attractive in the third round to Cleveland.
At the combine, Elliott ran a 5.02 40-yard dash at 302 pounds. Pro Football Focus had Elliott rated as their third-best defensive tackle, behind first-round picks Derrick Brown and Javon Kinlaw. He also is their 23rd overall player.
As a rookie, Elliott will have the opportunity to be eased in the mix but he could see his playing time exponentially increase as he adjusts to the NFL. Overall, the Browns notched a great depth piece that can turn into a very good NFL starter in his career.
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