As the NFL draft closes in, Browns fans are antsy about the team’s upcoming selections. Next week’s draft in Cleveland offers the Browns a chance to build upon the most successful season in decades.
For once, the Browns don’t have any glaring holes that must be plugged instantly with a top-10 overall pick. Which is good, because the success of 2020 leaves GM Andrew Berry, head coach Kevin Stefanski and the Browns slotted to make their first pick at No. 26 overall.
In his pre-draft press conference this week, Stefanski was asked about the concept of selecting “best player available” versus filling needs with the newfound status of picking so late in the first round.
“As you look at the draft board, you want to add good players. I know it’s easy to say ‘(the pick) is definitely going to be here or definitely going to be there,’ but I think we’re looking to add good players to this roster,” Stefanski responded. “We’re looking to bring competition at all levels — offense, defense and special teams.”
It keeps a lot more options on the table for draft weekend, more than are usually there for a team that has consistently had to plug a significant portion of the draft class into immediate action for far too long.