How early free agency moves have impacted the Browns draft needs
The Cleveland Browns were busy in the first 24 hours of the free agency negotiating window. Cleveland agreed to terms with right tackle Jack Conklin, tight end Austin Hooper and backup QB Case Keenum.
When those deals become official on Wednesday, the updated Browns depth chart will feature a couple fewer holes. But how do these moves impact the direction of new GM Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski in approaching the 2020 NFL Draft?
There are now three glaring holes that need to be filled, and it’s almost certain the Browns fill one with the No. 10 overall pick.
Left tackle
Conklin is a radical upgrade over Chris Hubbard at right tackle, and that eases some of the pressure on the offensive line. But last year’s left tackle, Greg Robinson, is in federal prison and his backup, Kendall Lamm, suffered two separate knee injuries in his first year in Cleveland. While Lamm might be able to return as the swing tackle, Cleveland desperately needs a starting left tackle.
Thankfully it’s a loaded draft class with the likes of Mekhi Becton, Andrew Thomas, Jedrick Wills and Tristan Wirfs. At least one should be available at No. 10. Players like Josh Jones, Lucas Niang and Matt Peart are appealing options after the 10 spot, too.
Safety
Damarious Randall is a free agent, Juston Burris signed with the Panthers and Morgan Burnett was cut on Monday. Those were the three primary starting safeties for the Browns in 2019. The other two who saw more extensive action, Jermaine Whitehead and Eric Murray, are also ex-Browns.
Unless the team is comfortable rolling out Sheldrick Redwine and J.T. Hassell as the starting safeties, the position must be addressed swiftly. Even signing one starter in free agency is not enough.
It’s an unlikely scenario to draft a safety at No. 10. Clemson’s athletic freak Isaiah Simmons figures to be off the board, and that’s higher than anyone projects for Xavier McKinney or Grant Delpit. The second-round pick, however…
Antoine Winfield Jr. would be the optimal choice at No. 41 if he’s still on the board. Current projections indicate that might be dicey. Grant Delpit, Ashtyn Davis and Kyle Dugger are other second-round candidates.
Slot/nickel corner
Murray handled this role when he was healthy in 2019, as did T.J. Carrie — who was dumped earlier this offseason. Carrie was adequate, but an upgrade would still have been on the table.
Now it’s critical. The Browns lack any semblance of a defensive back who can fill that role outside of moving Denzel Ward into the slot. That creates a ripple effect of even bigger issues, however.
There are still several attractive options in free agency (Chris Harris, Brian Poole, Mackensie Alexander) but if the Browns wish to address the position in the draft, they will find some prospects.
Amik Robertson from Louisiana Tech is tailor-made for the job, and he projects as a 4th-5th round pick. Others of note include Troy Pride from Notre Dame, Wake Forest’s Essang Bassey, Myles Bryant from Washington and Jaron Bryant from Fresno State. All are Day 3 projections.
There is no need for a tight end anymore. Another interior offensive lineman could still be in the works but not a high priority. The same is true for wide receiver, more specifically a slot WR. Another outside CB with some size could still be in the works in the 2nd through 5th rounds, as well.
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