Daniel Corrigan | April 17th, 2020
The Browns entered free agency in dire need of offensive line help. They were able to fill that when they signed Jack Conklin to a three-year deal worth $42 million. And although as the 2020 NFL Draft approaches, Joe Burrow, the likely no. 1 pick, has opened as the heavy favorite according to Sports Betting Dime to win 2020 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, the Browns will look to improve their team even further in hopes of a playoff berth.
They were also able to add some depth at some key positions. They made Austin Hooper the highest-paid tight end with a four-year deal worth $44 million. They also added Case Keenum to backup Baker Mayfield and added some defensive help including Adrian Clayborn. On the other side, the Browns lost some key performers from last season. They lost Joe Schobert, Damarious Randall, Christian Kirksey, and Eric Murray, all of which were key contributors on defense. The Browns are set at skill positions, they need to use this draft to bolster its offensive line and add some defensive help.
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Round 1, Pick 10: Mekhi Becton, OT, Lousiville
Even with the signing of Conklin, the Browns still need help at the tackle position. Mayfield’s struggles last season were in part to a consistently collapsing pocket. If the Browns give their quarterback enough time for Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry to get open, the Browns could have one of the most dangerous offenses in football. Becton exploded up draft-boards after his combine and established himself as a top-15 pick.
Round 2, Pick 41: Antoine Winfield Jr. S, Minnesota
Outside of their offensive line, safety was the biggest weakness for the Browns, especially with the departure of Murray and Randall. Winfield was one of the most dynamic playmakers for a surprising Minnesota team. Also, his father was an Ohio State legend. He will be loved in Cleveland from the second he is drafted.
Round 3, Pick 74: Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame
The Browns have been rumored to be going after Jadeveon Clowney and Yannick Ngakoue. The Browns have Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon at the edge positions but with Vernon not guaranteed to be on the roster, the Browns will need some depth. I can see them going with a linebacker here or perhaps more line help. However, I have always believed that a good defensive line is the most valuable asset for a team.
Round 3, Pick 97: Rashard Lawrence, DL, LSU
Didn’t I just talk about the importance of a good defensive line? Defensive tackles don’t have a long shelf-life and with Sheldon Richardson getting up there in age and Larry Ogunjobi coming up on free agency, adding young depth is as important now as ever. Lawrence’s best traits are his strength and his tape against high-level teams (Alabama tape is a good indicator of his talent.)
Round 4, Pick 115: Tyler Biadasz, G, Wisconsin
If the Browns can get a young guard to pair with Conklin, Becton, J.C. Tretter, and Joel Bitonio, they will have filled their weakest need. Biadasz comes from the Wisconsin offensive lineman factory. Biadasz was a center in college, but his size and frame translate more to a guard in the NFL. Which is perfect for the Browns.
Round 6, Pick 187: Francis Bernard, LB, Utah
The Browns are going to need depth at this position. With how I have the Browns drafting, linebacker will quickly become their weakest spot. They were able to get a steal with Mack Wilson in the later-rounds last season, but I do not see a player like Wilson being available this late. Bernard is a very fast, physical and athletic player. However, his athleticism in space is his biggest handicap.
Round 7, Pick 244: Binjimen Victor, WR, Ohio State
Victor was a highly touted prospect coming into college. His long frame and athleticism is his biggest strength. He is a freak athlete with long strides and fluid motion on the field. One thing that pops out about Victor is that he is very tall (6’4″) but he is very skinny. He has a chance to be a solid contributor for an NFL team, but he needs to add some weight.
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