2019 NFL Draft: Browns “way-too-early” options plentiful

Josh Allen, LB, Kentucky

Now, I know what you might be thinking. Didn’t Cleveland just pass on a Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL Draft? And while the answer is yes, 2019’s Josh Allen is a totally different animal. For one thing, he plays a mean inside linebacker spot for the Kentucky Wildcats.

Many analysts have mentioned Allen as an early favorite to be the top linebacker in 2019’s class. It seems likely that he will at the least be a first-round selection, if not going in the top ten picks. In addition to being a great linebacker, Allen was a solid edge rusher during 2017.

WalterFootball makes note of Allen’s edge rushing prowess in their linebacker rankings (with Allen grabbing the No. 1 spot).

"“One national scout compared Allen to Leonard Floyd coming out of Georgia with Allen’s ability to rush off the edge.” “…That director said Allen was an interesting player because he also can play inside linebacker, whereas Floyd was just an outside edge defender.”"

Clearly, Allen has already made his name as one of the most versatile defenders in this class. Perhaps a Minkah Fitzpatrick of the front seven, Allen can be a Swiss army knife for this Browns defense.

Next: Draft gives this team a new identity

Currently, Allen is not projected to go as early as No. 2 overall. But, let’s be honest with ourselves for a second. Is anyone really expecting the Browns to have a top-two pick for the fourth year in a row? For this team’s sake, and for the fans’ sake, let’s hope not.