Cleveland Browns: Looking ahead to their needs in 2019
By Shane Carter
Offensive Tackle
Desmond Harrison had an up and down tenure as the starter but has, at least for the time being, been replaced by Greg Robinson. Right tackle Chris Hubbard was signed to a long-term deal this off-season but has not played nearly up to par so far. The teams 33rd overall pick, Austin Corbett, not only hasn’t been active for most of the season but he also doesn’t look like he’ll be an NFL tackle.
Somethings got to give. Austin Corbett is likely trying to learn an inside position, Greg Robinson is not the long-term answer and Chris Hubbard and Desmond Harrison could both be in competition for the right tackle spot next off-season.
The left side will likely be addressed through the draft. The Browns are in position for a top-15 pick and could land one of the top tackle prospects like Jonah Williams (Alabama), David Edwards (Wisconsin) and Trey Adams (Washington). Any would be a welcomed improvement at left tackle, which might be the Browns biggest need this offseason.
Defensive Tackle
Larry Ogunjobi is a stud and a future Pro Bowl defensive tackle. However, he can’t do it alone. Trevon Coley is a nice player but he’s not played the level that the team wouldn’t use a high pick on an upgrade.
Larry Ogunjobi is the one constant in the middle of the defensive line and needs a better mate up front. Teams have taken advantage of this and run at Coley or whoever else is playing that spot.
Based on the where Cleveland could end up, they could potentially land Ed Oliver or Christian Wilkins. Both would be a welcomed addition to a front four featuring Ogunjobi, Myles Garrett and Emmanuel Ogbah. Can you imagine?
I expect one of the teams first two draft picks to be on the position. This draft is full of talent at the position and they’ve got their pick of the bunch.