Dawg Pound Daily
FanSided

Cleveland Browns biggest remaining needs after Odell Beckham Jr. trade

By Dan Justik

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 04: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during the National Anthem prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 04: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during the National Anthem prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Cleveland Browns
CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 25: Jabrill Peppers #22 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates a missed field goal by Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarte rat Paul Brown Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

1. Safety

Entering the off-season, there was no need for the Browns to target a safety. The Browns traded for Damarious Randall last off-season and he played like one of the best players on the defense in 2018. And Jabrill Peppers showed great development in his sophomore season and was a play-maker all over the field.

However, Peppers was traded to the New York Giants as part of the package for Odell Beckham Jr. Now, the Browns will have Derrick Kindred starting next to Randall if they do not add a replacement for Peppers.

Peppers played a key role in the Browns defense last season because of his versatility. He was able to cover in the slot, but could play in the box as a hybrid linebacker and make plays against the run. Peppers also had the ability to be a ranging safety and make plays playing as a deep safety.

The Browns will be hoping to find another safety who can play in the box and make plays against the run. But that player will still need to move out in coverage and keep up with the quicker receivers.

Next. Welcome to the new era of Browns football. dark

The Browns were rumored to be in contact with Earl Thomas and were reportedly “feeling good” about their chances to sign the free agent. However, it was reported Wednesday the Browns will not be signing Thomas. But no matter what, they should be aggressively seeking Peppers’ replacement.

Home/Browns News