Cleveland Browns draft needs according to Bleacher Report

Ahead of the 2019 NFL Draft, Bleacher Report again looks at every team’s remaining needs. Where do they say the Cleveland Browns need to add some help?

We are less than two weeks from the 2019 NFL Draft and just about every team is focused solely on which players they need to target during the three-day selection process. For the Cleveland Browns — and pretty much every other team — those needs look much different than they did when the offseason began.

As is always the case, franchises went out and added talent in the offseason through both free agency and trades. While these additions altered their roster by filling holes, teams could also create more needs when they cut players who are overpaid for their production.

For the Browns, both scenarios took place. They added some big names in trade, filled a massive hole at defensive tackle in free agency, but also moved on from some players as well.

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With all that in the books, Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report re-examined every NFL team’s biggest remaining needs ahead of the draft. For the Browns, his top need wasn’t a surprise because it’s the same need just about every outlet can see — cornerback.

"“This leaves Cleveland with few glaring needs, though the hole at cornerback looms large. The Browns desperately need a top-tier corner to pair with Pro Bowler Denzel Ward. Terrance Mitchell is a solid starter, but he also missed eight games because of injury in 2018. Cleveland needs depth here.” — Knox, Bleacher Report"

Knox then touches on the hole created by releasing veteran linebacker Jamie Collins. Cleveland did address this with the signing of Adarius Taylor and they also have second-year linebacker Genard Avery who is ready for more snaps in 2019. Still, added depth would be wise, especially considering the issues they had here in 2018 due to injury.

He continued to talk about depth and looked at the defensive line. This is a huge need because the Browns are dangerously thin behind their starting four defensive linemen. Sheldon Richardson and Olivier Vernon were great additions and make the starters better but defensive tackle is very thin and they could use someone to push 2018 third-round pick, Chad Thomas, this year.

Lastly, Knox mentions getting some competition for Greg Robinson. Slated to be the starting left tackle, Robinson was a pleasant surprise in the final eight games of 2018 but his history should give the team some pause before they bank on him as the long-term answer.

What’s most important about this piece from Bleacher Report is it shows how much better Cleveland looks this season than their previous few drafts. They have a strong roster and really only need to round out very few holes.