3 veterans Cleveland Browns should consider trading for after first round
By Dan Justik
New York Jets Linebacker Darron Lee
The New York Jets’ selection of Quinnen Williams did not make Darron Lee more expendable. However, the lack of depth at the linebacker position in the draft and the Browns’ need to find linebacker depth makes him an attractive option to trade some of their picks for.
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The Jets have made it well-known they are looking to move Lee after signing C.J. Mosley and hiring Gregg Williams as defensive coordinator. So far, they have not been able to find a trade partner and could be waiting to make a trade during the draft.
In 40 career games, Lee has made 238 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles, three interceptions (including one returned for touchdown), and 11 passes defensed. Lee was suspended four games last season after violating the substance-abuse policy.
Lee excels when put into coverage, which is something the Browns need from their linebackers. The middle of the Browns defense was picked apart in the passing game last season because the linebackers struggled to stick with their man in coverage.
Since releasing Jamie Collins, the Browns are lacking depth at the linebacker position. Without much of a market, the Jets may only receive a fourth or fifth-round pick in return for Lee despite asking for a third-round selection. With extra selections in the fifth-round, the Browns could get a linebacker who fits the mold of the player they need on their defense. And it would make sense to add a young veteran linebacker instead of a rookie.