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Cleveland Browns NFL Draft day 2: 3 players worth trading up for

By Randy Gurzi

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 03: Chase Winovich #15 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a second quarter sack during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 03: Chase Winovich #15 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a second quarter sack during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 20: Chase Winovich #15 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates on the sideline as the clock winded down on a 21-7 win over the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on October 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 20: Chase Winovich #15 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates on the sideline as the clock winded down on a 21-7 win over the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on October 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

At first glance, the Browns don’t appear to be in dire need of any pass rush help. They have 2017 first overall pick Myles Garrett, who really broke out in his second season. After recording seven sacks as a rookie, Garrett nearly doubled that total with 13.5 this past year. He’s also got some more help this year with the addition of Olivier Vernon from the New York Giants.

Vernon is slated to start opposite Garrett and his addition, as well as the signing of defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, has shored up the defensive line as a whole. However, the more you look at things, the more you can see they could stand to add some depth.

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After trading Emmanuel Ogbah away, the Browns have Chris Smith and Chad Thomas as their primary reserve defensive ends. Smith isn’t a bad player, but he did only record 21 tackles and a sack last season.

As for Thomas, he didn’t see the field much at all as a rookie. Perhaps this was by design and GM John Dorsey has still professed faith in Thomas as a player.

Even with that being the case, adding someone who can be a bigger factor rushing the passer is never a bad idea, which is why Chase Winovich makes sense as a draft target. Often overshadowed by Rashan Gary, Winovich was actually the more productive pass rusher for the Wolverines. He had 18.5 sacks over the past three seasons as well as an impressive 43 tackles for a loss. Sure, there’s a chance he could last until No. 49, but there aren’t many promising edge prospects ahead of him, so if any start to get called, a trade up could be necessary to secure his services.

Another thing to think about when trying to consider moving up for edge help is the age and health of Vernon. Not only will he turn 29 this season — meaning he won’t be around too much longer — but he’s also missed nine games the past two seasons. Having someone like Winovich ready to play if he misses time in 2019 would keep the D-line running smoothly.

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