Why the Cleveland Browns will punt the 2020 NFL Draft

Punting the Draft

The Browns are going to punt the draft. They are going to kick the draft down to 2021 and 2022. They are going to punt it higher and further than Jamie Gillan. They are already putting feelers out about trading down and what they can get for their picks.

It makes sense to do so. With the impending contracts of Garrett and Mayfield about to hit the books, the Browns have to find a way to save salary cap space by acquiring cheap, young players in the draft. These players are they key to building a long-term sustainable success for the Browns.

The Browns will also start getting rid of high-end contracts. Soon players like Sheldon Richardson, Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry will become cap casualties. Their contracts will have to come off the books if the young talent like Mayfield and Garrett are to stay.

The other issue is finding players that fit the current vision. Most of the draft work was done under John Dorsey. Even if all of that information is retained and re-filtered with new parameters, it will still not be as efficient as an entire year dedicated to one specific way. More draft capital is needed anyway, why not acquire it in a year when all the turnover is happening at the general manager position?

Not only will they punt the draft, but this year will probably see a return to drafting highly athletic players. Players like Seth DeValve who are athletic off the charts but need to be taught how to play football will be back in uniform. If this is a good or bad thing is yet to be determined.

For sure, expect the Browns to trade down. The new front office has to wade through the tornado like destruction John Dorsey left in his wake.