Retooling the Cleveland Browns 6.0: Post free agency mock draft
By Greg Newland
The NFL free agency period has slowed down and now all eyes will turn to the draft. Although improved with free-agent signings, the Cleveland Browns still have some holes on their roster. See potential draft targets.
Any realistic fan is extremely impressed with Andrew Berry’s start as the Cleveland Browns general manager. But we can’t forget, after “winning” the 2019 offseason, the Browns were only able to turn that hype into a disappointing six wins and a third-place finish in the AFC North.
Will key signings of tackle Jack Conklin and tight end Austin Hooper turn into wins? Will the addition of veteran backup quarterback Case Keenum help Baker Mayfield progress after a disappointing sophomore year? All questions Browns fans want to know the answer to.
After being humbled in 2019 and upgrading at head coach with newly hired Kevin Stefanski, I look for the Browns to finally break lose in 2020. Look for young players like Mayfield and linebacker Mack Wilson to become leaders and turn this losing culture around once and for all.
As the Browns head into the draft, they still lack depth on defense and have one major hole on offense. After signing multiple veterans to one-year deals, the Browns will look to develop multiple rookies next season and not force anyone onto the field.
Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo look to be the starting safeties with second-year man Sheldrick Redwine behind them. Look for the Browns to add depth at safety with someone who could potentially challenge for playing time mid-2020.
After singing B.J. Goodson to a one-year deal, the Browns will also need depth at linebacker with only Sione Takitaki and Mack Wilson on the roster who are both only entering year two. The Browns did get help up-front on defense with defensive tackle Andrew Billings, but after inconsistency from Chad Thomas in 2019, look for the Browns to draft another young edge rusher or two in later rounds.
The offense looks to be in much better shape at this point with only one glaring hole at left tackle. At this point, all fans would be shocked to not see the Browns take one of the talented four tackles with pick number ten. The Browns will likely be in two tight end personnel a fair amount, but with questions on Damion Ratley, look for the Browns to draft some depth at wide receiver as well.