Evaluating options for the Cleveland Browns at pick number 41
By Greg Newland
The focus so far has been on what the Cleveland Browns will do with their first-round pick at number 10. Let’s now turn our attention to their pick in round two.
At this point, if the Cleveland Browns draft anything but an offensive tackle at No. 10, everyone would be shocked. Initially, fans were high on somehow getting safety/linebacker Isaiah Simmons from Clemson. But after crushing the combine, the Browns would likely have to trade into the top five to get Simmons which is not feasible.
Which tackle will the Browns take? There are clearly four top tackles in the draft which are all top 15 talent. However, which of those is the best of the group is not so obvious to scouts.
Tristan Wirfs from Iowa and Jedrick Wills Jr. from Alabama are right tackles who could easily make the switch to the left side. While Mekhi Becton from Louisville and Andrew Thomas from Georgia are natural left tackles. At this point, I think I am comfortable with any of the four but would prefer Thomas or Wills because of their size, athleticism, and competition they’ve faced in the SEC.
While many fans focus on the first-round pick, the second-round pick at number 41 maybe even more important for Cleveland next year. The Browns need to find another defensive starter, who can have an instant impact as a rookie. While this shouldn’t be an issue to find in the second round, there is always a chance of drafting someone who doesn’t develop as quickly as planned.
Many believe Joe Woods will deploy the 4-2-5 defensive scheme with the fifth defensive back playing a hybrid safety/linebacker type role. The Browns lack depth at both linebacker and safety, but if 4-2-5 is the path forward, look for the Browns to try and take a safety in the second round with added linebacker depth in the third or fourth round.