Cleveland Browns address defense in 2020 NFL mock draft
By Clay Goodwin
After solidifying their roster in free agency, the Cleveland Browns left themselves in a nice spot heading into the 2020 draft where they address defensive needs.
In the last few weeks, the Cleveland Browns have had a good start to their offseason. With just a few weeks left before the 2020 NFL Draft, their needs they should address have not really changed all that much. The draft looks to be heavy on the defensive side of the ball for the Browns, as they need to fill holes with young talent.
In free agency, the Browns solidified their tight end position by adding former Falcons star, Austin Hooper. Between Hooper and fellow tight end David Njoku, Cleveland has a nice receiving tandem at tight end. Tight end wasn’t a huge need, but it did need to be addressed and they can check that off their list.
Perhaps the biggest signing for the Browns came when they signed right tackle Jack Conklin. He is considered one of the best right tackles in the NFL, particularly when run blocking. Right tackle was a huge need for the Browns and they certainly fixed that. Now the focus shifts to left tackle and a little to right guard.
Left tackle will surely be a focus in the draft, and likely at their first-round selection. This class has a solid group of tackles that are projected fairly high in the draft. Right guard is also an issue, although Cleveland’s front office has some belief in some current players on the roster. Still, don’t be surprised if you see an interior lineman selected by the Browns with one of their picks.
Linebacker and safety were the other two glaring needs for the team. Both of these positions added some help via free agency. Veteran linebacker B.J. Goodson joins the corps consisting of Sione Takitaki and Mack Wilson. The safety room also added veterans Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo to bring leadership and starting experience to the secondary.
The Browns will definitely take a left tackle in this draft, and then should have a major focus on defense with a majority of their picks. This is an exciting draft for Cleveland and the fans because they are filling holes and adding complementary talent, rather than completely rebuilding. This mock draft provides just that.