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Evaluating options for the Cleveland Browns: Round 3, Pick 74

By Greg Newland

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 21: Akeem Davis-Gaither #24 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers reacts to a missed field goal by Noah Ruggles #97 of the North Carolina Tar Heels as time expires in their game at Kenan Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Mountaineers won 34-31. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 21: Akeem Davis-Gaither #24 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers reacts to a missed field goal by Noah Ruggles #97 of the North Carolina Tar Heels as time expires in their game at Kenan Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Mountaineers won 34-31. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 01: Mack Wilson #51 of the Cleveland Browns in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 1, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 01: Mack Wilson #51 of the Cleveland Browns in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 1, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

The best teams in the league aren’t filled with round one draft hits, they are filled with round three and four hits.  Let’s look and see who the Browns could have on their radar.

Right now, everyone believes the Cleveland Browns will draft a tackle with the number 10 pick.  It is also safe to say the Browns will turn to the defensive side of the ball to try and draft depth after the first round.

Currently the Browns multiple players at safety, linebacker and defensive line with only one year left on their deals. With contract extensions for Baker Mayfield and Myles Garrett coming sooner than later, the Browns must draft well.

The one area I was disappointed in this offseason was at linebacker. Paying Joe Schobert $10-11 million per year wasn’t the answer, but I’m not sold B.J. Goodson is either. Right now, Brown’s top three linebackers are Mack Wilson, Sione Takitaki, and Goodson.

Wilson has shown flashes of great, and the other two have never been every-down players to this point. Are the Browns setting themselves up for failure at linebacker?

If you aren’t sick of analytics yet, I’ll tell you, they don’t value the linebacker position. Think about it…they fill gaps in running plays and cover tight ends or running backs in passing situations. I get it, you must have someone out there who can comprehend and play the game, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be your best player.

Look for the Browns to add depth at linebacker in the third round to fill a big void. Also, keep in mind you could see a few veterans get cut after the draft who the Browns could look to pick up. The other thing to keep in mind about linebacker for the Browns is they likely will only have two on the field in most first and second-down situations.

Joe Woods is expected to play three safeties and two linebackers, which is why I prefer going safety in the second round and linebacker in the third.

Let’s evaluate the talent that could be available in the third round and see what fits best for the Browns.

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