Cleveland Browns NFL Draft prospects: Third round, pick No. 97
By Greg Newland
The Cleveland Browns have turned their focus to defense in rounds two and three after taking an offensive tackle with the 10th overall pick. What will the Browns focus on with their fourth pick in the 2020 draft?
So far, I have the Cleveland Browns drafting offensive tackle at pick No. 10, safety at pick No. 41, and linebacker at pick No. 74. Fans may forget, but the Browns have an additional third-round pick at No. 97 from the Houston Texans as a part of the Duke Johnson trade last offseason.
Andrew Thomas, the left tackle from Georgia, is the best option for the Browns at No. 10, but it remains to be seen if he will be available. No matter who the Browns draft in the first round, it is likely to be an offensive tackle and they will be expected to start Week 1 of the 2020 season.
In a conference call last week, Browns general manager Andrew Berry may have leaked some important information that Jack Conklin could switch from right to left tackle with ease if needed. If that is the case, the Browns may not be as locked on taking a true left tackle in the draft, which would currently limit the club to Thomas or Mekhi Becton.
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While Andrew Sendejo and Karl Joseph are both strong additions at safety for the 2020 season, depth will be much-needed and addressed in the second round by the Browns. There are several safeties available that fit the safety/linebacker hybrid that Joe Woods will be looking for next year in the 4-2-5 scheme. With both Sendejo and Joseph on one-year deals, they will need to draft a safety that can step in after next season.
After finding a starting tackle and adding depth at safety, look for the Browns to move to linebacker with their first third-round pick. While the Browns were splashy in free agency, B.J. Goodson was a very underwhelming signing after losing Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey. Mack Wilson is a lock for 2020, but Sione Takitaki and Goodson are a big drop in talent after. Look for the Browns to add an athletic linebacker that could see some playing time mid-season in 2020.
With the additional third-round pick, look for the Browns to build depth on the defensive line. Edge rush help would be preferred, but an interior defensive lineman would not be shocking giving versatility of Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi. Here are a few options the Browns should consider.