Last second draft day analysis for the Cleveland Browns
By Greg Newland
It’s draft day Browns fans, the excitement many folks need at this moment. Let’s look at a few prospects for the Browns organization.
Cleveland Browns fans, the wait is over… draft day is here. All other fan bases like to call this our “Super Bowl,” and unfortunately, it’s tough to defend against that statement. The rumor mill is swarming and there are questions by everyone on what Cleveland is going to do with the No. 10 pick. First-year general manager Andrew Berry has handled free agency flawlessly, now let’s see how he does on his first draft night.
There are no questions about it, left tackle is the biggest need for the Browns right now. They certainly need depth at linebacker and safety, but Chris Hubbard nor Kendall Lamm are the answer to protect Baker Mayfield’s blindside in 2020. Kevin Stefanski upgraded his staff right away with the addition of offensive line coach Bill Callahan, but the Browns still need more talent up front to be competitive in 2020.
Tonight, the Browns need to hope that there is a run on defensive talent and quarterbacks early and often. If a wide receiver like CeeDee Lamb can sneak into the top-10, that means the Browns could have a tremendous amount of options at No. 10. There are four top offensive tackles for the taking this year, and in a best-case scenario, the Browns will have their pick from three of them. A worst-case scenario could leave them with the option of only one.
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The biggest question mark right now is the New York Giants. Many reports say the Giants are after a tackle, likely Tristan Wirfs, but some suspect David Gettleman won’t be able to pass on safety/linebacker Isaiah Simmons from Clemson. IF the Giants go tackle, many expect the Arizona Cardinals to draft a tackle as well (hopefully Mekhi Becton). Now, with the recent news on Becton (drug sample dilution), he may be the fourth tackle taken, but the Browns can hold out hope for Andrew Thomas and Jedrick Wills Jr. to be available at No. 10.
The other wild card right now is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There is no doubt they are fully gearing up to win it all in 2020 with Tom Brady, but are they ready to trade multiple picks to swap with the Carolina Panthers or Jacksonville Jaguars? If so, there COULD be three of the top four tackles gone by No. 10, and if Becton is the last man standing, look for the Browns to strongly consider trading back. Let’s take one final look at the draft prospects for the Browns tonight.
I’ll say this one more time… “Isaiah Simmons, no matter what” should be written on a sticky note in Andrew Berry’s pocket on Thursday night. He looks to be an instant star at free safety, another position the Browns are in desperate need of. The 6-foot-4 hybrid safety/linebacker looks like a Troy Polamalu type talent, but even bigger. IF he makes it to No. 10, turn the card in immediately with his name on it.