Cleveland Browns could land franchise safety if they play their cards right
By Grant Puskar
After Round 1, no safety has been selected yet. With safety being a position the Cleveland Browns need to fill, look no further than Round 2.
The Cleveland Browns had a very solid first round, getting what should be their franchise left tackle in Jedrick Wills Jr. As the first round went on, as more and more players were getting selected, there was one question floating around; why are there so few safeties being selected in the first round?
Even after the addition of newly acquired Karl Joseph, it is obvious the Browns should still draft a safety in the upcoming second round. Again, with there being zero safeties taken so far, the Browns could still easily get their guy at a crazy low price.
The number one safety in this years draft without question? Xavier McKinney. In 2019, McKinney finished with 95 total tackles, three interceptions to go along with three sacks. McKinney is a safety that very well should start from day one. He is quick, has solid ball hawking skills and can cover backs and tight ends at a decent level. What would the Browns have to give up for a guy like McKinney?
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The Browns would be extremely lucky to have a guy like McKinney fall to them at No. 41. In order to move up to select McKinney, it would be likely the Browns would be swapping second round picks with whichever team they trade with, as well as giving up a fourth rounder, possibly even a fifth.
A few other top safety names floating around? Grant Delpit and Antoine Winfield Jr. Both of these guys would be solid additions to a Browns secondary that needs tons of help.
Delpit had a solid 2018 season and just did not live up to the hype he created for himself in 2019. Winfield had seven interceptions last year in just 12 games. If they decide not to move up, both guys are very solid and realistic options.
dark. Next. Browns Day 2 mock draft following home run Day 1
Overall, it would be very nice for the Browns to swing high and move up for a guy like McKinney, who was in conversations early on as being a potential top-20 pick in the draft. Do not be surprised to see the Browns move up to select their guy. Judging off how quickly they made the Wills selection, it appears they have a method to their madness.