Cleveland Browns add depth on defensive line, draft Jordan Elliot at No. 88
By Dan Justik
The Cleveland Browns traded back for the second time Friday night and selected defensive tackle Jordan Elliott at No. 88.
The Cleveland Browns traded back for the second time of day two of the 2020 NFL Draft, this time moving back 14 spots from No. 74 to No. 88, while adding a 2021 third-round pick from the New Orleans Saints. With the No. 88 selection, the Browns selected Missouri defensive tackle Jordan Elliott.
In 2019, Elliott finished with 44 total tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, and deflected three passes in 12 games. In 2018, Elliott made 24 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, and one forced fumble in 10 games.
The Browns needed to improve on their defensive front, especially up the middle, after finishing with the third-worst rush defense in the NFL last season. Elliott will join Sheldon Richardson, Larry Ogunjobi, and Andrew Billings at defensive tackle.
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Elliott fits in as a three-technique on Cleveland’s defensive front, and he uses his speed and quick burst to create disruption in the backfield. Despite not producing many sacks, Elliott is able to get upfield and get in the backfield.
Elliott could emerge as a potential replacement for Ogunjobi, who is entering his final year on his rookie contract, after Ogunjobi struggled in 2019. If Elliott impresses as a rookie and Ogunjobi has another sub-par season, Elliott could become a starter on Cleveland’s defensive front in 2021.
Elliott was widely considered a top-10 interior defensive linemen in the draft class, and his fall to No. 88 was quite surprising. For the Browns, selecting Elliott where they did in the third round is solid value.
After adding an offensive tackle in the first round, Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry has doubled up on defense on day two of the draft with the selections of Elliott and Grant Delpit in the second round.
Grading the Browns selection of Grant Delpit. dark. Next
The Browns are expected to continue to focus on the defensive side of the ball, most likely building depth in the linebacker room. But so far, Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods already has some new pieces he can play around with following the selections of Elliott and Delpit.