Grading the Cleveland Browns selection of Grant Delpit in second round

The Cleveland Browns were able to move back in the second round and add a fifth round pick while still landing safety Grant Delpit to build their defense.

The Cleveland Browns entered the 2020 NFL Draft with clear needs at offensive tackle and safety, and they addressed those needs with their first two picks of the draft. Cleveland followed up the selection of Jedrick Wills in the first round with LSU safety Grant Delpit at No. 44 overall.

Delpit won the 2019 Jim Thorpe Award, which goes to the best defensive back in the NCAA, after making 65 total tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss and two sacks, one forced fumble, two interceptions and seven passes defensed in 14 games. Delpit was reportedly hampered by a high ankle sprain throughout the 2019 season.

However, had Delpit been eligible to enter the 2019 NFL Draft, his 2018 campaign would have made him a potential top-15 pick. In 2018, Delpit made 74 total tackles, including 9.5 tackles for loss and five sacks, one forced fumble, five interceptions and nine passes defensed.

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There are major questions about if the Browns will be getting the 2018 version of Delpit or the 2019 version. In 2018, Delpit was able to play all over the defense and make an impact. He showed elite coverage skills who can fly sideline to sideline and make plays. He showed great recognition ability and was able to come up and make tackles with great burst.

Delpit in 2019 did not show the same talent, as Delpit had major issues with making tackles. With poor pursuit angles, Delpit found himself out of position to finish tackles. He also had effort questions several times throughout the 2019 season. However, he still showed the coverage skills that he had in 2018.

Despite his issues in 2019, Delpit still fits as a solid pick for Browns general manager Andrew Berry, so how does he grade as the No. 44 overall pick?

Depending on which version the Browns get of Delpit, this could become a home run pick and the steal of the draft for the Browns. Or Delpit could show the 2019 version of himself and be viewed as a missed pick by the Browns with several other top safeties available at the time.

At 6-foot-3 and 203 pounds, Delpit has great size for the position. He can play all over the defensive formation and defensive coordinator Joe Woods could get creative with how he deploys Delpit. Delpit has the coverage skills to play over the top or in the slot, and he also has the play recognition and willingness to make a hit to play in the box.

Safety was a big need for the Browns considering they only had four safeties under contract: Karl Joseph, Andrew Sendejo, Sheldrick Redwine and J.T. Hassell. Delpit allows Sendejo to play as the No. 3 safety, which he is better suited to play.

Because Delpit can play as the free safety or strong safety, he brings significant potential upside with their selection. Delpit will need to improve his tackling and effort on every play, but he has the potential of being a star safety.

There are some unknowns with Delpit, and if he proves his 2019 campaign was truly hampered by an ankle injury and becomes a significant contributor for the Browns defense, this was a home run pick. If the Browns are getting the 2018 version of Delpit, this instantly becomes an A+ selection by the Browns.