3 free agents who could change Cleveland Browns 2021 NFL Draft plans
By Randy Gurzi
The Cleveland Browns could see their plans for the 2021 NFL Draft altered by making a few moves in free agency, including landing these 3 players
At this point in the offseason, it’s easy to look ahead to the NFL Draft and start imagining who the Cleveland Browns will be bringing in.
Usually, we are about to see the start of the NFL Scouting Combine right about now but with COVID still being a major concern, the league has canceled the event. Still, we just saw the Senior Bowl take place and some athletes are beginning to host Pro Days as well to show off their skills.
Having said all that, there’s another huge event that will take place before the draft — NFL free agency. Here, we look at that part of the offseason and identify three players who could alter the Browns plans in the 2021 NFL Draft if they land them in free agency.
3. Richard Sherman, Cornerback
Right now, the Browns have a hole in the secondary. They feel great about Denzel Ward as the starter but opposite him, there are some concerns.
Not only are both Terance Mitchell and Kevin Johnson free agents, but they were without Greedy Williams for the entire 2020 season. Williams, who also missed time as a rookie the prior year, has been dealing with a nerve issue in his shoulder and there’s no guarantee he will be ready in time for the next campaign.
This has led to cornerback being the top pick for several draft pundits but maybe it doesn’t have to be. Cleveland could look to sign someone such as Richard Sherman as a short-term answer. This would give them more time to evaluate Williams and while it wouldn’t stop them from taking a corner in the upcoming draft, the Browns wouldn’t feel the need to reach at No. 26 if the best options were already off the board.
Sherman has hinted that he would be open to a deal in Cleveland and he already has a great relationship with current Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods. With him already knowing the system, it could help him catch on quickly while also giving him the chance to be a veteran mentor for the younger players.