3 remaining moves for the Cleveland Browns before the draft
By Greg Newland
2. Interior defensive line depth
The Browns lost two big contributors from 2020 in free agency, Kevin Johnson (cornerback), and Larry Ogunjobi (defensive tackle). Johnson once again dealt with injuries and Hill will be a major upgrade in 2021. Ogunjobi was solid at times, but extremely inconsistent.
The Browns do have Richardson, Andrew Billings who didn’t play in 2020, and Jordan Elliot who was a rookie last season all coming back. While Billings and Richardson will be strong starters, look for Berry to try and add another player at the position before the draft.
A big-time run stuffer would be a huge benefit, and you can never have enough good defensive lineman. In true running situations, the Browns could put Richardson at the defensive end and put Billings and Elliot in the middle to really make things tough as well.
A guy that is familiar to Cleveland and may fit well is a former first-round pick, Danny Shelton. While he was a bust as a first-round pick, Shelton could be a huge asset on a one or two-year deal for $4-5 million a season.
Shelton has shown he can be a dominant run stuffer, and even get after the passer. His biggest issue is consistent effort and getting tired. However, in the Browns rotation Shelton could be utilized in 30-40 percent of snaps and really have a breakout year.
Shelton may be looking for a starting role which could lower the chances of this happening, but this move makes a lot of sense for the Browns.