3 players Cleveland Browns could trade up for in 2021 NFL Draft

1. Jaelan Phillips – Edge, Miami FL

As mentioned before, edge rushers in this draft are just strange. There are three or four that could all be great, but it also wouldn’t be shocking if they were all a bust. The Browns lucked out in 2020 when they needed an offensive tackle, as it was one of the best classes in a decade. Now, with the biggest need likely a defensive end, Berry will have some difficult decisions to make.

The number one edge rusher on most boards is Jaelan Phillips from Miami. Although he certainly has his question marks, he has proven the most on the field of any of the prospects and was a highly recruited talent out of high school.

Phillips is slightly undersized and could struggle in run support early in his career, but he has the frame to add more bulk. Not to mention his athleticism bails him out of a lot of tough situations.  Where Phillips really excels is as a pass rusher.

The big question mark with Phillips, injuries. A series of injuries that include concussions really hampered his college career. At one point he even called it quits and enrolled in college to study music.

After realizing he wanted more, he headed to Miami where he ended the 2020 season with 15.5 tackles for loss and 8 sacks. Luckily there were no additional concerns with concussions, but still something all teams will be mindful of.

Given the question marks, I don’t see Phillips going much before pick No. 15, but with the importance of pass rushers in the NFL, you never know. I believe Phillips is the best fit for the Browns and with Takk McKinley on the roster he wouldn’t be forced into early playing time.

Phillips may be worth a few picks to solidify the roster for 2021, but we will see if Berry agrees.