Cleveland Browns: 5 NFL Draft prospects to replace Sheldon Richardson

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Nov 23, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Christian Barmore (58) celebrates his sack on Western Carolina Catamounts quarterback Tyrie Adams (12) during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

5 2021 NFL Draft defensive tackle prospects for the Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns made a surprising move this past week by releasing starting defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, starter of every game over the past two seasons. The move is entirely understandable for financial reasons, but it inarguably makes the team worse.

The DT depth chart currently consists of Andrew Billings, who opted out of the 2020 campaign, new signing Malik Jackson, and second-year player Jordan Eliott. The room needs some more depth, and considering that Elliott is the only one of the group signed past 2021, it needs long-term help as well.

This DT draft class is not great, but it seems like Cleveland will dip into it at some point. Here are five prospects at different values who could be fits for the Browns.

5. Christian Barmore, Alabama

Christian Barmore is typically considered the top prospect at his position in this class. He’s big and fast, and made splash plays on the biggest stage these past two seasons. The problem is he’s started only six games throughout his career and has a total of about one full season’s worth of snaps to his name.

He wasn’t an every-down player in college, and when he was on the field, while he had some great flashes (see the 2021 College Football Playoff), he wasn’t consistently disruptive. He plays with poor pad level too often, did most of his damage on stunts as opposed to one-on-one reps, and didn’t turn corners tightly.

Still, many respected analysts view him as a top-20 player, and he’ll be closely linked to the Browns for the next 11 days.

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