3 Free Agents Cleveland Browns should still consider ahead of draft week
By Greg Newland
3. Maurice Hurst – Defensive Tackle
After three seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, one of the surprising releases last week was defensive tackle, Maurice Hurst. While his numbers haven’t been staggering, he had a strong first two seasons in the league before a bit of a letdown in the 2020 season.
After the release of Richardson, the Browns are likely back in the defensive tackle market. At the age of 26, Hurst could be a prime target of Berry who can come in and be productive, and not break the bank.
At 6-2, 280-pounds, Hurst is a player who can perform well against the run and pose as a pass-rushing threat. He would certainly be a downgrade to Richardson but would give the team so much-needed depth on the interior of the defense.
Defensive tackle is also a position I wouldn’t be surprised to be addressed in the 2021 NFL draft. Andrew Berry could look to take a talented defensive tackle as early as No. 26 if the right guy falls in his lap.
The Browns have enough talent at the position that they could have some patience for a guy to develop, but in an ideal world, they will be looking for a guy to contribute immediately. Guys like Christian Barmore from Alabama and Daviyon Nixon from Iowa could be nice fits in the first or second round.
Hurst would be a great option, but I wouldn’t expect anything to be done until after the draft at this point.