Cleveland Browns: Overhauling the defensive line

Plenty of defensive line draft prospects to keep an eye on

Cleveland’s most viable option to sure up their defensive line is through the draft. While spending a pick to bolster the room on day one is unlikely, it is definitely not out of the realm of possibility. The Browns are in desperate need of a No. 1 wide receiver, but if edge defenders like Travon Walker, Kayvon Thibodeaux, or George Karlaftis begin to slide then it could change Berry’s priorities.

This is a deep wide receiver draft, and if one of the premier edge defenders comes within range don’t be surprised to hear their name called. However, there are plenty of day two edge and defensive tackles that would fill the bill for the Browns. Interior defensive linemen like Travis Jones or DeMarvin Leal would fit neatly into the Browns guardrails as would defensive ends like Kingsley Enagbare or Drake Jackson.

A few day-three names to watch on the interior defensive line are John Ridgeway, Neil Farell Jr., and Haskell Garrett. Both Ridgeway and Farell Jr. are on the older side for draft prospects, but on day three of a covid impacted draft, the Browns may be more likely to bend their guardrails. Both prospects could fulfill a huge need as one technique defensive tackles.

At the end of the day, the Browns need to bring in at least eight to ten new players to round out their defensive line room before training camp. If history is any indicator, expect Berry to resign one or two players from last year’s DL room as well as a couple of unrestricted free agents. But the majority of the influx of new talent will come from the draft to keep the Browns from becoming top-heavy in contracts.

Bottom line, the Browns have a ton of work to do to fill out this defensive line room. But they have the ultimate building block in Myles Garrett, and as long as it begins and ends with 95, everything else will fall into place.