Cleveland Browns: EDGE, defensive tackle, or receiver at 44?

The NFL draft will be here in just a matter of days, let’s look at what position group the Cleveland Browns should target at pick 44.

The three biggest areas of need going into the NFL draft for your Cleveland Browns are EDGE rusher, defensive tackle, and wide receiver. The Browns have already added talent and players to all three positions but all still need more added to them.

But which of the three needs should be the Browns’ number one priority in this year’s draft.

Let’s look at all three positions, the pros and cons for targeting the position, as well as a few players for all three that are schematic fits for the Browns.

Why Cleveland Browns should target defensive tackle at 44

The biggest reason to target defensive tackle early in the draft is simply that right now they have zero legitimate starters at the position. There are some rotational players that can provide decent snaps in Taven Bryan and Sheldon Day as well as the young Tommy Togiai. But you do not want to count on any of those three to be a starter in 2022.

The biggest con to taking a defensive tackle in the draft is that the class of defensive tackles this year simply isn’t good. There are some good players at the top but overall the class isn’t great, mostly role players so likely if you want an impact player you should focus on it early.

Cleveland Browns defensive tackle fits at 44

The three names that make the most sense for the Browns are Perrion Winfrey (Oklahoma), Logan Hall (Houston), and Travis Jones (UCONN). Winfrey was played out of position a lot at Oklahoma and showed that once he made it to the senior bowl this year. He is a furious pass rusher from the middle that could really make the Browns’ pass rush one of the league’s best.

Logan Hall is a tweener and maybe the best overall fight for the Browns with his ability to play both inside and outside on the defensive line. General manager Andrew Berry loves players that can play multiple roles, he doesn’t do a ton against the run game but his pass rush could be very valuable.

Travis Jones may be the best true nose tackle in this draft, but don’t let that full you, he is a complete player and can rush the passer as well. Jones may not last to pick 44 but if he does the Browns would add a player they haven’t had in years at the position.