CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – With left tackle settled following the selection of Jedrick Wills Thursday night, Andrew Berry and the Browns can turn their attention to the defense.
Berry and the Browns enter day two of the 2020 NFL Draft with three picks – the ninth selection in round two (No. 41 overall) and a pair of picks in round three – Nos. 74 (10th in the round) and 97 (33rd in the round).
Linebacker and safety are the most pressing needs on that side of the ball but just for fun throw in corner too.
Yes, the Browns signed Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo as free agents, but both are on one-year deals and they don’t have much in the way of long-term solutions there. Sheldrick Redwine started five games last season but he is still too young and raw to make any judgements on.
Linebacker might be their thinnest position. Mack Wilson, who enters his second year, the jury is still out on what contributions can be expected of Sione Takitaki, and B.J. Goodson signed a one-year contract last month. They clearly didn’t think highly enough of Christian Kirksey or Joe Schobert to retain either veteran so an overhaul was in the offing.
The good news is that multiple top-50 projected prospects remain at key positions for Cleveland.
Alabama’s Xavier McKinney was projected to be among the top safeties available in this year’s class and he’s still available along with LSU’s Grant Delpit or Antoine Winfield Jr. from Minnesota. Cal’s Ashtyn Davis, who is recovering from a core muscle injury could be a quality third-round pick.
There are a few linebackers still on the board starting with Zach Baun from Wisconsin where he excelled blanketing tight ends, who historically have been a nightmare for Browns defenders to cover. Jeremy Chinn from Southern Illinois or Logan Wilson from Wyoming.
At corner, Berry has some options there too on Day two.
Utah’s Jaylon Johnson, LSU’s Kristian Fulton and Alabama’s Trevon Diggs are on the board and with just three day three picks in hand, Berry could take advantage of other team's needs by moving around to nab extra selections for Saturday but it should be noted that Berry puts a premium on day two picks.
A wild card for Berry to consider Friday night – tight end and receiver depth.
Kevin Stefanski's affinity for tight ends within his offense could lead Berry to find a role player there and with a deep receiver class, finding help behind Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry would be wise from a team and roster building perspective.
