2020 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns hoping for best with Grant Delpit pick

Digging into the Cleveland Browns trading down and snagging Grant Delpit at No. 44 in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Cleveland Browns entered the 2020 NFL Draft with two obvious needs on their roster. They filled their first need with a bullet, snagging offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. at No. 10. Wills is the best offensive tackle in the 2020 NFL Draft class and should be an immediate upgrade for the Cleveland Browns at the left tackle position.

The Browns traded down from 41 to 44 in the second round and took care of their other obvious need by adding LSU safety Grant Delpit to the mix. One year ago, Delpit was considered by most to be a legitimate top 10 player in the 2020 NFL Draft class. However, his 2019 season did not go according to plan and Delpit fell far down the board.

Delpit won the Thorpe Award for the best defensive back in college football last season, but that was awarded on name recognition alone. Delpit did not have a strong 2019 season, showing major tackling issues throughout the year. He did not show much competitive toughness last season, opting to stay away from the play if he could help it.

All of that being said, Delpit is still an extremely talented and athletic safety prospect who has massive upside at the next level. He has tremendous range on the back-end and fantastic natural ball skills. Delpit could undoubtedly be an impact playmaker as a deep safety, but his 2019 season is still awfully concerning.

It is certainly possible that Grant Delpit will enter the NFL and immediately turn it back on. That being said, I think it is certainly possible that he continues to disappoint. I do not mind the Cleveland Browns taking a shot on his upside here, but with Antoine Winfield Jr. still on the board, this was not a good pick. Winfield is an equally impressive playmaker at the safety position who is a high-level competitor. I would have much rather seen him as the pick for Cleveland.