2021 NFL Draft: Early draft needs for the Cleveland Browns
By Kyle Edmond
Looking ahead to the 2021 NFL Draft, what are the top early needs for the Cleveland Browns to grab?
We’ve reached single digits! The NFL season is less than 10 days away and the anticipation is growing around the league. For the Cleveland Browns yet another new regime has taken over, but looking beyond this season, what can the Browns target to add in the 2021 NFL Draft as early team needs?
There’s no question that the Browns have had their fair share of struggles, not just recently, but in team history. However, this time has some Browns fans feeling differently.
This past April in the 2020 NFL Draft the Cleveland Browns selected Jedrick Wills Jr. in the first round after he fell further in the round than anticipated. For many Browns fans, this pick showed promise as the team was committed to building a strong foundation at the left tackle position to build around.
Then, the Browns were able to snag another falling star in Grant Delpit, but like most teams around the league, injury struck during camp. A torn Achilles ended Delpit’s season before it started and he isn’t alone on the injury report.
Presumed starting linebacker Mack Wilson suffered a knee injury while multiple other players have sustained minor injuries or decided to opt-out of the season.
Despite all this, excitement is still buzzing around the Browns organization and what new head coach Kevin Stefanski can do with all the weapons on offense.
The likes of Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry out wide with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt in the backfield along with newly signed tight end Austin Hooper gives plenty of options for the team to get creative. There will be few opportunities for excuses, both on Stefanski and on quarterback Baker Mayfield if the team falls short of expectations.
So, with high hopes entering the season, what pieces could be added after the season to fill the gaps that might show during 2020?