Cleveland Browns: Could First Three Picks Be On Defense?

A defensive-heavy approach during the early part of the 2017 NFL Draft is something that could prove to be beneficial.

The Cleveland Browns drafted 14 players in the 2016 NFL Draft. Like last year’s draft, Cleveland has a ton of draft picks at their disposal. How they go about using them is the interesting part because if they see a player of value dropping, would they package multiple picks to get him?

The 2017 NFL Draft is defensive heavy for the first few rounds. Adding a quarterback is tempting at some point, but what if it does not happen until day three?

With the talent that will be available in the first two days, adding players early and often outside of quarterback may be too enticing to pass up.

With their first pick, the popular choice is Texas A&M EDGE Myles Garrett. He would instantly help, but help is still needed. At 12, Cleveland could a number of directions, but for the sake of this piece, the Browns should go back on the defensive side of the ball.

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A quarterback would be understandable, along with an offensive lineman or help elsewhere on defense too. Lets say Florida defensive backs Jalen Tabor and Quincy Wilson, along with Ohio State corner a Marshon Lattimore, among others is still on the board.

Given the depth at both positions, it would be a win-win regardless of the position that is picked. Lattimore is the best of the group so he gets taken at 12.

Now Garrett and Lattimore is in the fold. That is great, but if Cleveland still holds both of their second rounders (33rd and 52nd overall respectively), they will have more options to work with.

Help is still needed on the offensive line so depending on how their board is made up could determine if a lineman or a safety is preferred atop the second round. Both a lineman and a safety would work here.

Going down the hypothetical route, as badly as Cleveland needs offensive line help, they actually may not get any of those players until 52. Hard to imagine right? Well, with their other needs and the type of players available atop the draft, it is what it is.

If a quality offensive lineman is there at 33, then that is my preference. Since there is a bit more depth than what may be realized, passing on them should be easier for some to accept.

So, at 33, Washington safety/hybrid linebacker Budda Baker would be a fit. With the many schemes Cleveland will be using, Baker would be a great resource in the back-end of the defense.

Next: Decisions Are Needed At QB ASAP

From now until the end of April, many what ifs will be played out. Some as the days get closer to the draft will stay, while others will be dismissed. Depending on what Cleveland does in free agency will likely dictate if their first three picks will indeed be on defense or not.

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