Cleveland Browns: 4 players the Browns must draft in 2018

BLOOMINGTON, IN - NOVEMBER 04: Simmie Cobbs Jr. #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers runs after a catch in the first quarter of a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. Wisconsin defeated Indiana 45-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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TUSCALOOSA, AL – SEPTEMBER 30: Minkah Fitzpatrick /

2. Minkah Fitzpatrick, FS, Alabama

Minkah Fitzpatrick is one of those players a football oriented GM like John Dorsey and the Browns Chief Strategy Officer Paul DePodesta might be able to agree on.

Browns fans will fall in love with Fitzpatrick, who plays the game with a linebacker’s mentality (I know, insert Jabrill Peppers jokes in the comment section).

However, on the point of Dorsey and DePodesta possibly being in harmony on this pick, the eye test tells you Fitzpatrch is a dominant playmaking safety, while analytics back up his value as a run stopper.

Pro Football Focus gave Fitzpatrick an 85.9 grade, which ranked fourth among college cornerbacks in stopping the run.

The analytically oriented website listed the Browns and Jets as the best destinations for the sure-fire top 10 pick.

Fitzpatrick had just one interception this season, but he had six as as a sophomore, including two touchdowns.

There’s a playmaker underneath that Crimson Tide helmet, and the Browns need him.

With Fitzpatrick’s addition, Jabrill Peppers can lineup closer.

Free safety remains one of the biggest question marks on this team, and the Browns can correct the problem with the No. 4 pick in the draft by choosing Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick.

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