Cleveland Browns: 10 free agents Browns should target in 2019

3. Anthony Barr, LB

My guess is the Browns could go defense with their first pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, because they could use a pass rusher, a linebacker, and well, another corner.

Really, any position, maybe with the exceptions of quarterback and running back are in need.

But if the Browns drafted today, I think they’d go defense because of the lack of play-making offensive weapons projected to be available.

Assuming the Browns draft an EDGE rusher in a draft that’s loaded with ‘em, general manager John Dorsey should feel a sense of urgency to upgrade the linebacker position.

Vikings’ free agent Anthony Barr would be a nice upgrade.

It’s looking like Barr will actually hit the market because the Vikings failed to extend him out of his rookie contract last season.

Compound that with the fact Minnesota will have to choose how they spend their dollars with so much money tied up in Kirk Cousins, and that could make the former ninth overall pick available.

The Browns enter free agency thin at linebacker. Joe Schobert is as solid as they come in the middle, but on the outside, the Browns have holes.

Christian Kirksey wasn’t playing all that we’ll beforehand getting injured, and Jamie Collins has failed to live up to the hype after being acquired by trade.

With so much value placed on finding EDGE rushers, perhaps that’s the route Dorse will take in the draft. If that’s indeed the case, he can find help in free agency.

Barr didn’t receive a great grade in pass coverage from PFF (59.9), but he was solid against the run and there were times the Browns looked defenseless when teams kicked the ball to the outside.