Three prospects the Cleveland Browns might draft if Chief Strategy Officer Paul DePodesta decides to trade down in the 2020 NFL Draft.
With The Second Reign of Analytics in full swing for the Cleveland Browns, trading down in the draft can’t be ignored.
The idea seems crazy, as the Browns do have talent and an impact player at the No. 10 spot improves the team’s chances of making the playoffs, assuming Kevin Stefanski is a better coach than Freddie Kitchens.
Ownership has stressed that the Browns are not rebuilding, so with that in mind, look for Cleveland to select at player at 10. However, now that this is officially Paul DePodesta’s show, the idea of trading down can never be ruled out.
The Browns have seven draft picks in 2020, a number far off from the double-digit selection the franchise has seemed to make the past few years.
Everyone suspects the Browns will target an offensive lineman come draft day, but if a run on lineman leaves the front office with a prospect they don’t feel comfortable with at No. 10, you better believe DePodesta will teal.
Here’s three prospects the Browns might consider should the organization to trade down in the 2020 NFL Draft.
1. Ezra Cleveland, T, Boise State
If the Browns were to trade down, and that’s a strategy in-play considering the team’s analytically driven front office, the organization may target Ezra Cleveland.
According to PFN’s Tony Pauline, the Browns covet Iowa tackle Tristan Wirfs, the most, but after a stellar showing at the NFL combine, Wirfs may be long gone before the Browns pick at No. 10.
Pauline called the selection of Cleveland a “contingency option.” Interestingly, Pauline’s information coincides with the “analytics” draft conducted by Pro Football Focus. The date driven website has Wirfs as its first tackle off the board at No. 8.
Meanwhile, Cleveland is slated to be picked at No. 22. PFF, which didn’t account for trades in its mock, had the Browns selecting Houston tackle Josh Jones.
It’s worth noting that if the Browns do trade down, Cleveland would be right in the ballpark that Pauline forecasted.
You never truly know how things are going to break down until the draft actually plays out, but it makes the most sense for the organization to take a lineman. Free agency could change things, but it’s imparative the Browns find two starting tackles this offseason, and if Andrew Berry ignores the position in the first round, it becomes increasingly harder to find a starter on day two.
2. Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Depending on how free agency shakes out, Grant Delpit could be a fit for the Browns if Andrew Berry decides to trade down on draft day.
With Cleveland letting Damarious Randall test free agency, safety is now a major hole to fill, as there’s no one on the roster capable of taking over.
John Dorsey spend a late-round pick on Sheldrick Redwine last year, but the second-year veteran looks better suited to be a strong safety, meaning the Browns have to do something, either via the draft or free agency.
Delpit is a player who’s been mocked all over the place this season. Months ago, there were mocks who had the LSU product going to the Browns at No. 10. Since then, his stock has seemed to dropped a little, as it’s more common to see him being picked in the mid-teens.
PFF projected Delpit to have the best “playmaker rate” among any other safety prospect in the draft. This stat forecasts pass breakups and interceptions. He’s drawn comparisons to Devin McCourty and Earl Thomas.
3. Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State
Call them NFL U, Boise State with another first-round prospect on this list in the form of EDGE rusher Curtis Weaver.
And while the Browns have an urgent need to add a pass rusher, they may soon have a huge need to fill on their defensive line.
The new league year will dictate what the Browns do with the EDGE position, as it’s believed among the Browns’ mainstream media that Olivier Vernon will be released, creating even more cap space for an organization that has $65 million to burn.
Cleveland can always sign an EDGE defender, but if they’re looking at anyone who’s any good, he’ll probably cost too much. It’s an important note to remember considering Cleveland is approaching the time to extend Myles Garrett–a transaction that will require a mega millions.
Perhaps the Browns keep Vernon, simply because there’s no one else capable of starting and being a productive player. If Vernon is healthy, he’s second only to Myles Garrett in terms of what he can produce on the field.
Keeping Vernon eliminates the need to find a pass rusher to complement Garrett. On the flip side, drafting someone like Weaver means they’ll be paying an EDGE rusher a salary commensurate with the rookie pay scale.
Weaver leaves college early as the Mountain West’s all-time sack leader. He projects to be traditional defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, but may also be to rush from the inside.
There’s only one player who projects as a better all-around player at the EDGE position, and that’s Chase Young. With that in mind, don’t forget Weaver’s name.