5 later-round defenders Cleveland Browns must pick in 2020 NFL Draft

Five 2020 NFL Draft prospects the Cleveland Browns should target after the first round that would improve the team’s defense.

The Cleveland Browns are expected to go with an offensive tackle in the first round of the NFL Draft, and if that’s the case, GM Andrew Berry will surely give the defense some attention in the mid-to-later rounds.

The defensive unit’s biggest need is probably free safety, but linebacker is also a position of need. Additionally, help on the defensive line is always needed, as that’s one of those position groups that gets dwindles via the attrition that comes with the labor of an NFL season.

Safety Grant Delpit has been mocked to the Browns, as has edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson. While it’d be great to see one of these players fall into Berry’s lap at 41, it doesn’t seem feasible. Delpit could be a late first-rounder, while Chaisson’s been mocked as high as the 14th overall pick!

The Browns go into the draft relatively short-handed on picks when compared to the sash they’ve been armed with the past few years. Berry has just seven picks.

If the Browns go the route of tackle, the offensive will be in great shape. A re-vamped offensive line with an All-Pro caliber running back, in addition to hopefully healthy receivers. If Baker Mayfield’s career undergoes the resurrection it’s supposed to under Kevin Stefanski, then fans should see a much improved product from last season.

That leaves the defense. They were supposed to be a wrecking crew behind a defensive front four that paired Olivier Vernon with Myles Garrett.

Instead, it was the same old story: The Browns couldn’t stop the run and pass rushing became a rumor after Garrett was suspended.

With the defense needing attention, here’s five defensive prospects the Browns should consider after the first round.