After a very good draft, the Browns do still have some holes to fill

The Cleveland Browns left the 2020 NFL Draft looking very good after addressing several key needs, but the team still has some holes to fill.

The Cleveland Browns on paper improved their team and filled some holes. Assuming that three of the prospects acquired from the 2020 NFL Draft pan out, this will be a good year. At the very least, a more improved year. That said, the team didn’t have 18 draft picks this year, so it’s not an insult to say the Browns didn’t fill every position of need through the draft. They were never going and that’s ok.

So what holes do the Browns still have? Well, firstly, the team could use another defensive tackle. Preferably someone with experience and not an undrafted free agent. Granted, a UDFA wouldn’t be a bad idea to groom and coach up, but we’re talking about week one ready type of player. Depth will be a need at the position regardless of how good the starters are.

The team still needs to upgrade the left defensive end spot. Olivier Vernon might bounce back, or he could also move to a linebacking position as he played in New York. He could still get cut, who knows? Regardless you need someone behind him who can step up if he gets hurt again, or completely replace him. Jadeveon Clowney is still in play and the Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, and the Browns remain contenders for him. His arrival would allow more flexibility with Vernon, and not necessarily with regards to cutting him.

Linebacker is still a position of need as well, you don’t want to go into 2020 with a rookie and two sophomores lined up back there. Clay Matthews III is still everyone’s favorite get, but any veteran who can play pass coverage would be useful. Preferably if he can play inside and out. Unless it’s Matthews, and maybe Markus Golden, there aren’t many veterans who fit the Browns’ long-term outlook as a starter. That doesn’t mean the team shouldn’t still get a linebacker, just not one you expect to start. Someone like Manti Te’o would be ideal. He’s been injured but has played well when he hasn’t been, and if he’s the fourth or even fifth option on the depth chart, might make it through a whole season as a special teams guy and spot-starter in injury situations.

Lastly, and most obviously, receiver. You’re not sinking a lot of money into a slot guy, and there really isn’t anyone who deserves it so you’re safe. Someone like the Colts former wideout, Chester Rogers could be interesting. He’s coming off of a knee injury but if he can regain his form, the speedster would be a great fit for the team. His 4.31 40-time might be all but gone, but even if he’s slightly slower, that’s still faster than most. Now, if only he could catch more consistently…

Save for a spot or two (Clowney/Mathews III), most of the pick-ups should be backups or “just in cases”, as in just-in-case this player ends up being a bust.

Otherwise, the team for 2020 is nearly done and it’s looking good. I don’t know if I agree with some about playoffs being the expectation this year but I’m open to having my mind changed as the season progresses.