Browns: NFL Network draft analyst would still take pass rusher

Current NFL Network draft analyst expert and former Cleveland Browns scout, Daniel Jeremiah had a video conference on Tuesday where he spoke to members of the media about the Browns and what he’d do if he were calling the shots in Berea come draft day. One of the big takeaways was the fact that despite signing Jadeveon Clowney, he’d still take another defensive end (or blitz-worthy linebacker) at the 26th pick if the right guy was there.

(Transcript via Cleveland.com)

"I’m excited about Clowney coming there. Obviously, his career has been defined by more disruption than production, but with the injury history being what it’s been, his presence is not going to stop me from taking an edge-rusher. If you feel you have an edge-rusher there that’s an upgrade, do it. You can’t have too many.’"

This thought is intriguing. While we often view the first round as a plug-in-and-play round, used to get guys to start for you if you have holes, the idea of drafting an insurance policy for Clowney is an idea that holds weight but would be better served if only certain players aren’t there anymore.

For who he thinks the Browns should take, it’s Gregory Rousseau.

"I’m sticking with (Rousseau). I still believe in him. I really like him."

Now it was usually down to Rousseau or Jaelean Phillips as players the Browns were linked to the most before the Clowney signing. Phillips seems to be the better pick to some, but Rousseau to others. That issue is largely moot now, though, as many believe the biggest need the Browns have is at defensive tackle or linebacker. The problem, as Jeremiah said, is that the defensive tackle class is weak. Jeremiah believes this is the weakest class since 2003.

For context that year Johnathan Sullivan went to New Orleans and Jimmy Kennedy went to St. Louis. If you don’t remember who those two are, that’s kind of his point. Of that draft, 24 defensive tackles were taken, with only the Vikings’ Kevin Williams becoming a star.

What’s more interesting is that he doesn’t view the top-rated defensive tackle, Christian Barmore, as a first-rounder. That said, if he’s there, Jeremiah thinks the Browns could take him due to the release of Sheldon Richardson.

"He could sneak into the back end of one. I think more than likely he goes in round two. He fits the profile of what traditionally are the second-round guys in that he’s a little bit of a boom-bust player where you have high highs and then you’ve got some inconsistent lower lows."

The fact that he believes so little in Barmore as a first-rounder, with the decrease in importance at the position, could mean Barmore falls out of the first-round completely.

The Browns need to improve the defensive line in the NFL draft, and if Phillips, Rousseau, or Barmore are the guy they go with in the first round, at least that’ll be something. The Browns can’t afford to waste their first few picks on guys who play positions that are already well secured. The decision to take a defensive end in the NFL draft makes sense mostly due to Clowney’s one-year deal, and only if the right person is there.

Otherwise, it’d be an absolutely absurd idea.