3 positions the Cleveland Browns need to target in the second round

The Cleveland Browns have some positions still to fill.

The Cleveland Browns worked their cap magic and have about $22 million in cap according to Spotrac and that’s with Baker Mayfield still on the roster. The team has about $12 million going to dead cap penalties, but when it’s all said and done, the team could have somewhere near $40 million in free money this year.

That doesn’t mean the team can just spend all of it, they have to be diligent with their space with the big-time salaries to Deshaun Watson, who still faces 22 accusations of unwanted sexual improprieties that will be settled in a civil court. Once 2023 starts, his cap hit will go from $1 million to $46 million next year. That means guys will have to be let go.

It’s unlikely Jack Conklin returns, and Anthony Walker may not be back for a third year. Plus, the team is still going after ex-Browns Jadeveon Clowney, Carl Nassib, and allegedly Jarvis Landry. On top of that, the team has to fill holes at defensive tackle and safety this offseason as well.

Most of that can happen in the draft, but the Browns lost two draft picks the next three years, with the first-round going to compensate for Watson and his 22 accusations. That means the Browns have to hit early and often in this upcoming draft if they’re going to be able to maintain a competitive roster for the foreseeable future.

That said, these are the three positions in the draft the Browns have to hit first.

The Cleveland Browns should focus on these three positions in the NFL Draft

Safety/Linebacker

With the Browns having two-hybrid linebackers in stud second-year year Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Tony Fields, it’s very possible that one or both get moved to safety either permanently or in unique packages. It’s unlike Owusu-Koramoah moves positions but could play safety in specific packages, while Fields could be transitioned full time to safety after the loss of M.J. Stewart. That means that the Browns will have to either draft a linebacker or safety. If no one moves, the Browns will need to get a safety, and if one does move, then they’ll need to target a linebacker.

Defensive tackle

Andrew Berry has yet to find useful starters at this position and has gone through a whole host of failed options. Right now the Browns have three at the position they may roll with, but neither Tommy Togiai, Jordan Elliot, or Sheldon Day look to be the answer. The team acquired Taven Bryant but he’s not a lock either. The Browns should draft a tackle to help fill out the draft.

Defensive end

If the Browns bring back Clowney, Porter Gustin, and/or Carl Nassib to pair with Chase Winnovich and Myles Garrett, then the Browns won’t need to draft a player for another year, but if they fail to bring back to ex-Browns, then the team will need to make a move at the position in the draft.