3 Moves the Browns Need to Make Before the NFL Draft

The 2022 NFL draft kicks off in less than three weeks on April 28, 2022. In just over a week, the Cleveland Browns begin offseason workouts; so, time is of the essence to put the team together before the draft. The Browns made a few splash moves this offseason; however, there are still multiple holes on this roster. In light of that, here are three moves the Browns have to make before the NFL draft.

1. Resign EDGE Jadeveon Clowney

This is the most important move the Browns must make before the draft. Clowney is a key piece of this offseason puzzle, and would patch a huge hole on the Browns depth chart: EDGE and the entire defensive line in general. In 2021, Clowney had a career high in sacks (11) and was constantly disrupting opposing offenses backfields. He really started to come around again after a rough 2020 starting opposite of Myles Garrett, and I think that is best for his career. Names to watch if Clowney signs elsewhere: Jerry Hughes and Justin Houston.

2. Add Someone Reliable to the Wide Receiver Room

There are not a lot of options left, but this is a move the Browns need to consider making. The only two on the market seemingly in play at this point are Jarvis Landry and Will Fuller V. I would not sign either of these players past a certain price point, but it is still an area of serious need. Jarvis Landry is beloved in Cleveland, and he would certainly help a middle of the pack receiving corps. However, he has certainly lost a step and does not necessarily do anything that a rookie cannot do. A rookie might even make the offense more explosive than Landry, but why not both? You can still draft a receiver with either of these additions. Fuller had a career year running routes for Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans in 2020, catching 53 passes on 76 targets, 879 receiving yards, and 8 touchdowns. He also had an overall PFF (Pro Football Focus) grade of 86.2.

3. Defensive Tackle, Defensive Tackle, Defensive Tackle

The Browns defensive tackle room is worrying, to say the least. The team added former first round pick Taven Bryan, who has struggled in the league thus far, and lost Malik McDowell, who was on a one year deal that expired and got arrested this offseason. They also lost former Super Bowl champion Malik Jackson, but he had lost a step and never made a huge impact for the Browns. The main target in free agency should be former New Orleans Saint and Chicago Bear Akiem Hicks. Hicks is a big body, sitting at 6'5″ 332 pounds, with a history of production in this league. At 32 years old and a nice track record in the league, this could be a nice veteran presence for the Browns.

Originally published at https://dawgstable.com on April 10, 2022.