The new and improved Cleveland Browns have finally given fans hope. They aren’t done yet though, here are three moves they need to make this offseason to continue their upward climb.
After winning just four games over the last three seasons heading into 2018, the Cleveland Browns finally appeared to show some sort of life. On the back of Baker Mayfield, the 2018 Cleveland Browns won seven games, their most wins since 2014. Firing Hue Jackson and benching Tyrod Taylor will be a decision Browns fans never forget.
The Browns look like they have potential to contest in the AFC North as early as 2019 with the right moves. The Browns have a very talented roster that they have been building up the last few seasons, but it still comes with some holes to fill. Luckily for the Browns, they hold all their draft picks, as well as the third most projected cap space off all 32 NFL teams.
With a new head coach, a franchise quarterback, and momentum from this past season, the Browns could be a team that no one wants to face in 2019. Here are three moves the Cleveland Browns need to make this offseason to get back to the top of the AFC North.
Add an Interior Defensive Lineman
The Browns sit in an interesting spot in the draft this year. For the first time in years they are not in the top half of the draft and actually sit at 17th overall. This is a great spot to potentially grab one of the top interior defensive lineman in the draft such as Christian Wilkins or Jeffery Simmons.
The Browns already have two great defensive ends in former first round pick Myles Garrett and Emmanuel Ogbah. They have found a decent caliber defensive tackle in Larry Ogunjobi, but they still need to add an elite defensive tackle to solidify there defensive line.
The free agent defensive tackle pool has a few intriguing names who could hit free agency. Grady Jarrett of the Atlanta Falcons will be the most coveted defensive tackle on the market should he walk. The Browns are projected to have the fourth most cap space this offseason. If the Falcons do decide to let him walk, he should immediately be one of the Browns’ top priorities. If Jarrett doesn’t walk, both Ndamukong Suh and Sheldon Richardson are also projected free agents who could potentially be options for the Browns to look at.
The Browns best option is to make Grady Jarrett there top choice to fill there interior defensive line hole. If Jarrett does not hit free agency, they should turn back to their first round pick and look at drafting their fix to the defensive line. With so many highly scouted interior lineman that are projected to be available in the first, the Browns best route will be to target one there.