Cleveland Browns: 5 Draft targets still on the board for Day 2

The Cleveland Browns will make their first pick in the 2019 NFL Draft on Day 2, but which potential targets are still on the board for the taking?

While the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft was happening, the Cleveland Browns were likely smiling (perhaps even giggling) while staring at a picture of Odell Beckham Jr. in a Browns jersey. Trading for the star wide receiver cost general manager John Dorsey his first-round pick this year, but they can certainly live with that — especially if they can hit on Day 2 and beyond.

Despite their drastically improved roster and the optimism that the Browns can compete for an AFC North title in the 2019 season, there are still holes on Cleveland’s roster that need to be addressed. On Friday night, they’ll come on the clock for their first pick of the 2019 NFL Draft with the 49th overall pick.

With that 49th selection and beyond, the Browns still have a great pool of talent to choose from entering Day 2. Some of those players will be gone, surely, but this is a deep class full of prospects that can contribute right away. With that in mind, let’s look at five players that are still available for the Cleveland Browns to target on Day 2 of the draft.

5. Charles Omenihu, DL, Texas

One of the glaring weaknesses of the Browns last season was the depth on the defensive line. While adding Sheldon Richardson makes that slightly less important, they could still use more bodies to have a comfortable rotation. Charles Omenihu fits the bill for that role perfectly with great positional versatility up front and a profile athletically that projects a player who has untapped potential.

4. Juan Thornhill, S, Virginia

With Jabrill Peppers gone via the Odell Beckham Jr. trade, the Browns are in need of addressing the safety position when they finally get on the clock. Juan Thornhill could be that answer for them. The Virginia product is an elite athlete that covers very well on the back end and could provide some different looks and versatility for the Cleveland secondary, making him a valuable commodity to have on the roster.

3. Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma

Offensive line may not be the most glaring need for the Browns, but it’s something they could choose to address if the value is there. Cody Ford is a first-round talent with positional versatility as he seems capable of playing both tackle and guard. With the changes on the Cleveland front ahead of Baker Mayfield, adding a potential long-term tackle solution and, at the least, some versatile depth would be a wise move.

2. Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

Yes, I’m fully aware of the concerns about Greedy Williams’ tackling, but when you look at everything else that the LSU cornerback can do, it’s hard not to see the value as a mid-second-rounder. He’s the best coverage corner in the class with immense physical gifts in terms of size, length and athleticism. If the Browns can keep him motivated and engaged, he’d form a dynamic and dangerous corner tandem opposite of Denzel Ward.

1. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, DB, Florida

Going back to the defensive back well one last time, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson could be an absolute steal for the Browns. He’s arguably the most versatile defensive back in the 2019 draft class, with the ability to line up at safety and contribute in multiple ways while also being able to pull spot duty as a nickel corner.

Next. 2019 NFL Draft: Mocking Day 2 after the first round. dark

No matter where Cleveland chooses to line him up, he could fit a need for the Browns as an immediate starter. Walking away with Gardner-Johnson, a projected first-round pick in my book, would be a great value pick and even a steal for John Dorsey and Co.

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