2020 NFL Draft: 5 Best landing spots for Tristan Wirfs
By Joe Kipp
2. Cleveland Browns
There’s a theme going on here. Much like the Jets and Broncos have a need to protect their respective quarterbacks by investing in the offensive line this offseason, the Browns must do the same for Baker Mayfield if Cleveland’s offense wants to be successful in 2020.
Mayfield took a sizable step back in his sophomore year in the NFL last season largely thanks to a lack of protection up front.
After former general manager John Dorsey traded away starting guard Kevin Zeitler to the New York Giants last offseason, the Browns interior offensive line took a huge hit in pass protection. Along with the retirement of future Hall of Fame left tackle Joe Thomas two seasons ago, the Browns haven’t been able to protect whoever’s been playing quarterback.
Selecting an offensive lineman in the first round seems inevitable. Tristan Wirfs makes the most sense from a scheme and value standpoint. Based on where other players are projected to be selected, it stands to reason that Wirfs should be available when the Browns pick at No. 10 overall.
Additionally, Wirfs fits in nicely in new head coach Kevin Stefanki’s wide zone-blocking scheme that did wonders for Dalvin Cook and the Vikings running game in 2019. The Iowa product could help do the same for Nick Chubb.