The Cleveland Browns entered day three of the NFL Draft poised to build upon their strong start. Selecting Martin Emerson, Alex Wright, and David Bell on day two provided a solid base for Andrew Berry and Co. to add to.
Perrion Winfrey 108th overall
Addressing the interior defensive line was a must for the Browns this offseason. The experiment with the Malik’s (Malik McDowell, Malik Jackson) was a complete failure. Adding Perrion Winfrey to the middle of their line is a step in the direction. Winfrey joins a group which features Tommy Togiai, Jordan Elliott, Sheldon Day, and Taven Bryan. The newly added rookie should compete for and win a starting spot.
Cade York 124th overall
Drafting a kicker is rarely considered to be a wise decision. Cleveland decided to go against the grain anyway and draft LSU’s Cade York in the fourth round. Is this a reach? Maybe. But to be blunt he Browns have needed a kicker since Phil Dawson left and he last played for the team in 2012.
Jerome Ford 156th overall
The selection of Jerome Ford in the fifth round provides some intrigue. Cleveland has Nick Chubb signed to an extension with Kareem Hunt having one year left on his deal and D’Ernest Johnson being a restricted free agent. Perhaps a succession plan for one of, if not both Hunt and Johnson is being put together with this selection.
Michael Woods II 202nd overall
After drafting a receiver in David Bell the day before, Cleveland drafts another the next day with Michael Woods II. Woods II should be able to find a way to carve out a role and playing time with the Browns lacking receiver depth.
Isaiah Thomas 223rd overall
Just like the Browns needed help on the inside, they added more help on the outside. Thomas will be the second rookie edge rusher on this team as they drafted Wright in the third round. Cleveland appears to have their contingency plan in place should Jadeveon Clowney not return.
Dawson Deaton 246th overall
If there is anything that can be taken away from last season is that you can never have enough offensive lineman. After letting JC Tretter go earlier this offseason, Cleveland needed to add some younger and cheaper lineman into the mix. Deaton could be a practice squad candidate with Nick Harris and Ethan Pocic occupying the starting and backup center roles.
