The Cleveland Browns enter days two and three of the NFL Draft with some pretty clear needs that need to be addressed. At this moment in time they are still interested in bringing back Jarvis Landry and Jadeveon Clowney, but they must operate if their returns are not on the table. This puts defensive line and wide receiver at the forefront of team needs.
With the run on receiver in round one it may be a bit tough for Cleveland to get one of the options they were hoping for when their turn came around in round two. That’s not a reason to panic as they still have Landry as an option in free agency. In regards to the draft they must compare their draft boards (horizontal and vertical) with who is still available. If there is a receiver available that was slotted as an option at 44 (or higher), it makes everything a bit easier selection wise.
Even if a receiver is not an option, the Browns can still address their defense line. Myles Garrett is still the key pass rusher on the Cleveland defense, but he needs help. Clowney was able to play better than he has in some time, but repeatability is an issue. Additionally, the interior defensive line was about as useful at stopping blockers as saloon doors were at stopping Buford “Mad Dog” Tannen chase down Marty McFly in 1885 Hill Valley. The Browns need interior line help as well and if they were to turn inward with their day two selections they would be draft picks well spent.
Of course the option to trade down exists, but selecting a player who has inexplicably slid in the draft may be a better option rather than punting their pick until later rounds or next year. Simply put, this team has an open contention window and they to infuse young talent into their long term completive vision.
