According Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, one scout has told him that the Cleveland Browns could trade down an target a defensive tackle like Javon Kinlaw.
A trade down to take a defensive tackle? Matt Miller has reported that one scout has told him this is a possibility for the Cleveland Browns. The scout went out of his way to specifically mention South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw.
Not only is the position group interesting, the fact the scout went out of the way to specifically mention one player at this point in time matters just a little bit. Cleveland could very well be targeting Javon Kinlaw in the draft. They could also be in full smokescreen mode and trying to send mixed signals to other teams.
When evaluating the roster of the Cleveland Browns, defensive tackle does not appear to be an immediate need. They currently have Larry Ogunjobi, Sheldon Richardson, and Andrew Billings as the their top three players at the position. Javon Kinlaw could find his way into the mix here, but wouldn’t it be more beneficial for everyone involved for the Browns to address other positions? Offensive tackle and linebacker do come to mind.
Miller does mention that the expectation is that Browns go with an offensive tackle at 10. This seems to be highly likely come draft day due to the massive hole at left tackle. Cleveland addressed right tackle by signing Jack Conklin, now they just need to get a left tackle.
What does need to be said is that there is the possibly that multiple offensive tackles are selected ahead of Cleveland. This could provide the Browns the opportunity to explore trade down options. It could also allow them to select a player like Isaiah Simmons if he is still available for some reason.
When it comes to just what the Cleveland Browns will do on draft day it is a complete mystery. Whatever happens in the first nine picks will ultimately decide the direction the team goes in. Just about any position is on the table for Cleveland when it comes time to turn in their card.
