Welcome to your one-stop shop for all Cleveland Browns 2019 NFL Draft information.
VITALS
Head Coach: Freddie Kitchens
General Manager: John Dorsey
2018 Record: 7-8-1
2019 DRAFT PICKS
2nd Round | 49th overall
3rd Round | 80th overall
4th Round | 119th overall
5th Round | 144th overall (from JAX)
5th Round | 155th overall
5th Round | 170th overall (from NE)
6th Round | 189th overall
7th Round | 221st overall (from JAX)
TEAM NEEDS
Secondary
Denzel Ward was viewed as many as a reach at four overall in the 2018 NFL Draft and has quickly flipped the narrative into being one of the most promising defensive backs in the NFL. With that said, Ward needs an upgrade from Terrance Mitchell (26) on the other side of the field. If this wasn’t enough of a need, the Cleveland Browns send safety Jabrill Peppers to the New York Giants in the Odell Beckham Jr. trade. This transaction created another hole at the strong safety position.
Offensive Line
Since losing Joe Thomas, the Cleveland Browns have been searching for stability along the offensive line, specifically at tackle. With the loss of Kevin Zeitler in the Olivier Vernon trade, the offensive line will now be searching for more answers than ever. Will they be turning to second year pro, Austin Corbett? Can Greg Robinson continue to rebuild his stock protecting Baker Mayfield’s blindside? Overall, this unit needs to see an infusion of young talent sooner rather than later.
Linebacker
The front four of the defense is set. No question. However, the second and third levels of the defense need a lot of love. As it stands right now, the Browns will be starting Joe Schobert (25) at MLB, Christian Kirksey (26) at WLB, and Genard Avery (23) at SLB. The linebacker unit, as it stands now, does have play speed and strength, but it hasn’t translated to consistency on the field.
TOP TARGETS
Justin Layne | CB | Michigan State
Layne may very well be long gone by the time the Browns are on the clock, but if not, Layne is the type of pressman corner the NFL is transitioning to. Layne has the combination of size, length, and speed new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks likes out of his defensive cornerbacks.
Deionte Thompson | S | Alabama
At one point in time, Thompson was viewed as the top safety of this class. Since then, things have been a roller coaster ride. Thompson put up bad film on a national stage during the 2019 National Championship game and then started recovering during the NFL Combine. I am a firm believer in investing in distressed assets and putting them in opportunities to succeed. Cleveland may be the perfect situation for Thompson to succeed.
Ty Johnson | RB | Maryland
This pick would be outside of the “need areas” for the Browns, but with rumors swirling of the Browns trading Duke Johnson, this position could turn into a need quickly. Johnson provides exactly what the Cleveland Browns could be looking for. Johnson is extremely explosive, can be productive in the receiving game, and has produced over 1,100 kick return yards in his college career. All of these areas would compliment both Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt in the backfield well.
Blake Cashman | LB | Minnesota
Outside of the elite linebackers at the top, the 2019 class is not blessed with quality depth at the position. After an outstanding combine, Cashman has been separating himself and may even be positioned as a top-100 draft pick. Overall, Cashman is a smaller linebacker but does possess exceptional ball skills, instincts, and play speed.
Will Grier | QB | West Virginia
Baker Mayfield is firmly in place as the starter, but the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room still could use some young depth. Grier brings to the NFL quality mechanics, adequate arm strength, and leadership qualities you want from the quarterback position.
