Cleveland Browns-Persons of Interest-Defensive Players

   The Cleveland Browns have screaming needs along the defensive line and although the rumor is that Jadeveon Clowney is likely to return, the Browns still need to grab a defensive end to provide another pass rusher to the rotation and the team may be weakest at defensive tackle, so defensive line is certain to be addressed with two or even three players in this draft.

I would prefer that wide receiver to be the choice at 44 for Cleveland but the rumors of a drop of Purdue defensive George Karlaftis are flying everywhere and that would be an excellent stroke of fortune for the Browns.

Karlaftis may not slide out of the first but some mock drafts have him doing so and if he does make it to day two, I could see Andrew Berry moving up to grab a first-round talent as he did last season to select Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.

Houston's Logan Hall has been a player connected with the Browns as he can play end or tackle but Hall has been rising in late rumors, so I might be surprised to see Hall available at 44.

Hall was likely my guy overall at 44 but it doesn't seem like Hall is likely to be available..

At defensive tackle, some have linked Connecticut's Travis Jones with the Browns and in the third round, I would be fine as a pure run stuffer and Texas A&M's DeMarvin Leal would have added a pass rush up the middle.

Penn State's Arnold Ebiketie looks interesting as a pure edge rusher as does Minnesota's Boye Mafe but could the Browns take a chance on Michigan's David Ojabo?

Ojabo had been connected to the Browns before they traded their number one in the Watson and after Ojabo tore an Achilles in a pre-draft workout.

Ojabo was a likely top fifteen pick before his injury and with his limited football experience and production at Michigan, Ojabo could be a huge star and a potential breakout performer.

Ojabo may not help the Browns immediately but could be a gamble that pays huge dividends.

I also like Kentucky's Josh Paschal as a third-round possibility off the end.

Cleveland could pick a late-round linebacker but I doubt they do.

The Browns could always add depth at cornerback in a league that usually plays three corners.

Clemson's A.C Booth is an interesting corner to watch and I liked what I saw of UTSA's Tariq Woolen when I watched the Roadrunners last year.

Two day three players to watch are Derion Kendrick of Georgia and Cincinnati's Coby Bryant.

The Browns seem to be set at safety but if they want to take some late-round swings- I like Bubba Bolden of Miami, who is very athletic and at worst will be a strong special teamer as would Auburn's Smoke Monday and Iowa's Dane Belton.

I'd love to see the Browns take a shot at a kicker like LSU's Cade York but the Browns might have to use a fourth or even possibly a third-rounder to land him.

If York is off the table, Texas booter Cameron Dicker may be a possibility in the final round or two.