On offense, the Browns could make an argument that every position could use an upgrade through the draft but none that stands out as an immediate need.
The Browns certainly wouldn't pick a quarterback on days one (through a trade-up) or two but depending on the team's feeling for last year's fifth-round selection Dorian Thompson-Robinson, might be persuaded to pick another passer on day three.
If I were going to take a flyer, it would probably be Tennessee's Joe Milton, who has uncommon arm strength but Milton was a mixed bag in college so that should keep him available by day three.
Milton has the raw skills to become an NFL QB and sitting for a few years would be very good for Milton.
I also like Florida State's Jordan Travis on day three, who is still recovering from a late-season leg injury and might be able to be stashed on IR for some of the season.
The Browns signed Nyheim Hines to help in the passing games and Don'ta Foreman to replace Kareem Hunt as the short yardage horse but I'm still not convinced in Jerome Ford as the every down back and while everyone hopes for a return of Nick Chubb who resembles the one before his second knee injury, the Browns can't count on that, so I would love to see the Browns add a running back at some stage of the draft.
Again, I doubt the Browns take a back on day two but I think it's very likely that they add one on the third day of the draft.
The running back that I like most for the Browns at that point is Clemson's Will Shipley, who catches the ball well and can be used in all aspects of the running game.
Shipley isn't the biggest back and that will make him a day-three pick but he reminds me of Christian McCaffrey a little in that putting the ball in his hands makes things happen.
I'm really high on Shipley and I do have some fears that he will end up with a division rival and kill the Browns in multiple areas.
I'm not sure if Notre Dame's Audric Estime' lasts until round four but he might and he has lead running back potential for a team that may be in the market for a team that could need a lead dog before long.
I also like Wisconsin's Braylon Allen as more of a bruising back or Marshall's Rasheen Ali as a player who could be a standout that few are speaking of.
Even with the trade to acquire Jerry Jeudy, I still think the Browns are one player light at wide receiver and in a deep draft, could attack the position as early as day two.
The player that I love who could be long gone or fall to the Browns is Xavier Worthy of Texas, the fastest player in the draft.
Worthy would give this team the deep threat that hasn't been in Cleveland since Josh Gordon and for a deep threat, Worthy isn't afraid of contact.
I don't think Worthy drops that far but if he's there- he's my guy.
There are others that I'd be thrilled to see if Worthy is off the board by the Browns second-round pick, led by Florida State's Keon Coleman, who at 6'3 can go get the football and help in the red zone, Michigan's gritty Roman Wilson, Oregon's talented Troy Franklin, and Florida's Ricky Piersall.
In most seasons all of those might not be available but there are many wideouts with first and second-round grades, one will slip to the Browns.
If Cleveland decides to wait until the next level to make a choice, South Carolina's Xavier Legette, Western Kentucky's Malachi Corley (Who many have connected to the Browns), and North Carolina's Dez Walker would be acceptable options.
The loss of Harrison Bryant might be larger than the Browns think if they don't address the tight end position.
After David Njoku, the position is light and injuries can happen at any time.
Ohio State's Cade Stover is the natural choice for the Browns but I also like Penn State's Theo Johnson, who is huge at 6'6, 260 pounds from a school that churns out quality tight ends.
Iowa's Erick All would be a consideration but he has suffered from injuries and carries some risk.
The Browns seem set along the offensive line but Jedrick Wills could be a free agent after 2024 and Jack Conklin's injuries and age make him a candidate to retire unexpectedly, so the Browns could grab a tackle on day two.
Assuming the top tackles are gone, the player I like is Houston's Patrick Paul, who at 6'7, 331 pounds brings an athletic frame with traits that aren't exactly common.
Paul would be a player who could learn for a year and then be prepared to start if Wills and/or Conklin leave.
Notre Dame's Blake Fisher and Washington's Roger Rosengarten would be solid picks in rounds three or four and a development late-round dart on Marshall's Ethan Driskell on tools alone (6'8 320) would make sense.
I will be working on the defensive persons of interest and hope to have it ready later today or tomorrow.
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