Browns add line depth

     The Cleveland Browns search for depth and players needing a second chance in free agency found two players to add to the roster, one for each side of the line of scrimmage.

Cleveland signed edge rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and offensive lineman Cornelius Lucas from the Washington Commanders.

The Browns lost offensive lineman James Hudson to the New York Giants, Hudson signed a two-year contract for twelve million with the Giants.

Tyron-Shoyinka was the final selection in the first round of the 2021 draft by Tampa Bay from the University of Washington, collecting fifteen sacks over his four seasons with the Buccaneers but only two of those last season in fifteen games.

The twenty-six-year-old Tyron-Shoyinka had his fifth-year option refused before last season, which allowed him free agency this season.

Tyron-Shoyinka will play on passing downs and could replace Ogbo Okoronkwo, who may be released.

Okoronkwo has one season remaining on his contract and letting him go would give the Browns some extra cap space.

Cornelius Lucas signed a two-year contract at ten million (cheaper than James Hudson's contract with the Giants) to replace James Hudson as the reserve swingman, capable of playing guard or tackle.

Lucas started seven games for Washington last season and played five seasons for Washington after playing for the Lions, Saints, Rams, and Bears before moving to Washington.

Lucas played his college career at Kansas State and signed with the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2014.

Neither signing would qualify as anything to be too excited over but both should help with depth and see action in 2025.

Browns select James Hudson

   The Cleveland Browns had two picks in the early portion of the fourth round and it was assumed that unless no one wanted to trade up that the Browns would not use them both.

That's exactly what happened as after the Browns used the fourth-rounder acquired from the Eagles last season (110) on Cincinnati tackle James Hudson, the Browns swapped the pick added from Carolina last night (112) to the Detroit Lions.

Cleveland received the Lions fifth-round pick at 153 and the Lions fourth-rounder in 2022 for the aforementioned pick and the Browns seventh-rounder at 257, two picks before the final pick of the draft.

This places the Browns with their own pick in round four, two picks in round five ( from the Rams and Lions), and their own pick in the sixth round.

I'm still thinking that Andrew Berry isn't finished and may not use the remaining fourth and the two fifth-rounders.

Moving to James Hudson, a 6'4, 303-pound tackle that played for the Cincinnati Bearcats after transferring from Michigan earlier in his career.

Hudson was recruited as a defensive lineman and after a redshirt season was moved to tackle, but after a few games decided to transfer to Cincinnati.

You may remember the dustup over Hudson's eligibility between Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh and Cincinnati's Luke Fickell over Michigan's lack of help in getting Hudson a waiver to be immediately eligible with the Bearcats.

Hudson claimed depression issues and the move to tackle, but the waiver was denied by the NCAA.

Hudson must have come around as he played tackle for Cincinnati making all-AAC in 2020.

Hudson is a bit unrefined as he has played only fourteen games at offensive line, but Dane Brugler likes his feet and strength, although he has shorter arms than most tackles which can be a liability.

Hudson had a third-round grade from Brugler, so early fourth isn't extremely far off and the Browns build their depth in the event Chris Hubbard isn't fully recovered from his late-season injury, so this selection makes a lot of sense.

I've worked all night and other than a short nap, I'm pushing myself to get through the draft.

As long as I'm up, I'll be writing about the newest Browns.