Browns. Mandatory credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
the Cleveland Browns are coming out of their best season since their return to the NFL in 1999. However, as the league’s new year is getting ready to start, they still have many gaps to fill, in the NFL’s 2021 Draft and beyond. Before the draft gets here, the open market will attack as teams go into a free agency frenzy.
While the Browns appear to be well over the limit, they are intentionally saving their money to roll over for future business. With that said, don’t expect them to spend too much this season, with the potential extensions of cornerback Denzel Ward, point guard Wyatt Teller and quarterback Baker Mayfield on the horizon. There are some players, however, that the Browns may be willing to spend money on, which can alter their recruitment plans.
What are the current needs of the Browns team?
Looking at the current list in Cleveland, there are more than a few glaring holes. The most evident, however, is the lack of speed on both sides of football. This kept them out of reach of victory against AFC powers like the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs. This may open the possibility that they will separate from the Jarvis Landry slot receiver in favor of a much cheaper and explosive option.
Defensively, the high school in Cleveland needs an overhaul, and names like Grant Delpit and Greedy Williams cannot be guaranteed for the future, given the nature of their injuries. The Browns will try to get race mates Denzel Ward and Ronnie Harrison in high school to correct that level of defense.
However, the defensive line and the second level are also made entirely of glass. All players outside the edge rusher Myles Garrett are replaceable, with sophomores Jacob Phillips and Jordan Elliott looking to take on a bigger role in 2021. Who are some free agents who could change the preliminary plans in Cleveland?