Uncovering Clues About the Browns’ NFL Draft Strategy
Cleveland — The Browns enter the draft with clear roster signals. General manager Andrew Berry prefers best-player approaches. Still, the current group hints at priorities for April.
Edge rush outlook
Myles Garrett remains the unquestioned lead rusher. Behind him are Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuire, Julian Okwara and Adin Huntington. The quartet has 27.5 combined career sacks.
None of those four have recorded more than six sacks in a single season. Wright signed a three-year extension last season worth $11 million per year. He has 11.5 sacks across four NFL seasons and has battled injuries.
Berry tried to sign A.J. Epenesa in free agency. That deal collapsed after Epenesa failed a physical. The attempt underscores the Browns’ continued need for depth on the edge.
How the pass rush could shape the No. 6 pick
There is logic to drafting a pass rusher at No. 6 if the right prospect falls. Berry may instead add complementary edge help on Days 2 and 3. The team also invested in interior pass rush upgrades over the last two offseasons.
If a premium edge rusher remains available at six, Cleveland could pounce. The roster before the draft often reveals intentions. Finding those signs is part of uncovering clues about the Browns’ NFL draft strategy.
Offensive line plans and history
Berry rebuilt the line quickly after becoming GM. In 2019, Week 1 tackles were Greg Robinson and Chris Hubbard. Both were stopgap answers at the time.
With Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller and J.C. Tretter in place, Berry signed Jack Conklin to a three-year, $42 million deal at right tackle. He used the No. 10 overall pick that year on Jedrick Wills Jr. to address left tackle.
Where the Browns might take a tackle this year
The key question is when Cleveland addresses left tackle again. They could use the No. 6 pick. They might trade down slightly or wait until No. 24. If the hole persists, a tackle is likely by pick No. 39.
The team favors taking elite, high-upside linemen early. Those athletes disappear fast. That calculus applies to pass rushers as well.
Receiver room and offensive weapons
The Browns still seek playmakers at receiver. Berry suggested the team expects a bounce back from Jerry Jeudy if the offense becomes more operational. That comment came during the NFL Combine in February.
Head coach changes point to a broader offensive rebuild. Cleveland hired Todd Monken to revamp the scheme. The club also rebuilt much of its offensive line in recent offseasons.
Uncertainty at quarterback increases urgency. Deshaun Watson has not played since October 2024. Shedeur Sanders is a second-year starter with seven career starts. Either signal the need for more weapons.
Draft timing for receivers
If the Browns choose tackle at No. 6, they could target receivers with picks 24, 39 and 70. The draft offers plenty of wideout options across rounds. The team’s approach will show how much it trusts current receivers like Jeudy, Tillman and Bond.
Tight end situation
The roster lists six tight ends, but only Harold Fannin Jr. is viewed as a lock. Cleveland signed Jack Stoll for blocking and re-signed Blake Whiteheart.
Brenden Bates, Sal Cannella and Caden Prieskorn also remain on the depth chart. A versatile pass-catching tight end could be targeted on Day 2.
Interior line and Elgton Jenkins
Elgton Jenkins can play center, though he earned Pro Bowl nods as a guard. Coach Monken has indicated a preference to see Jenkins at guard.
That flexibility makes drafting a center in the middle rounds plausible. Jenkins could begin at center to buy development time for a rookie before shifting back to guard.
Safety and defensive backnotes
The Browns applied a right-of-first-refusal tender to Ronnie Hickman. Teams have until Friday to submit offer sheets. If none arrive, Cleveland retains exclusive matching rights.
They did not use a draft-pick tender, which would have required compensation for any signing team. No multi-year market deal has emerged for Hickman yet.
Grant Delpit turns 28 and enters the final year of his contract. That timeline makes safety a likely position to monitor for investment this offseason.
Prospects and coaching factors
There has been growing buzz around Kadyn Proctor. Selecting him would reflect confidence in new offensive line coach George Warhop. Warhop’s ability to refine raw traits would be part of that bet.
Pre-draft signals from the front office
Berry will hold a pre-draft availability on Thursday. He has been more forthcoming in recent press events. Still, he rarely reveals firm intentions.
Watching roster construction and small moves can be as revealing as formal statements. Filmogaz.com will continue tracking those hints ahead of draft night.
