2021 NFL Draft: 3 players the Cleveland Browns need to target

The theme of the 2021 edge class is versatility, as Tulsa’s Zaven Collins moonlighting as an excellent coverage linebacker and Michigan’s Kwity Paye moving inside to 3-tech has helped both of their stocks vault into the first round. Ossai, a latecomer to football who has ridden incredible athletic ability to two seasons as a starter at Texas, will also lean on his ability to do a few different things, as he frequently lined up as Texas “JACK” linebacker.

While that position tasks him with both coverage and pass-rushing responsibilities, he will be best-served screaming off of the edge in the pros, as his best assets are his pure speed and long-limbed frame.

The Browns have one of their pass rusher spots set for life in Garrett, but they need to figure out how they will fill the void opposite him. Not only is Olivier Vernon destined to hit the free-agent market, but an Achilles injury that could put his status as an above-average pass rusher in jeopardy leaves the Browns woefully underequipped to combat some of the best offensive lines in the league in the AFC.

Cleveland might need to just take the best player available on defense, and Ossai would certainly live up to that billing in the mid-20s if the Browns are able to snatch up the promising Longhorn.