5 players Browns should draft in the first round

The Browns need to bolster their defense in Round 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft. Landing one of these five prospects would help Clevland do just that. 

Kevin Stefanski’s first season with the Browns was a resounding success. He got quarterback Baker Mayfield’s career back on track and helped Cleveland end their lengthy postseason drought. The challenge for Stefanski and his staff in year 2 will be to put the team into a position to challenge for the AFC North crown in 2021.

Fortunately for Cleveland, Mayfield and his offense are well-positioned to put up plenty of points next season. It is the defense that needs work in Round 1 of April’s draft. The Browns could conceivably look to strengthen their options at defensive end, linebacker, or safety with the No. 26 overall selection.

The key for Cleveland will be to select the best available player at a position of need when they go on the clock. Landing any one of the following five prospects would equal success for the Browns.

5. Azeez Ojulari

Myles Garrett is a dominant defensive end, but he needs more help to make the team’s pass rush a group that needs to be feared around the league. Adding a quick edge guy like Ojulari would give Cleveland’s front seven a much-needed boost in 2021.

Ojulari will need to start his NFL career as an outside linebacker that’s given the freedom to rush the passer from a standing position. He lacks outstanding technique at this stage in his development, but he’s got all the athletic gifts required to grow into a quality sack artist at the next level.

His upside will earn him looks higher in Round 1, but he could fall all the way to No. 26 because of his lack of refinement. Cleveland would represent a solid landing spot for the former Georgia star.