Fansided

2 moves Browns can make to respond to Chiefs’ Orlando Brown trade

By Cole Thompson

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 11: Cleveland Browns fans cheer during the game between the Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 11: Cleveland Browns fans cheer during the game between the Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Nov 7, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) and safety Shaun Crawford (20) celebrate after a third quarter stop against the Clemson Tigers at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeated Clemson 47-40 in two overtimes. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) and safety Shaun Crawford (20) celebrate after a third quarter stop against the Clemson Tigers at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeated Clemson 47-40 in two overtimes. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

If the Cleveland Browns hope to contend with the Kansas City Chiefs, they must make these two moves 

It seemed inevitable that the Baltimore Ravens would trade away Orlando Brown Jr. The right tackle was frustrated about staying at his position following his success in place of Ronnie Stanley.

On Friday, he got his wish to be a full-time left tackle.

The Kansas City Chiefs traded for the Pro Bowl offensive lineman in exchange with a multitude of picks. The Ravens received the No. 31 pick, the No. 94 and fourth round No. 136 pick and a 2022 fifth-round pick. In return with Brown, Kansas City received the No. 58 pick and a 2022 sixth-round selection.

So, what does this have to do with the Cleveland Browns? Surprisingly a lot when broken down.

Cleveland’s moves in free agency prove that they’re ready to be a contender for 2021. The additions of John Johnson III and Troy Hill solidify the secondary. The fifth-year options of Denzel Ward and Baker Mayfield prove they have the pieces to contend.

Jadeveon Clowney will be effective as a run-stopper opposite of Myles Garrett, adding a near flawless 1-2 combination.

It might be enough to win the AFC North, but Cleveland still could be a knock behind both the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City. To join the ranks of top contenders in the AFC these two moves must be made.

How can Cleveland Browns counter the Chiefs trading for Orlando Brown?

2. Add A Do-It-All defensive member

The trendy pick right now is to add a secondary player who can do more than just play in coverage. Last season, the Arizona Cardinals added Isaiah Simmons and the Carolina Panthers selected Jeremy Chinn. Neither safeties, but they also aren’t full-fledged linebackers.

Simply put, they’re playmakers without a home. Cleveland must address that need this offseason.

Should they covet a player of those skills in the first-round, a name like Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah would make sense due to his coverage ability. Although better as a linebacker, Kentucky’s Jamin Davis showed great skill in coverage during the 2020 season. On Day 2, someone such as LSU’s Jabril Cox or TCU’s Ar’Darius Washington are plug-and-play defenders than can work in coverage and blitz.

The level of talent in the AFC North is actually higher than expected. Lamar Jackson moves outside the pocket consistently. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a plethora of wide receivers. Even the Cincinnati Bengals have mobility with Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins and Joe Mixon.

Teams need these hybrid players to help do a mix of everything. Adding one for Cleveland helps in both the passing game and run game to contain guys like Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Josh Allen and Travis Kelce.

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