The Cleveland Browns had one of the most appealing coaching vacancies of 2019. After interviewing several candidates, they hired Freddie Kitchens, who had served as running backs coach and interim offensive coordinator the prior year. The Browns carried lofty expectations through the offseason but reality set in quickly with a 43-13 Week 1 loss to the Tennessee Titans. The organization elected to clean house this offseason by firing Kitchens and general manager John Dorsey.
Early in January, they named Kevin Stefanski their next head coach.
Here's what you need to know about the Browns and the 2020 NFL Draft.
2020 draft picks
- Round 1: Cleveland
- Round 2: Cleveland
- Round 3: Cleveland, Houston
- Round 4: Cleveland
- Round 5: None
- Round 6: Arizona
- Round 7: Green Bay
The Browns added an extra third-round pick by trading away Duke Johnson and swapped a fifth- and sixth-round pick to the Bills for Wyatt Teller.
Biggest offseason needs
- Offensive tackle
- Safety
- Interior offensive line
- Defensive line
- Edge rusher
- Linebacker
- Wide receiver
- Tight end
Cleveland's offensive tackles served as a turnstile during the 2019 campaign as they allowed a lot of pressure. The team's interest in veteran Trent Williams at the NFL Trade Deadline suggests improving the position will be of heavy emphasis. The team also has some important free agents to address such as linebacker Joe Schobert and safety Damarious Randall.
Prospects to watch
Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
The offensive tackle position is a huge issue for the Browns and it needs to be addressed. It remains a position of need even if the team completes a trade for the aforementioned Williams this offseason. Wills started one game for the Crimson Tide as a true freshman, which was the first sign that he is a special talent. The right tackle has shown great technique and imposed his physical style of play upon opponents all season long.
Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
Tight end was an issue for Cleveland this season. They need more consistency from the position. Kmet jumps out as a potential Rob Gronkowski caliber player. They have similar body structures and skill sets. The Illinois native doubles as a terrific blocker and pass catcher. It is not unreasonable to question whether or not the Notre Dame product would still be on the board at this point in the second round.
Matt Peart, OT, UConn
It may be in the team's best interest to pursue a few offensive tackles early in the 2020 NFL Draft. There is a lot of talent at the position, which does not happen often. Peart is a raw prospect with high upside. The Jamaican born athlete has a great frame and a strong anchor in pass protection. Cleveland has two third-round picks following a deal that sent running back Duke Johnson Jr. to Houston. Peart could be a target with one of those choices.
