Late But Not Least – Cleveland Browns 2024 Draft Profile

Despite an injury riddled season, the Cleveland Browns managed to make the playoffs. The reigning Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski has had this team playing very well, so adding a couple of depth pieces through the draft could put them over the hump.

 

Malik Washington, WR, Virginia

Jaden Crumedy, DL, Mississippi State

Ty’Ron Hopper, LB, Mizzou

 

Cleveland doesn’t have a pick in the first round after the Deshaun Watson trade, so they will have to make every selection count. They don’t have many needs but depth at receiver, defensive line and linebacker should be a priority.

The wide receiver room for Cleveland is very talented, but they don’t have a reliable set of hands outside of veteran wideout Amari Cooper. Adding a playmaker like Malik Washington out of Virginia in the late second round could pay massive dividends.

Washington possesses deceptive speed, and maybe the most solid pair of hands in the draft. His ability to get open against man or zone is invaluable, especially when coupled with his run after catch capabilities. Despite his size, Washington can play outside or in the slot with great success. He could step in as an immediate boost to an already capable receiving corps.

As with any team picking later in the draft, the mission should be to take players who can develop into contributors. Both Jaden Crumedy and Ty’Ron Hopper fit that bill.

Crumedy is a massive man with a high motor. His ability to blow up plays in the run game or get to the QB will buy him snaps early in his career. With the Browns losing some depth at the defensive tackle position, Crumedy can step into an early role in that Jim Schwartz defense.

Schwartz also likes to use versatile linebackers in his scheme, and no one fits that description more than Mizzou backer Ty’ron Hopper. Hopper has burst like a safety, and that can be attributed to his time as a defensive back. He has loose hips and can turn and run with tight ends and some slot receivers in coverage. He also possesses a natural feel for pass rushing from the linebacker position, and looks to deliver a blow when he gets home.

Both of these players could provide depth or find themselves thrusted into early roles in sub-packages.

If Cleveland hopes to continue their ascension, they will have to get young talent in this draft. They sold out to get their quarterback and now have to utilize those development skills to mold the young players they draft.