The Cleveland Browns went into the 2019 season favored to win the AFC North. Although they did go to Baltimore and deliver a 40-25 rout, the only team to beat the Ravens on their home field during the regular season, inconsistency plagued the Browns once again, and they missed the playoffs…again, posting a 6-10 record. Their sports betting odds to win Super Bowl LV are long once again, at 34/1 after the 2020 NFL Draft. Did their picks add to their chances? After all, the Browns had a Swiss-cheese offensive line and had some holes on defense. Let’s see how the draft helped the Browns.
Cleveland Browns 2020 Super Bowl Odds & Analysis After the Draft
Cleveland added blocking help in the first round
The Browns drafted Jedrick Wills Jr to add to their young talent, and if he can hold down that left tackle spot, Baker Mayfield will be able to relax in the pocket with his blind side protected. The Browns already signed Jack Conklin to play right tackle, so what was a dreadful line has gotten a lot better. Wills played right tackle at Alabama, but he was protecting a left-handed quarterback — in other words, protecting the blind side of the passer. So the instincts will be the same, although he will need to work on his mechanics since he will basically be playing the reverse position.
Given that Cleveland is already stacked at the talent positions, Mayfield should have what he needs to run a high-octane offense. Joel Bitonio made the Pro Bowl last year as a guard, and J.C. Tretter is one of the top centers in the league. Wide receivers Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr are back, along with tailbacks Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Austin Hooper has come on board at tight end, so it’s time for the Cleveland offense to produce.
Grant Delpit will plug a huge hole in the Cleveland defense
The Browns needed a safety, and Grant Delpit showed he could patrol the secondary at LSU. The Browns were even able to trade back three spots and grab a fifth-round pick from Indianapolis and still get Delpit. His last season with the Tigers was not particularly consistent, but he was projected as a first-round pick coming into the 2019 season, and Cleveland has time to help him along the learning curve. Sheldrick Redwine will start at the other safety, and the team added Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo on one-year contracts.
Jordan Elliott adds depth to the D-line
Elliott was a terrific defensive tackle from Missouri, causing chaos in the center of opposing offenses. The Browns had Larry Ogunjobi and Sheldon Richardson and added Andrew Billings via free agency, so he gives them a fourth tackle. The Browns showed a severe lack of depth in the interior of their defense a year ago, as the collapse on that side of the ball played a major role in their second-half collapse. Cleveland likes Elliott’s athleticism and quickness.
Jacob Phillips gives the Browns the linebacker they needed
Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey both started at linebacker last year for Cleveland, and they both left via free agency. Phillips will join rookies Sione Takitaki and Mack Wilson, and he should contribute right away. He led LSU with 113 tackles last season, and he has elite speed. It should not take him long to join the rotation and perhaps snag a starting role.
Harrison Bryant is an interesting addition for multiple tight end sets
This was not a great draft as far as tight end talent, but the Browns did get the Mackey Award winner for the top college football tight end in 2019. He comes from Florida Atlantic, where he became the first tight end in seven years at an FBS school to break the 1,000-yard receiving barrier. He will join Austin Hooper in an offense that should be able to move up and down the field.
