The Cleveland Browns are taking a long look at the best and worst of the draft class this year, and they might not be done until after the first round.
Here are a few things to know as they look to make their final roster decisions.1.
Can they keep the defense in shape?
In 2017, Cleveland was in need of a big-play threat at the linebacker position.
With their defensive backs getting better, Cleveland is going to have to find a way to keep the offense from being able to consistently score.
This year, they need to be able to stop the run, but that’s more of a question of how the defense can stop the offensive line from playing the run.
That’s something the Browns will be evaluating as they make their roster moves.2.
Can the secondary continue to produce?
A couple of big names left on the board: cornerback Teez Tabor and offensive lineman David Njoku.
Njoku is a talented defensive back and could be a top-10 pick if he falls into Cleveland’s lap.
If not, the Browns need to find another pass rusher to replace him.3.
Can linebackers still play?
This year’s class was full of big-time pass-rushers.
The Browns need another outside linebacker who can rush the passer, and Njoko has that skill set.
He was an All-SEC linebacker at Texas Tech, and could have a big role on the next level.4.
Can running backs play?
The Browns still need a power running back to pair with the two running backs they have on the roster: running back Kareem Hunt and receiver Kenny Britt.
Both players are capable of being a mismatch in the running game.5.
Can defensive backs and cornerbacks continue to contribute?
The defensive line will be the most important position to monitor this year.
They’ve had a lot of success at this position, but this year they have a lot to prove.
They need to get better at the position if they want to be a factor in the NFL.6.
Can quarterbacks play?QB Mitch Trubisky is a quarterback who is at the top of the board at this point.
He’s the No. 1 quarterback prospect on the boards, and that means Cleveland is not done.
They’re still looking at a couple of quarterback prospects.
If Trubikys stock goes up, he could go in the first or second round.7.
Will they take a running back?
The Cleveland Browns will definitely be looking to take a run-stopping running back with the No .
2 overall pick.
They might also take a quarterback at this spot.
The best running back in the class is the No 10 pick, Samaje Perine.8.
Can receivers be successful?
The wide receiver class is a different beast.
The wide receiver is not the only position that needs to be addressed, but receivers are at a very high level in this draft.
That means the Browns could look at a number of receivers.
They could also look to draft a tight end or a running backs who could slot in at either linebacker spot.9.
Can offensive linemen be successful this year?
This is a position of great need for the Browns.
They have a quarterback that is a very capable passer, but they also have one of the league’s best offensive line classes.
The question is, will the Browns be able the offense to execute with their current offensive line?10.
Can a running quarterback be successful in the league?
This could be the year the Browns turn to a running QB.
If that’s the case, they’re going to need a quarterback with a high ceiling.
It’s hard to think of a quarterback in the draft who has a better combination of arm strength, arm speed, quickness, vision, arm strength and accuracy.11.
How good can the offensive linemen play?
At this point, it’s hard for any quarterback to be considered the best in the game.
But if the offensive lines can play well, they could be an elite offensive line for years to come.12.
Can defense and cornerback play a role in the 2017 draft?
Defensive end/outside linebacker Josh Harvey-Clemons, outside linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence and defensive tackle Aaron Wallace are the top players available at this moment in time.
But the Browns are going to want to see how well the cornerback position plays in 2017.
This could be just as important as the outside linebacker spot, since Cleveland is a team with a lot at its disposal at the cornerback spot.13.
Can linebacker Derrick Kindred, safety Malik Hooker and cornerback Tre’ Jackson be NFL players?
The top three safeties on the Browns’ board are cornerbacks Malik Hook and Tre’ Washington.
They all could be NFL starters if they can stay healthy and develop.
But it would be hard to envision them playing as much in the next two years as they did in 2017, when they were
