The Cleveland Browns have increased the firepower of their offense during free agency.
They’ve added some key players that will hopefully lead to more success this season.
However, the Browns front office also did an incredible job during the draft.
It’s always important to scout well and bring in impact players that will benefit your team in the long haul.
It appears the Browns used their first few picks in the draft wisely, but we’ll see when they hit the field a few months from now.
There are a few rookies on the Browns roster that could be big contributors straight out of the gate for Cleveland.
3. Jacob Phillips
The linebacker position is arguably the weakest spot on the team for the Browns.
They didn’t add much over the offseason, but they feel like third-round pick Jacob Phillips could be a useful option right away.
The two-year starter out of LSU was extremely productive during the 2019 campaign.
He recorded 113 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and one sack through 15 games.
Phillips led LSU in tackles last season and only missed three tackles on 88 attempts.
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— JP (@jacobphillips_1) July 4, 2020
Browns linebackers coach Jason Tarver mentioned that it’s an open competition for the starting spots during camp.
Mack Wilson is the only returning linebacker that played more than 10 percent of the snaps last year.
Both Wilson and Sione Takitaki are expected to be two of the starters to begin the season.
The Browns added veteran B.J. Goodson, but it sounds like Phillips has a real shot at making it as a starter from Day 1.
It’s unlikely that Phillips is as productive as his LSU days, but he should be able to be a good contributor for Cleveland in 2020.
2. Grant Delpit
The Browns were lacking at the safety spot when the offseason began.
They quickly added veterans Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo through free agency.
It looked like the Browns were set at safety, but defensive coordinator Joe Woods would like to utilize a 4-2-5 dime scheme.
Basically means that Cleveland would need an additional safety.
That’s where second-round pick Grant Delpit came into play.
It’s surprising that he dropped into the second round since he does have true first-round talent.
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Delpit has the the size, speed, and coverage skills to play at an elite level in the NFL.
He finished with 65 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and two interceptions through 14 games in 2019.
The biggest issue for Delpit is tackling, but hopefully the Browns can help him clean that up.
He should see significant time on the field in 2020 and it really wouldn’t be shocking to see him nab a Pro Bowl selection during his rookie campaign.
1. Jedrick Wills
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that the Browns first-round pick is likely going to be their most impactful rookie.
The No. 10 overall pick could be a big contributor to the revamped offensive line.
Jedrick Wills was projected as one of the top tackles in his entire draft class.
He’ll be asked to make the move from right tackle to left for the Browns this season.
Wills played mostly right tackle at Alabama, but has the strength and agility to play any position on the o-line.
In 2019, Wills gave up one sack and 3.5 hurries during the entire season.
He could be an instant superstar and maybe he’ll be able to live up to the performance of Joe Thomas.
The Browns appear to have a multiple time All-Pro and Pro Bowl player on their hands for years to come.
NEXT: Browns Olivier Vernon Will Be Extra Motivated In 2020
