Browns live up to expectations by bolstering offense during NFL draft
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Even though most of the frustration with the Cleveland Browns’ offense has focused on the lack of a franchise quarterback, the unit has also been among the worst because of struggles at wide receiver and injuries along the offensive line. General manager Andrew Berry and first-year coach Todd Monken hope they made some progress in bolstering those areas during the NFL draft. The Browns took a receiver with two of their first three picks, while three of their 10 selections were offensive linemen.
Add in a pair of tight ends, and yes, a quarterback, and the Browns lived up to expectations that this would be an offense-heavy draft for them. “I’m excited about the work that Andrew has done thus far,” Monken said. “I think it’s been a great draft, but what matters is now, once they get here, and then how we develop them and how we put them in the right places to let their talent shine.
” The Browns hope they have found a franchise left tackle by taking Utah’s Spencer Fano with the ninth overall pick. They moved up in the third round to select Austin Barber, who played left tackle at Florida but could transition to swing tackle or guard. The most intriguing pick might be Alabama center Parker Brailsford in the fifth round.
The Browns signed Elgton Jenkins in free agency to likely be their center, but Jenkins could move to guard if Brailsford wins the starting job. “The centers that can pull and work at the second level and get to the perimeter because of their athleticism and speed, they give you a lot of optionality in the run game. And that’s something that Parker does very well.
So we’re excited about that part of his profile,” Berry said about Brailsford. Cleveland also added two playmaking receivers after five of its top six reception leaders last season were running backs or tight ends. Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion, taken 24th overall, and Washington’s Denzel Boston, a second-round pick, can play both inside and outside.
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