Browns 10 Biggest Needs Heading Into 2017

4.) Free Safety

The Browns have been going with two converted CBs in Jordan Poyer and Tramon Williams to play free safety this year. With a lack of a pass rush this year, the secondary was exposed a lot. Cleveland gave up more passing touchdowns than any other team this year and QBs had the second highest passer rating when facing the Browns. With no young free safety in the wing and Tramon Williams costing 7.5 million to keep versus $500,000 to cut, he should be on the way out the door, leaving a huge hole at the position. A ballhawking free safety that can make plays all over the field and create turnovers or hesitant throws downfield would be a big help on defense. All the elite defenses of recent times had a dominant free safety and is in my mind the most underrated position in football.

5.) Defensive End

With the switch to a 4-3, the Browns are a little short on depth and talent at the DE position. With 7 of the current 12 defensive lineman weighing over 300 pounds, they will be more of a natural fit at DT than DE. Among the roster, 2016 rookies Emmanuel Ogbah and Carl Nassib are the likely starters at DE with Cam Johnson probably making the conversion from OLB to DE as well. Lucky for the Browns this draft is loaded with young edge rushers that can complement the other young ones already here.

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