What Can Browns Do with Late First Pick in Draft?

For the second consecutive year, the Cleveland Browns do not have a first-round pick due to the Deshaun Watson trade. In fact, they won’t be on the clock until pick No. 74, which will happen early in Round 3. 

The good news for the Browns is that they have one of the best rosters in the league and don’t have any significant needs. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t speculate what they might do early in Round 3.

BetOhio.com – your source for  the best Ohio sportsbooks – has hypothetical odds for what position the Browns will select at No. 74 during the 2023 NFL Draft:

Position Browns Most Likely to Address

Some Players, Positions for Cleveland

The biggest need for the Cleveland Browns continues to be their defensive line. The Browns need to add depth at both defensive end and defensive tackle and that is the spot that is likely to be the deepest when they are on the clock at pick No. 74. 

One player to watch here is Florida DT Gervon Dexter, who is an extremely long and athletic pass rusher. He needs a ton of work on his get-off and overall hand technique, but there just aren’t many 6-6, 310-pound defensive tackles out there who run a sub 4.90 40-yard dash. If he is available at No. 74, expect him to be the pick for Cleveland.

Another name to consider is Ohio State defensive end Zach Harrison, who is a former five-star recruit from the 2019 recruiting class. While he never became a dominant force for the Buckeyes, he is a supreme athlete with the size to be a dominant run defender across the defensive line. With the Browns needing more depth on the defensive line, Harrison is a player who could fill multiple spots due to his length (86 7/8” wingspan).

If the Browns decide not to select a defensive lineman in Round 3, expect them to turn their attention to the secondary. This is a loaded cornerback class, and the Browns always could add more depth to that position. South Carolina CB Darius Rush would be a fantastic fit. He has  the length, athleticism and SEC production that the Cleveland front office values. Another name to consider is Purdue CB Cory Trice, who would have been a first- or second-round pick without a few nagging injuries.

But if there is one under-the-radar position to watch at No. 74, it’s running back. Cleveland moved on from Kareem Hunt this offseason and there have been rumblings about how much longer Nick Chubb will stay with the Browns. Cleveland could select a running back at No. 74 to pair with Chubb for the immediate future with the hopes that he could take over the starting job down the road.

While it would be fun to see someone like UCLA RB Zach Charbonnet in Cleveland, expect the team to use its top pick in this year’s draft to add more depth on defense and increase the Browns chance to make the playoffs. In fact, it will be a minor shock if that pick isn’t someone who can help on the defensive line for the Browns.

What Are Early Odds on Browns?

It will be months before the Browns or any NFL team is in training camp, let alone playing real games. But  Ohio sportsbook apps certainly have lines on the 2023 season already.

BetMGM Ohio has the Browns (+300) as the second pick in the AFC North, behind the Cincinnati Bengals (+105).

The Browns Super Bowl odds, according to BetMGM, has odds of +3500, which ranks 13^th among NFL teams. The Kansas City Chiefs are a +650 favorite to win the Super Bowl again.

DraftKings Sportsbook Ohio however, has the Browns (+360) third in the AFC North, behind both the Bengals (+120) and the Baltimore Ravens (+310).

You can find BetMGM, DraftKings and other Ohio sportsbook promotions here at BetOhio.com.