CLEVELAND, Ohio — In this week’s edition of Hey, Mary Kay! I answer Browns questions about the NFL draft, Nick Chubb’s restructuring, and more. Many of our questions come from our Football Insider subscribers. To become one, click the blue banner at the top of the cleveland.com/browns page. Thanks so much!
Hey, Mary Kay:
What would the perfect Browns draft look like to you? — Mike Parker, Chester, Md.
Hey, Mike: For starters, it would include the Browns packaging their two seventh-round picks to move up into the fifth or sixth round. I say that only partly in jest. Browns GM Andrew Berry doesn’t love making those seventh-round picks, but obviously you can find some gems in that round (see Brock Purdy). After trading offensive tackle Leroy Watkins IV to the Titans for the No. 227 pick, the Browns have that and No. 243 in the final round, and six picks overall.
They have none in the first round and none in the fourth. I would draft a receiver such as Western Kentucky’s Malachi Corley at No. 54 overall, and possibly a defensive tackle such as Michigan’s Kris Jenkins at No. 85 in the third round. I also like Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat if the Browns determine that his recent DWI is not a long-term concern. Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders is a good pass-catching tight end who could become a starter within a few years. There are many others who would be good fits, including Ohio State defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr., and speedy Mississippi State receiver Tulu Griffin. A late-round running back would be a good move.
Hey, Mary Kay:
With the moves the Browns have made in the offseason, and based on how easily the position could become an Achilles heel (due to injury or underperformance of one or two individuals) in the quest for a Super Bowl appearance this season, how would you rank position of need in the draft among defensive line, wide receiver, linebacker and running back positions. — Karlos, Plymouth, Mass.
Hey, Karlos: I would rank them in the exact order you have them listed: defensive line, wide receiver, linebacker and running back.
I would still be on the lookout for a pass-rushing defensive lineman who could get six or seven sacks and plenty of pressure. I would add some blazing speed to the receiving corps, or a “wide back” such as Western Kentucky’s Malachi Corley. They can use some young linebackers now that they let Anthony Walker Jr. and Sione Takitaki walk in free agency. With Nick Chubb probably needing more time to recover, it can’t hurt to add another back. You didn’t have tight end listed, but I would have wedged that in there at No. 3. The Browns are fortunate that they don’t have any glaring needs and can draft the best available player.
Hey, Mary Kay:
Do you feel Nick Chubb’s restructuring and him agreeing lead you to believe he feels he has good chance to back in time to hit many of the incentives in his contract? — Mavro in Columbus, Ohio
Hey, Mavro: I think that Chubb’s restructuring coincides him with him beginning cutting and agility drills this week, and the knowledge that he’s still on track to return to the field this season. I think it would be difficult for him to make it back for the opener, but you can never put anything past Chubb. I think Chubb and his reps recognize that this restructuring is a fair deal that gives him a chance to make the full $12.2 million he could’ve made in the final year of his extension in 2024. The incentives must be makeable even with a late start to the season or Chubb would not have agreed to the contract. Let’s all hope that Chubb can make a remarkable comeback like he did at Georgia.
Hey, Mary Kay:
Will the Browns avoid a receiver at No. 54 because they traded for Jerry Jeudy? — Sean N., Chicago, Ill.
Hey, Sean: The Browns don’t draft for need, and approach the draft like they’re an expansion team. Any position is in play at No. 54, and the Browns won’t shy away from a well-stocked position. The draft is rich in wide receivers, and a good one could be available there. By the same token, they won’t target a specific position, and will be open to whatever comes their way, including a trade up or down.
Hey, Mary Kay:
Which of the Browns’ injured players will participate in the offseason program? — Ben Jones, Macon, Ga.
Hey, Ben: A number of Browns players who finished the season on injured reserve or missed time down the stretch are expected back during the offseason program, including Ogbo Okoronkwo, Grant Delpit, Dustin Hopkins, Maurice Hurst, Jedrick Wills Jr., Dawand Jones and Jack Conklin. Some will be limited throughout the program, but most will participate to some degree. The Browns had an inordinate number of injuries in 2023, and will be better this season just by virtue of the sheer number of key players returning to the field.
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