With The First Pick
Fansided

How will Browns utilize their 2020 NFL Draft class in year one?

By JD Bagley

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 14: Kevin Stefanski talks to the media after being introduced as the Cleveland Browns new head coach on January 14, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 14: Kevin Stefanski talks to the media after being introduced as the Cleveland Browns new head coach on January 14, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, MO – SEPTEMBER 21: Jordan Elliott #1 of the Missouri Tigers sacks Ryan Hilinski #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the fourth quarter at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. Missouri won, 34-14. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MO – SEPTEMBER 21: Jordan Elliott #1 of the Missouri Tigers sacks Ryan Hilinski #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the fourth quarter at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. Missouri won, 34-14. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

Round 3, Pick 88: DT Jordan Elliott (Missouri):

Former defensive backs coach of the 49ers’ and new Browns’ defensive coordinator Joe Woods saw first hand how much that San Francisco defensive line made an impact in their run to the Super Bowl last season. After adding Andrew Billings in free agency to an already solid duo in Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi, the Browns continued to add depth along the interior when they drafted Jordan Elliott out of Missouri.

It’s tough to see Elliott making a substantial impact in year in the NFL due to the chances of him being buried on the depth chart behind established veterans. He’ll likely play a rotational role to begin the season and try to earn himself more playing time as the season goes on.

Round 3, Pick 97 overall: LB Jacob Phillips (LSU)

After losing both Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey to free agency, the Browns linebacking room looks to be one of the weakest positions groups on paper. They added B.J. Goodson in free agency who will likely play a run stopping role, while Mack Wilson gets promoted to a more prominent three-down role in his second year.

Sione Takitaki also entering year two will get the first crack at playing time opposite Mack Wilson; where does this leave Phillips? Joe Woods 4-2-5 defense doesn’t value linebackers very highly so it may be tough for Phillips to see considerable playing time early on.

Of course injury can play a role in him seeing the field, but to begin the season Phillips will likely fill in on special teams.

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