Way-too-early Cleveland Browns 2024 NFL Draft preview

The 2024 NFL Draft is April 25-27 in Detroit. Here is the first-round order, per Tankathon.

After making the playoffs with four different starting quarterbacks, the Cleveland Browns proved to be one of the most complete teams in the league in 2023. However, the Browns aren't scheduled to make their first selection in the 2024 NFL Draft until the second round due to their trade for QB Deshaun Watson in 2022. That's why Cleveland must hit on several players in this year's draft class.

2023 record: 11-6 | First pick: No. 54 | Team needs: DT, LB, WR

Potential second-round picks: Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan; Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M; Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

The Browns could take several different approaches when they make their first pick on day two, but filling the holes left by some key players who could potentially depart in free agency should be at the top of the list.

Defensive tackles Jordan Elliott, Shelby Harris and Maurice Hurst are all set to hit the open market next week, and while DT Dalvin Tomlinson is still under contract, his best days are behind him at 30. That's why adding another stout run defender like Jenkins makes a lot of sense. The former Wolverine has 91 tackles, 4.5 sacks and one interception over the past two seasons.

Cleveland is also slated to potentially lose linebackers Anthony Walker Jr., Sione Takitaki and Jacob Phillips. Using its second-round pick on Cooper could be the right move if the team does. The athletic linebacker has proven he can do it all, posting 202 tackles, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two interceptions and eight passes defensed from 2021-23.

On the other hand, there's a strong argument for the Browns to continue building up their offense around Watson, who has thrown just 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 12 games. In 2022, Cleveland didn't have a wide receiver outside Amari Cooper eclipse 650 yards receiving. Coleman could be the No. 2 WR the offense has been missing after posting 108 catches for 1,456 yards and 18 touchdowns at different schools (FSU and MSU), leaving Watson with no excuses in 2024.