Browns' Draft Blueprint: Strengthening Trenches, Safety

0:00On March 21st, the Cleveland Browns kicked off the 2026 free agency period by bolstering their offensive line and then ramped up with depth. Signings in week 2. The standout move was grabbing former Buffalo Bills' pass rusher AJ-A. Epinessa on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million, a potential bargain for their defense. With those pieces in place, the team's biggest gap standout. Off-tackle, wide receiver, quarterback, a number 2 tied in to replace David and Joku. And now, safety is veterans like Grant Delpit head into contract years. Holding nine draft picks, including two in the first round, gives general manager Andrew Barry plenty of ammo to target these spots. Fans and analysts see this as a smart pivot toward the draft after passing on splashy free agent quarterbacks. The mock drafts circulating highlight Ohio State's Caleb Downs as a top safety at pick 6, pairing nicely with new edge help for long-term secondary.

1:00Stability. Later rounds could land Alabama's massive left tackle, Caden Proctor at 24, Louisville Whiteout Chris Bell in round 2, despite his injury, and even Penn State's juraller as a day 3 quarterback upside play. Get that guard tied in, linebacker, and more edge, rounds out a balanced approach. This blueprint sets up new coordinator Todd Munkin for Run Heavy Offense, while rebuilding key trenches, positioning the brown strong as the draft, nears.