Cleveland Browns' updated depth chart, post-2021 NFL Draft: Defense

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns made eight selections in the 2021 NFL Draft over the weekend, including five on the defensive side of the ball.

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With that in mind, let's take a look at the Browns' updated defensive depth chart following this year's draft.

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Defensive end

Left defensive end

1. Myles Garrett
2. Porter Gustin
3. Curtis Weaver

Right defensive end

1. Jadeveon Clowney
2. Takkarist McKinley

The pairing of Myles Garrett with free-agent signee Jadeveon Clowney gives Cleveland one of the most talented defensive end duos in the league. Former first-round pick Takkarist McKinley provides high upside depth and could give the Browns the ability to flood the field with pass rushers.

Defensive tackle

1. Andrew Billings
2. Tommy Togiai

1. Malik Jackson
2. Jordan Elliott
3. Marvin Wilson II

After releasing Sheldon Richardson and letting Larry Ogunjobi walk in free agency, the Browns will be breaking in two new starters at defensive tackle. After opting out of the 2020 season, Andrew Billings returns as a presumed starter, with free-agent signee Malik Jackson, 2020 third-round pick Jordan Elliott and 2021 fourth-round pick Tommy Togiai all likely to see playing time. Undrafted free agent Marvin Wilson II possesses the talent to make the Browns' roster as well.

Linebacker

SAM

1. Jacob Phillips
2. Malcolm Smith

MIKE

1. Anthony Walker Jr.
2. Sione Takitaki
3. Tony Fields II

WILL

1. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
2. Mack Wilson

The Browns could very well be breaking in three new starters at linebacker, although Malcolm Smith, Sione Takitaki and Mack Wilson each possess previous starting experience. In the middle, free-agent signee Anthony Walker Jr. should be an upgrade from B.J. Goodson, while 2020 third-round pick Jacob Phillips enjoyed an encouraging rookie season. Selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is more Swiss army knife than true linebacker and should give defensive coordinator Joe Woods some newfound flexibility with his alignments.

Cornerback

Corner 1

1. Denzel Ward
2. Troy Hill

Corner 2

1. Greg Newsome II
2. Greedy Williams
3. Brian Allen

Nickel

1. Troy Hill
2. M.J. Stewart

The selection of Greg Newsome II in the first round of the 2021 draft gives Cleveland a new starter to pair opposite Denzel Ward, while Greedy Williams' impending return from a shoulder injury should help bolster the Browns' depth. Free-agent signee Troy Hill also has the ability to play outside, but is best suited to be Cleveland's primary nickel back.

Safety

Strong safety

1. John Johnson III
2. Ronnie Harrison Jr.

Free safety

1. Grant Delpit
2. Richard LeCounte III
3. Sheldrick Redwine

The signing of John Johnson III and return of Grant Delpit, who missed his entire rookie season with a torn Achilles, should upgrade a Browns safeties room that struggled in 2020. While he may officially be listed as a backup, Ronnie Harrison Jr. should still see plenty of playing time in three-safety alignments, with fifth-round pick Richard LeCounte III providing additional athleticism and depth.