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Ranking the Cleveland Browns' biggest 2020 offseason needs

The Cleveland Browns enter the 2020 offseason with some glaring needs to address in free agency and the draft.

With March 18 marking the start of the NFL's new league year, free agency and trades (official) trades are less than two weeks away.

And once again, the Cleveland Browns figure to be one of the league's most active teams as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2019 campaign.

What positions will the Browns be addressing and how will they go about doing so? We'll found out in the weeks to come.

Until then, lets' take look at Cleveland's biggest needs in the upcoming offseason.

Offensive tackle

Like most teams, the Browns have multiple needs. None, however, is more glaring than their current hole at offensive tackle.

With Cleveland having moved on from Greg Robinson and Chris Hubbard coming off a disappointing 2019 campaign, the Browns could be in the market for two starting offensive tackles. At the very least, Cleveland needs a new starting left tackle and some depth.

The good news for the Browns is that in addition to several players at the position being available in free agency, offensive tackle is one of the most talent-rich positions in this year's draft. According to ESPN, the draft's top 32 prospects include five offensive tackles and it wouldn't be a surprise to see as many as six players at the position be selected in the first round.

Depending on how the nine picks before it shake out, it seems likely Cleveland will be using the No. 10 overall pick in the draft on a left tackle. But considering the vast nature of the Browns' need, they'll also likely be significant players in the free-agent market.

Potential free agents: Anthony Castonzo (Colts), Jack Conklin (Titans), Bryan Bulaga (Packers), Jason Peters (Eagles), Halapoulivaati Vaitai (Eagles)

Potential first-round picks: Jedrick Wills Jr. (Alabama), Tristan Wirfs (Iowa), Mekhi Becton (Louisville), Joshua Jones (Houston), Andrew Thomas (Georgia)

Credit: AP
Alabama offensive lineman Jedrick Wills Jr. (74) looks for a block against Mississippi during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Linebacker

Christian Kirksey seems like a likely cap casualty and all indications seem to be that Joe Schobert will be taking his talents elsewhere as an unrestricted free agent. That leaves Mack Wilson as the lone returning starter of a Browns linebacking corps that has been steady, but not spectacular, for the last few seasons.

Assuming it will be in the market for at least two starters and some depth, Cleveland would be wise to upgrade its playmaking prowess at the position -- although that may be easier said than done with the available options.

Potential free agents: Cory Littleton (Rams), Blake Martinez (Packers), Kyle Van Noy (Patriots), A.J. Klein (Saints)

Potential draft picks: Isaiah Simmons (Clemson), Patrick Queen (LSU), Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma), Zack Baun (Wisconsin), Terrell Lewis (Alabama)

Credit: AP
Clemson's Isaiah Simmons reacts to the play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Charlotte Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)

Safety

Like offensive tackle and linebacker, the Browns don't just need upgrades at safety -- they need multiple starters.

With Damarious Randall, Juston Burris and Eric Murray all set to hit free agency and Morgan Burnett coming off a torn Achilles, Cleveland may not just be filling its starting lineup, but its entire depth chart. The No. 10 pick in the draft might be too early for the Browns to try to fill those holes, but Cleveland should be one of the more active teams in free agency when it comes to the safety position.

Potential free agents: Anthony Harris (Vikings), Justin Simmons (Broncos), Jimmie Ward (49ers), Tre Boston (Panthers), Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (Bears), Tony Jefferson (Ravens)

Potential draft picks: Xavier McKinney (Alabama), Grant Delpit (LSU), Ashtyn Davis (Cal), Antoine Winfield Jr. (Minnesota), Jalen Elliott (Notre Dame), Kyle Dugger (Lenoir-Rhyne)

Credit: AP
Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) reacts against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

Defensive tackle

As currently constructed, the Browns have two starters at defensive tackle in Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi, although neither may have long-term futures in Cleveland.

In Richardson's case, the 29-year-old has just two years remaining on the 3-year contract he signed with the Browns last offseason. Unless his play warrants another contract, it seems likely he'll be a cap casualty a year from now when Cleveland can get out of his deal with just $1.6 million owed.

As for Ogunjobi, the 2017 third-round pick has enjoyed an impressive tenure with the Browns and is a favorite of new general manager Andrew Berry. But with just one season remaining on his rookie contract, the 25-year-old could be on the outside looking in with extensions due for Myles Garrett, Baker Mayfield and Denzel Ward in the next few years.

As a result, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Browns invest in the middle of their defensive line now rather than wait until it becomes a more pressing need. And while Cleveland may not currently have room in its starting lineup, that shouldn't stop it from pursuing players who could provide an immediate upgrade.

Potential free agents: Leonard Williams (Giants), Arik Armstead (49ers), Michael Pierce (Ravens), Michael Brockers (Rams)

Potential draft picks: Derrick Brown (Auburn), Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina), Ross Blacklock (TCU), Justin Madubuike (Texas A&M), Neville Gallimore (Oklahoma)

Credit: AP
Javon Kinlaw (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)

Tight end

Berry has already said the Browns still believe in David Njoku, but the former first-round pick's career to this point could, at best, be described as inconsistent. Plus, new head coach Kevin Stefanski ran no shortage of two-tight end sets during his time as the Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator, meaning that at the very least, Cleveland will be in the market for another difference-maker at the position.

Potential free agents: Hunter Henry (Chargers), Austin Hooper (Falcons), Jacob Hollister (Seahawks), Eric Ebron (Colts), Tyler Eifert (Bengals)

Potential draft picks: Cole Kmet (Notre Dame), Jared Pinkney (Vanderbilt), Hunter Bryant (Washington), Adam Trautman (Dayton), Brycen Hopkins (Purdue), Thaddeus Moss (LSU)

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