Browns' Top 2024 NFL Draft Targets

The Cleveland Browns head toward the 2024 NFL draft with few glaring needs, thanks to a strong early offseason. General manager Andrew Berry did a good job of managing the salary cap, re-signing players like Za'Darius Smith, Michael Dunn and Shelby Harris while bringing in a few new pieces.

Quarterback Jameis Winston will provide valuable depth behind Deshaun Watson, while the trade for Jerry Jeudy gives Cleveland another option at receiver.

Having a solid roster is important because the Browns again do not have a first-round selection. Their first pick is scheduled to come in the second round, 54th overall. The good news is that Berry has uncovered quality talent in the middle rounds of recent drafts.

Ascending cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. was a third-round selection in 2022, while 2023 standout rookie tackle Dawand Jones was a fourth-round selection.

It's worth noting that Berry has traded his second-round pick in each of the past two drafts and could do so again this year. If the Browns stay put, though, they'll have a chance to add a difference-maker on Day 2.

Here, we'll examine three top draft prospects Cleveland must consider at No. 54.

CB Kamari Lassiter, Georgia

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 29: Kamari Lassiter #DB23 of the Georgia Bulldogs speaks to the media during the 2024 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 29, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

The Browns have a strong cornerback group, headlined by Emerson, Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II. However, Cleveland has yet to make a decision on Newsome's fifth-year option, and cornerback is a position the Browns value highly.

It won't be a surprise to see the Browns draft another cornerback highly, which is what happened in the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's latest mock draft. The mock paired Cleveland with Georgia corner Kamari Lassiter, a player who would fit Jim Schwartz's defense.

"He has the versatility to play in multiple schemes and does a very good job of defending the run," Cory Giddings of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "He will have to continue to work on play strength, along with his play against the pass downfield, but Lassiter will have the chance to play early in his career."

While Schwartz leans heavily on single-high, he does like to mix things up. Lassiter has the versatility needed to thrive in Schwartz's scheme as an early rotational player, and he wouldn't be a liability in run support.

The Browns want to remain deep at cornerback, in part, because Ward tends to miss a few games every season. Adding another corner here would be logical.

WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia

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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: Ladd McConkey #84 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up prior to the Capital One Orange Bowl game against the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)

Cleveland's quest to build a top receiving corps continues. Over the past two offseasons, Berry has traded for Jeudy and Elijah Moore while drafting David Bell and Cedric Tillman Jr. Even with Amari Cooper and David Njoku in the fold, he's likely to keep swinging at pass-catchers until he hits a home run.

Georgia's Ladd McConkey is a very intriguing option for the Browns. He has good size (6'0", 186 lbs), reliable hands, after-the-catch ability and positional versatility. The big question is whether he'll actually be available later in the second round.

NFL Network's Peter Schrager recently mocked McConkey to the San Francisco 49ers at the bottom of Round 1.

"I've spoken to a lot of people over the past few months, and I'm not sure there is a single prospect who's as universally liked and respected as Ladd. Tough, smart, selfless," Schrager wrote.

The Browns have met with McConkey, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, so there appears to be some interest. Cleveland may have to trade up to land the talented receiver, but if the Browns are willing to be aggressive with their first selection, McConkey is a prospect worth going up to get.

LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

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CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 18: Clemson Tigers linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (54) pursues a play on defense during a college football game against the North Carolina Tar Heels on November 18, 2023 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

While the Brown did sign Devin Bush and Jordan Hicks, they could use more depth at the linebacker spot. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is a rising star, but the rest of Cleveland's linebacking corps was underwhelming in 2023.

The Browns ranked just 19th in yards per carry allowed, often because they gave up big plays in the second level.

Clemson's Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is one of the top linebacker prospects in this year's class, and he has the tools to become a long-term building block alongside Owusu-Koramoah.

"The Clemson product can lay the wood on ball-carriers when coming downhill," Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "And while he did struggle with missed tackles at the beginning of this season, he improved down the stretch."

Trotter is also an adept pass defender and a capable blitzer, which would make him valuable in a division that features Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson and now Russell Wilson at quarterback. Owusu-Koramoah has become a defender who can do it all, and Trotter has the potential to be a very similar player.

Of course, there's no guarantee that Trotter will still be available late in Round 2. However, early runs at positions like quarterback, wide receiver and offensive tackle could push him into Cleveland's range.