Cleveland Browns Biggest Team Needs and Trade Targets

Sitting at 3-1 after the first four games of the season, the Cleveland Browns are in a better position than most expected at this point.

Todd Monken seems to have things heading in the right direction. The Browns are far from perfect. They still have a negative point differential. They're still one of the most penalized teams in football. They rank 26th in ESPN's FPI rankings.

Yet, they're sitting atop the AFC North and have a very manageable schedule over the next several weeks.

There's even a case to be made that the Browns could be buyers as the NFL trade deadline approaches in November.

Here's a look at the roster spots that could use reinforcements and the potential trade targets they should watch for if they find themselves in the playoff race.

Right Tackle

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Miami OT Austin Jackson

On the Roster

Tytus Howard, Dawand Jones, KT Leveston (Practice Squad), Eze Obinna (Practice Squad)

Why the Need?

Tytus Howard was supposed to be brought in as a high-floor veteran to stabilize the offensive line. Through four games, that has simply not been the case.

Howard has been a consistent culprit behind the Browns' offensive operational issues. He has five false starts and has yet to go a game without jumping offsides at least once.

The 30-year-old's pass protection has been an issue as well. He's given up two sacks and has seven blown blocks, per Sports Info Solutions. It's going to be time to give Dawand Jones a shot or bring in another player if Howard doesn't step up his game.

Potential Trade Targets

Austin Jackson, Walker Little

Here's the reality check for the right tackle situation. A starting quality tackle trade is a rarity. Few teams are willing to part with competent players at the position at this time of year.

Austin Jackson could be an exception. The former first-round pick is on a one-year contract and struggling in Jeff Hafley's first year as the Dolphins' head coach. The Fins could be ready to dump him after a 0-4 start to the season.

A change of scenery could be mutually beneficial.

Walker Little has guard-tackle versatility and proven experience. Yet, he has become a reserve in Jacksonville. The Jags might not be willing to part with depth on the line, but it would be worth it for Andrew Berry to check in with James Gladstone.

Cornerback

AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura

Brandon Stephens

On the Roster

Denzel Ward, Tyson Campbell, Myles Harden, Noah Igbinoghene, Toriano Pride Jr., Mekhi Blackmon, Michael Coats Jr. (Practice Squad), Myles Bryant (Practice Squad)

Why It's a Need

The Browns are playing a ton of man coverage, and Denzel Ward is doing it at a high level. The rest of the corners have been suspect. Tyson Campbell is giving up a passer rating of 116.7 when targeted. Myles Harden has been inconsistent in the slot.

What's even more concerning is that Campbell has already dealt with injuries this season. The Browns' cornerback depth is going to be tested. It's scary to think about how the secondary looks without Ward, who has never played a full season.

Potential Trade Targets

Kristian Fulton, Brandon Stephens, Amik Robertson

Getting a team to part with a corner capable of playing press-man is a tricky task, but there are a few fits that would make sense. Kristian Fulton has found himself as the odd man out in Kansas City. He has only allowed three receptions on seven targets, but he's also played just 58 percent of the snaps in three games.

Monken knows Brandon Stephens from their time together in Baltimore, but Stephens is off to a hot start with the Jets so far this season. New York is sitting at 1-3 through the first four weeks and could be willing to deal.

Amik Robertson can't play press-man on the outside, but he's the kind of physical veteran slot who could push Harden. The Commanders are also 1-3, so they could be looking to offload veterans at the deadline.

Running Back

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Tennessee Titans RB Tony Pollard

On the Roster

Quinshon Judkins, Raheim Sanders, Jaleel McLaughlin, Dylan Sampson (IR)

Why the Need?

Judkins has been one of the most disappointing players on the roster this year. The offensive line isn't perfect, but Judkins has just a 40.7 success rate this season. He's averaging 3.0 yards per carry.

Sanders has made some good plays, especially as a receiver out of the backfield. Jaleel McLaughlin was signed and scored a touchdown on Thursday Night Football against the Steelers, but the Browns need a running back to actually boost the ground game.

Potential Trade Targets

Tony Pollard, Tyler Allgeier, Kenneth Gainwell

The first two targets here are the most intriguing. Sanders and even McLaughlin have proven they can be secondary backs who help in the passing game. Targeting Kenneth Gainwell would just be a more experienced version of that kind of back.

What the Browns really could use is another back to share the between-the-tackles and early-down runs Judkins currently gets. Pollard is the lead back in Tennessee, but he's 29 and in the final year of his contract. They have Tyjae Spears and Nicholas Singleton to take over.

Tyler Allgeier has successfully shared backfield duties in Arizona and Atlanta. However, Jeremiyah Love is going to continue to push for a bigger piece of the pie for the Cardinals right now.

Defensive Tackle Depth

AP Photo/Ella Hall

Saints DL Davon Godchaux

On the Roster

Mason Graham (injured), Maliek Collins, Mike Hall Jr., Adin Huntington, Sam Kamara (Practice Squad), Zion Logue (Practice Squad), Chris Williams (Practice Squad), Elijah Chatman (IR)

Why It's a Need

The Browns were fortunate that Mason Graham avoided a season-ending injury after his hot start to the season. He leads the way with four sacks, but Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN classified his MCL and ankle sprain as a "multi-week absence."

The Browns' interior without Graham is a bit scary, and not in a good way. Maliek Collins is a solid veteran, but Adin Huntington is undersized and Michael Hall Jr. is dealing with an ankle injury.

Potential Trade Candidates

A'Shawn Robinson, Solomon Thomas, Davon Godchaux

Ideally, the Browns would be able to swing a deal for a low-cost veteran. Run-stopping is probably more important than pass-rushing in the long term. Graham will eventually be back.

Robinson is a run-stuffing specialist. The Buccaneers are at the point where they may need to deal for veterans at the deadline. Solomon Thomas is a bit more of a tweener, but he has a ton of experience in even fronts and would offer a steady veteran presence.

Godchaux would offer size (6'4", 330) that the Browns don't really have on the interior right now. At 1-3, the Saints might be shifting to younger options in the coming weeks.