The Cleveland Browns are accustomed to the stress of having few draft picks that come in the later rounds.
The Browns have had few draft picks in recent Aprils following a seemingly disastrous trade for QB Deshaun Watson that sent a total of six picks in the first four rounds — including first-rounders in 2022, 23, and 24 — to the Houston Texans. Cleveland still owes Houston another first-rounder next week, as well as a fourth-rounder this year, to complete the trade.
As a result, the team aiming for the playoffs is under pressure to pick a strong contributor with the 54th overall selection in the second round, their first choice in the 2024 draft. Cleveland could benefit from another wide receiver or running back, and linebacker is also a position in need. However, the team's most urgent requirement is arguably on the defensive line, particularly at tackle.
Despite this, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report suggested on April 20 that the Browns should pass up on standout DT Kris Jenkins of Michigan if he's available at No. 54.
The Browns front office has an analytical bent, so it should understand the positional value that comes with finding a wide receiver, edge rusher or cornerback in the second round. Cleveland could target any of those three premium positions.
Jenkins is a good run-stuffing defensive tackle prospect. As B/R scout Matt Holder noted, he has a high ceiling as a pass rusher due to his athleticism, but he hasn’t demonstrated that on the field much.
If the Browns feel like they can’t pay to keep the cornerback trio of Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson and Greg Newsome II together, they might want to target a corner at No. 54. Finding a long-term replacement for edge-rusher Za’Darius Smith could also be an objective.
Kris Jenkins Proved Elite as Run-Stopper at Michigan
GettyDefensive player Kris Jenkins from Michigan.
Jenkins is He stands at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 305 pounds. Jenkins was part of the University of Michigan’s national title team in 2023 and ended the season as a Second-Team All-American.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) recognized Jenkins’ exceptional run-stopping abilities in a scouting report released on April 16.
Jenkins is one of the strongest players in the draft. He is a run-stopper at heart who is most comfortable and confident holding the line. His run-stop percentage ranks in the 99th percentile due to how well he can hold up against double teams and control one-on-one run-blocking situations.
Jenkins’ ability to plug gaps is unique in this draft. Only one interior defensive lineman produced a higher run-stop rate than Jenkins’ 13.3% over the last three seasons. Jenkins isn’t the most dominant pass-rusher, but in 2023, he did create 26 pressures on true pass rushes, a respectable mark.
Browns’ Draft Strategy Favors the Best Available Player, Regardless of Position
GettyBrowns general manager Andrew Berry.
If the Browns decide to draft based on need at No. 54 and Jenkins is an option, it would make a lot of sense.
However, as Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com recently pointed out, the Browns don’t draft based on need. Instead, general manager Andrew Berry looks to select the best available player, which is even easier for a team in 2024 that doesn’t have any major weaknesses in the roster.
And if the team does pick a defensive tackle in the second round, they may look for one with better ease and effectiveness in rushing the passer compared to Jenkins' performance in college.
“I would still be on the lookout for a pass-rushing defensive lineman who could get six or seven sacks and plenty of pressure,” Cabot wrote on April 15. “The Browns are fortunate that they don’t have any glaring needs and can draft the best available player.”
