10 early prospects to consider for the Browns No. 10 overall pick

It’s too early to know exactly who the Cleveland Browns will target with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The team doesn’t even have a head coach or GM at this point. But it’s possible to narrow down the field of prospects for that valuable first-round pick.

Here are 10 prospects who the Browns figure to have strong interest in for that No. 10 overall pick. Some will wind up being taken well before the 10 spot, of course, but that doesn’t preclude them from being someone the Browns should strongly consider.

Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

I don’t expect the beefy Brown to last all the way to No. 10, but he’s an ideal fit to reinforce the Cleveland defensive line. For my money he’s the best DT prospect since Ndamukong Suh, a wrecking ball with both a high motor and very high football IQ to go with his considerable physical gifts.

K’Lavon Chiasson, EDGE, LSU

Don’t let the underwhelming stats (6.5 sacks) dissuade you; Chiasson offers outstanding potential as a stand-up pass rusher. He missed almost all of 2018 with an ACL and worked the rust off in his return in 2019. Chiasson is a twitchy bundle of unrefined energy and passion.

Grant Delpit, S, LSU

The preseason top-5 overall hype faded with an injury, but Delpit remains a high-end safety prospect with instant impact ability. He’s big, instinctive and has experience being the alpha male in a very talented secondary that has included Browns starting CB Greedy Williams.

A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa

Browns fans who missed Emmanuel Ogbah but wanted a more consistent and versatile presence from him will gravitate toward Epenesa. A big, physical end who wins with power-to-speed, Epenesa is a natural to line up opposite Myles Garrett.

Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

It’s hard to fathom the Browns using their first pick on a wideout when Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. are already on board, but Jeudy is too gifted to simply ignore here. His combination of pure speed, strong hands and polished routes makes Jeudy a very high-end WR prospect.

Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

Probably the biggest stretch on this list, but Kinlaw is capable of taking over games against high-level competition. His first step is lightning quick and he follows it with strength and aggressive tenacity. Browns fans might be reminded of Michael Dean Perry if they watch Kinlaw against Georgia or North Carolina.

Isaiah Simmons, S/LB, Clemson

Simmons is an athletic marvel at 6-4 and 230 pounds, capable of playing slot corner one drive and MIKE backer the next. He’s at his best as a playmaking safety, a role the Browns desperately need.

Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

It would almost certainly require a trade up to land Thomas, but stranger things have happened in the draft. An elite tackle prospect with outstanding length and power, Thomas is an instant starter for the Browns — or just about any NFL team.

Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama

Playing right tackle at Alabama, Wills was known for his run-blocking domination. His pass protection technique and awareness improved enough in 2019 that he’s now a viable candidate to shift to the left side if a team chooses. Like Thomas, he’s in need of some technical ironing out, but the potential is multiple Pro Bowls at a position of dire need in Cleveland.

Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

Wirfs plays right tackle for the Hawkeyes but has the movement skills and technical adeptness to handle speed to play on either side in the NFL. He might not dominate with wins like some other OTs here, but it’s very rare to see Wirfs lose on a rep in pass protection.

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