Cleveland Browns expect big help for defensive line

The Cleveland Browns enter the 2024 NFL season with big ambitions of making the playoffs and possibly even winning the AFC North.

When you look at the roster, the talent is certainly there to have that type of year. However, there are a few key factors that need to work in the Browns’ favor to make those goals a reality.

First, Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson needs to have a big bounce-back year. He’s had two bad years in a row, playing in just six games, since being traded to the Browns. Watson still has elite talent, but he needs to show it on the field.

Secondly, Nick Chubb needs to get back to full fitness and make a big impact this season. He will miss at least the first four games of the season but should be back sometime this year.

Finally, the defense needs to reach its full potential. The Browns defense is expected to be one of the best three in the NFL, if not the best.

That said, Cleveland is expected to provide even more help on the defensive front.

Sports Illustrated a new 2025 NFL mock draft was released. In that mock draft, the Browns selected Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Mason Graham with the 9th overall pick.

“The Browns could be a team looking to take a first-round quarterback next year if Deshaun Watson fails to show consistency in his third season in Cleveland. But with three quarterbacks already gone in this mock draft, the Browns continue to bolster their dominant defense with help from edge rusher Myles Garrett. Graham’s strength and relentless motor make him an ideal candidate to take over for veteran defensive tackles Dalvin Tomlinson and Shelby Harris.”

Granted, it’s too early to look at a mock draft. Not even a single game has been played to determine what the draft order might look like.

Despite these facts, Cleveland is drafted ninth overall according to the mock draft, suggesting they will have a poor 2024 season.

In an earlier CBS Sports mock draft, the Browns were projected to take Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers in the first round.

Graham would be an interesting addition. At 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, he is an intimidating presence on the defensive line.

In his two years at Michigan so far, Graham has compiled 53 tackles, 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble and two passes defensed, and is emerging as a star at the NFL level.

Of course, this is just a projection, but Graham would make Cleveland’s defense even more dangerous. He’s a name to watch throughout the 2024 college football season.