Browns' three biggest needs following free agency

There are still a few big-name players on the open market, but with the bulk of NFL free agency over, teams must turn their attention to the 2024 draft.

The Browns already have one of the most complete rosters in the league, so it was necessary to retain some of their top talent in linebacker Za'Darius Smith and defensive tackles Shelby Harris and Maurice Hurst.

Here are Cleveland's three biggest needs following free agency.

Linebacker

The Browns lost linebackers Anthony Walker Jr. (Dolphins) and Sione Takitaki (Patriots) in free agency, and while they added linebackers Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush, both have a lot to prove in 2024.

Hicks is coming off a solid 107-tackle season, but he will turn 32 this summer. On the other hand, Bush has not been the same player since tearing his ACL during the 2020 season. He had just 37 tackles with the Seahawks last year.

Adding both veterans into the starting lineup is a bit of a gamble, so Cleveland should add to the room through this year's draft. The Browns aren't scheduled to make their first selection until pick No. 54 in the second round, but there should still be solid options such as Texas A&M's Edgerrin Cooper and Clemson's Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

Defensive tackle

This one may be surprising since Cleveland brought back Harris and Hurst this offseason, but there are big question marks at the position past the 2024 season.

Harris will turn 33 before the start of this season while Hurst re-signed with the Browns on just a one-year deal.

Cleveland won't need to use high draft capital as a result, which is good because it currently has just five selections, but the team needs to invest further into the position's future.

Cornerback

The Browns proved to have one of the best secondaries in the league last season as their defense allowed the fewest passing yards per game (164.7). Cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II are a big reason for their dominance.

However, if either player ever had to miss time due to an injury, Cleveland would be in trouble because there isn't much depth past them.

Newsome II is heading into the final year of his rookie deal in 2024. So, the Browns will need to pay him next offseason or let him walk and find his replacement. If they want to cover all their bases, drafting a cornerback in this year's draft would be a good idea.