OBR Insider Lane Adkins contributed to this report...
While many onlookers were calling for the Cleveland Browns to invest in the offense heavily in this year's draft, the team first traded down, taking themselves out of position to potentially select Travis Hunter, the do-it-all prospect who was viewed by the organization as a wide receiver. Instead, after moving down and acquiring additional assets, the team opted to select defensive tackle Mason Graham. They followed that up with the selection of linebacker Carson Schwesinger before using the rest of their selections on the offensive side of the ball.
Inherent in these selections is an expectation the Browns should be not only better immediately on the defensive side of the ball, but that unit is built to succeed in the future. There is pressure for that group to perform, including the two rookies the organization selected to lead off this year's draft.
So, what went into the decision by the Browns to lead with the draft by making a major investment into the middle of their defense? Here's what the OBR has learned.