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Cleveland Browns' 2020 defense depth chart post-NFL Draft

The Cleveland Browns bolstered their defensive depth and talent throughout the 2020 NFL Draft.

A look at the Cleveland Browns' projected offensive depth chart following the 2020 NFL Draft:

RELATED: Cleveland Browns' 2020 offense depth chart post-NFL Draft

Defensive end

  1. Myles Garrett
  2. Chad Thomas

Defensive end

  1. Olivier Vernon
  2. Adrian Clayborn
  3. Porter Gustin

Olivier Vernon was thought to be a potential roster cut but will return to start opposite a reinstated Myles Garrett following an underwhelming 2019. Free-agent signee Adrian Clayborn hasn't been a full-time starter since 2013, but should help provide depth the Browns lacked a season ago.

Defensive tackle

  1. Sheldon Richardson
  2. Jordan Elliott
  3. Daniel Ekuale

Defensive tackle

  1. Larry Ogunjobi
  2. Andrew Billings

Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi return as Cleveland's starters, but free agent Andrew Billings and third-round pick Jordan Elliott add newfound depth. With Richardson a likely cap casualty next offseason and Ogunjobi and Billings each in the final years of their deals, it will be interesting to see how this season helps shape the Browns' future plans for the position.

SAM Linebacker

  1. Jacob Phillips
  2. Willie Harvey

MIKE Linebacker

  1. B.J. Goodson
  2. Sione Takitaki

WILL Linebacker

  1. Mack Wilson
  2. Tae Davis

Following a promising rookie season and the offseason departures of Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey, former fifth-round pick Mack Wilson serves as the Browns lone returning starting linebacker. Free-agent signee B.J. Goodson has started 29 games in the last three seasons -- including nine with the Green Bay Packers last season -- and third-round pick Jacob Phillips could make significant contributions as early as his rookie year.

Overall depth remains a cause for concern, as does the lack of a proven playmaker. The wildcard of the group is 2019 third-round pick Sione Takitaki, who was primarily a special teams contributor during his rookie season.

Cornerback

  1. Denzel Ward
  2. Kevin Johnson
  3. Donovan Olumba

Cornerback

  1. Greedy Williams
  2. Terrance Mitchell

Nickel corner

  1. Kevin Johnson
  2. Andrew Sendejo

Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams didn't quite form the standout duo they were expected to in 2019, but both dealt with injuries and are young enough that a big bounce back for either (or both) shouldn't be ruled out. Former first-round pick Kevin Johnson will serve as the team's starting nickel but can also provide depth on the outside if need be, while Terrance Mitchell has been solid in his first two seasons with the Browns.

Free safety

  1. Grant Delpit
  2. Sheldrick Redwine

Strong safety

  1. Karl Joseph
  2. Andrew Sendejo

After signing veterans Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo to one-year contracts, Cleveland added a potential cornerstone to the back end of its defense by selecting LSU safety Grant Delpit in the second round of the draft (No. 44 overall). The 2019 Jim Thorpe Award winner, Delpit was considered by some to be the best safety in the draft and should step immediately into a starting spot in his rookie season.

Kicker

  1. Austin Seibert

Punter

  1. Jamie Gillan

Holder

  1. Charley Hughlett

Kick returner

  1. JoJo Natson
  2. Dontrell Hilliard

Punt returner

  1. Donovan Peoples-Jones
  2. JoJo Natson

Kicker Austin Seibert and Jamie Gillan return for their second seasons in Cleveland after each earning PFWAA All-Rookie honors in 2019. Free agent signee JoJo Natson is a kick return specialist who can also field punts, although the latter role may go to sixth-round pick Donovan Peoples-Jones, who returned two punts for touchdowns in his three seasons at Michigan.

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