Browns NFL draft strategy: Vets with guaranteed salaries could impact draft picks

Mock drafts often focus on talent but following the money can be helpful as well

Figuring out what the Cleveland Browns will do in the 2024 NFL draft is darn near impossible. Not only are the Browns at the whims of all the teams selecting before them at pick #54 but GM Andrew Berry doesn’t have an immediate need that jumps off the page.

Not only has that led to mock drafts with names all over the place (including Jack’s final version Monday morning) but it has also led to a wide variety of prospect profiles (including RB Jaylen Wright on Monday).

Cleveland could make a move up or down depending on how the board plays out.

Another factor that must be evaluated is contracts. While fans focus on salary cap space, cash spending and positional rankings are vital as well.

When it comes to the NFL draft, Berry is not only looking at talent but space on his roster. Defensive tackle, for example, has Dalvin Tomlinson, Maurice Hurst II, Shelby Harris and Quinton Jefferson, all signed or re-signed in free agency the last two years, and Siaki Ika, the team’s third-round pick in 2023. Would the Browns spend one of their early picks at the position and carry six defensive tackles into the season?

Much depends on which players have guaranteed salaries. Barring something unusual, a guaranteed salary of more than a certain amount all but guarantees a player a roster spot for that season.

According to Over the Cap, Cleveland has 26 players with at least $500,000 in guaranteed salary this season. Four others have money coming their way but less than $500,000. On top of that, starters Amari Cooper, Ethan Pocic, Dustin Hopkins, Elijah Moore, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Martin Emerson, Charley Hughlett and Dawand Jones have zero guaranteed salary but are not going anywhere.

A look at those with guaranteed salary broken down by position:

• Quarterback: Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston, Tyler Huntley ($302K)
• Running back: Nick Chubb, D’Onta Foreman (167K), Nyheim Hines
• Wide receiver: Jerry Jeudy
• Tight end: David Njoku, Jordan Akins ($255K)
• Offensive line: Jedrick Wills, Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin, Michael Dunn
• Defensive line: Myles Garrett, Dalvin Tomlinson, Za’Darius Smith, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Shelby Harris, Quinton Jefferson, Maurice Hurst
• Linebackers: Jordan Hicks, Devin Bush ($125K)
• Cornerbacks: Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II, Justin Hardee
• Safeties: Juan Thornhill, Grant Delpit, Rodney McLeod
• Punter: Corey Bojorquez

A simple look shows us that the defensive line is quite full with players with guaranteed salaries. Three defensive ends and four defensive tackles, seven of the 30 total players, are from that unit. On top of those seven, Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuire and Ika were recently drafted in the third or fourth round by this front office.

While it doesn’t mean the Browns won’t select someone on the defensive line early (second or third round), there would likely be a cost of moving on from a player they’ve recently signed or drafted, many of which have guaranteed salaries.

Do you think who they’ve guaranteed money to or drafted recently should impact who the Browns select in the second or third round?

Join your fellow Browns fans in the conversation in the comment section below