Three players the pick-strapped Browns should target with their first selection

The Cleveland Browns aren't scheduled to make their first selection in the 2024 NFL Draft until pick No. 54 in the second round and that's unlikely to change given that they have just five total picks.

With that in mind, here are three players the Browns should target in the second round on Day 2.

Defensive tackle Braden Fiske, Florida State

This would be the Browns' ideal first pick with aging veterans Dalvin Tomlinson and Shelby Harris on the defensive line. It's very possible Fiske is long gone by the time Cleveland's on the clock as he ranks as the third-best interior defender and No. 38 overall prospect on Pro Football Focus' big board.

However, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper clearly thinks there's a chance he could fall, landing Fiske with the Browns at pick No. 54 in his latest mock draft.

The 24-year-old has racked up 101 tackles, 12 sacks and two forced fumbles over the past two years while splitting time with two different schools (FSU and WMU).

Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M

Cleveland lost linebackers Anthony Walker Jr. (Miami Dolphins) and Sione Takitaki (New England Patriots) in free agency. The team responded by signing linebackers Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush, but neither are the future of the position.

Cooper could turn out to be exactly that following a dominant 2023 season in which he posted 83 tackles, eight sacks and two forced fumbles. The 22-year-old ranks as the second-best linebacker and No. 62 overall prospect on PFF's big board, putting him right in the range of the Browns' first pick.

Running back Jonathon Brooks, Texas

This one might be a little far-fetched after Cleveland gave running back Nick Chubb some security with a reworked deal for 2024. However, the team still doesn't know what version of Chubb it's getting back following yet another serious knee injury and it remains unknown when he'll return to the field.

That's why it wouldn't be a bad idea for the Browns to add a little extra insurance with this draft class's top running back prospect. The 20-year-old led the Texas backfield this past season, rushing for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Worst-case scenario, Cleveland has Chubb's eventual replacement. Best-case scenario, the team creates a dominant running back duo.