While the Brown did sign Devin Bush and Jordan Hicks, they could use more depth at the linebacker spot. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is a rising star, but the rest of Cleveland’s linebacking corps was underwhelming in 2023.

The Browns ranked just 19th in yards per carry allowed, often because they gave up big plays in the second level.

Clemson’s Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is one of the top linebacker prospects in this year’s class, and he has the tools to become a long-term building block alongside Owusu-Koramoah.

“The Clemson product can lay the wood on ball-carriers when coming downhill,” Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. “And while he did struggle with missed tackles at the beginning of this season, he improved down the stretch.”

Trotter is also an adept pass defender and a capable blitzer, which would make him valuable in a division that features Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson and now Russell Wilson at quarterback. Owusu-Koramoah has become a defender who can do it all, and Trotter has the potential to be a very similar player.

Of course, there’s no guarantee that Trotter will still be available late in Round 2. However, early runs at positions like quarterback, wide receiver and offensive tackle could push him into Cleveland’s range.