Browns

NFL Mock Draft 2013: Browns take Ezekiel Ansah

Are the Browns going to go defensive line in the draft? It seems to be their focus so far.

By Kenneth Arthur@KennethArthuRS Mar 14, 2013, 7:00am CDT

The Cleveland Browns have already been very aggressive on the free agent market, and their target is clear: Get seriously better on the front seven. The Browns have already signed linebacker Paul Kruger, defensive tackle Desmond Bryant, and outside linebacker Quentin Groves. That should start improving a defense that was 23rd in yardage allowed, 25th against the pass and 19th against the run. But despite those additions, have the Browns done enough to improve the pass rush?

Maybe not.

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Jabaal Sheard led Cleveland with just seven sacks a year ago. Bryant had three sacks from the interior with the Raiders, and Kruger had nine with Baltimore. But could they still use more? Perhaps, and with the sixth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, some expect a pass-rush specialist to be taken. One top prospect is Ezekiel Ansah of BYU. Rob Rang projects Ansah to Cleveland in his latest mock draft:

Ansah primarily lined up at defensive end at BYU but possesses unbelievable athleticism for his frame and was moved all over for the Cougars. In a class boasting several intriguing edge rushers, Ansah may possess the most upside and plays with the physicality required for success in the AFC North.

Even with their new additions, Cleveland wants to be aggressive on defense and change the stigma around being a "Brown" in the NFL. Could Ansah by the answer?