New Browns general manager Andrew Berry turned to the defense in the second round of the NFL draft, selecting Louisiana State University safety Grant Delpit 44th overall on Friday night.
Berry filled a glaring need at free safety for new defensive coordinator Joe Woods a day after picking Alabama offensive lineman Jedrick Wills in the first round (10th overall) to patch what had been a huge hole at left tackle.
The Browns entered the second night of the draft with the ninth pick of the second round (No. 41). But instead of picking there, Berry traded down three spots and got a fifth-round choice (No. 160) in return from the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts selected Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor at No. 41.
Delpit was a three-year starter at LSU who last year became a consensus All-American selection and won the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given annually to the nation’s top defensive back.
The third and final day of the draft will begin at noon Saturday. The Browns have three picks left — fourth round (No. 115), fifth (No. 160), sixth (No. 187) and seventh (No. 244).
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