Browns Sign DT Maurice Hurst

Posted By: MemphisBrownie Browns Sign DT Maurice Hurst - 03/16/23 02:26 AM

Meh

I feel like his name has come up in past seasons, so he's been on Berry's radar. Missed last season with a torn bicep it looks like. Wonder what the money looks like.

don't know the guy... sounds like dept.... but would love to hear for someone who knows him....

https://www.si.com/nfl/browns/news/browns-to-sign-maurice-hurst

Cleveland Browns are bringing in an interesting defensive tackle in Maurice Hurst Jr. Per a report, the Browns are signing Hurst to a one-year deal.

Hurst spent last season on the injured reserve with the San Francisco 49ers after a torn biceps happened. The prior year, Hurst was able to play in just two games due to a calf issue.

A fifth-round pick out of Michigan in the 2018 NFL Draft, Hurst spent his first three seasons in the league with the Raiders organization.

Over the course of five seasons, Hurst has appeared in 42 games with 17 starts. To his credit, he has 78 tackles and eight sacks.

Cleveland won't be a place that Hurst is going to start unless he shocks some people. It looks like the Browns are bringing Hurst in on a very cheap deal, hoping to strike a diamond in the rough following bad injury luck.

I thought he was considered to be a late 1st or 2nd rd guy and then he had a medical evaluation or maybe a heart issue that pushed him down the draft board. Well, I certainly hope those issues are resolved and we get a hungry guy that can wreak havoc.

Bleacher Report Draft Scouting Report Link

Quote

POSITIVES

—Amazing effort and recognition skills and plays with a nonstop motor.

—Plays very well against the run with pursuit skills and speed.

—Coaches raved about his character and work ethic.

—Fast hands and knows how to use them to set up blockers or shed offensive linemen.

—Can anchor better than expected for his size (6'2", 282 lbs).

—Well-rounded defensive lineman with power, quickness and leverage.

NEGATIVES

—Was held out of the combine after doctors discovered a heart issue, though he was later cleared to participate at the Michigan pro day.

—Scheme-limited and is only a fit in a 4-3 scheme.

Can have a hard time getting free from longer, powerful blockers, like in the Ohio State game.

—Maxed-out frame.

OVERALL

Maurice Hurst is a high-motor, high-character defensive lineman, but teams will have to do their due diligence regarding the heart condition that became public at the combine. He's a great fit as a one-gap penetrator in an aggressive, attacking 4-3 scheme.

GRADE: 6.99 (Round 2)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Larry Ogunjobi, Cleveland Browns

I think the bolded part is a big selling point. Motor, character, and work ethic are always good to have in a room. Plus, I'm guessing Schwartz plans on using him as that one gap penetrator he projected as.

Originally Posted by Bull_Dawg

I feel like his name has come up in past seasons, so he's been on Berry's radar. Missed last season with a torn bicep it looks like. Wonder what the money looks like.

The Veteran minimum most likely. Plus a sighing bonus.

Seems like a Malik McDowell type signing. I assume a cheap deal. Aiming for high ceiling, low risk. I have no problem with a cheap flyer. Will likely not recall his name after today.

A rotation player to keep a fresh body in there.

There is upside if he can stay healthy. He has skills. He has had injuries.

If he is better than Togiai and Elliott all is well.

We are ok at DT and Edge now.

Got a safety. Now we are down receiver.

Originally Posted by DaveyD

Meh

Not meant to be much more unless he surprises. Just a veteran piece to rotate in and out as needed.

He has to be better than Tommy Togiai. If he only gets blown off the ball two yards, we are about 5 yards better off.

Originally Posted by Milk Man

Seems like a Malik McDowell type signing. I assume a cheap deal. Aiming for high ceiling, low risk. I have no problem with a cheap flyer. Will likely not recall his name after today.

Thought of McDowell as well. No high expectations with this signing. Just a rotational guy if he makes the team.

I can't remember watching him play. Thanks to Bull for the scouting report.

Originally Posted by Ballpeen

Originally Posted by DaveyD

Meh

Not meant to be much more unless he surprises. Just a veteran piece to rotate in and out as needed.

He has to be better than Tommy Togiai. If he only gets blown off the ball two yards, we are about 5 yards better off.

This.

McDowell without the psych issues. Still wouldn't mind taking Mazi in the second if he's there...

Originally Posted by PETE314

Still wouldn't mind taking Mazi in the second if he's there...

I can't imagine that this signing would impact our draft at all.

Originally Posted by Ballpeen

Originally Posted by DaveyD

Meh

Not meant to be much more unless he surprises. Just a veteran piece to rotate in and out as needed.

He has to be better than Tommy Togiai. If he only gets blown off the ball two yards, we are about 5 yards better off.

Agreed. Really ANYONE had to be better than Togiai. I believe he was always at the very bottom of the PFF grades