Wasn't sure how to title this thread, but I thought we could highlight some of the guys who have been mocked to the Browns and look at their player profiles. I'll start with Felix Anudike-Uzomah.

It's best to check out the link on this one because there are videos, but here is the text.




Browns Film Room: Felix Anudike-Uzomah a perfect fit in the 2023 NFL Draft

Jacob Roach
February 20, 2023 8:14 am ET


The 2023 NFL draft process marches on as the combine is set to start in Indianapolis at the end of the month. Draft boards will continue to change over time as the team needs change with free agency in March. The Cleveland Browns need to add talent on the defensive line and Felix Anudike-Uzomah from Kansas State would be a great fit for the team.

The tape is fun with Anudike-Uzomah as you see a player that can be effective in both the passing game and the running game. Let’s take a look at some of the film and numbers from Anudike-Uzomah with Kansas State.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah by the numbers

Felix Anudike-Uzomah is a two-year starter with the Wildcats checking in at 6-foot-3 and 252 pounds who made 16 starts in the last two seasons. A productive player with K-State who tallied 8.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss this season. In his sophomore season in 2021, he had 11 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss.

He possesses good size and strength to go along with some nice bend and athleticism off the line of scrimmage. In his sophomore season, he forced six fumbles while tallying two more forced fumbles this past season.


Impressive strength and an elite motor

The most impressive aspect of Anudike-Uzomah’s tape is his motor that never quits on a play unless the whistle blows. He has a nasty bull rush to go with a plethora of pass-rush moves that make him such an effective rusher. His play strength jumps off the tape and when mixed with his motor if the defensive backs hold their coverage he will get home and make a big play.

Mix that with great hand usage to go with a swim move and a spin move that is just fun to watch. He is a relentless rusher that will never give up on a play and makes the kind of effort plays that coaches love to see.

Video Player

00:00
01:01



Sets the edge and makes an impact in the run game

Anudkie-Uzomah is a better run defender than a pass rusher because of his strength and hand usage. He fights through blocks at an impressive rate and isn’t easily moved around by opposing offensive lines. A disciplined run defender that doesn’t give up his assignment or the edge and then fights to make a play.

His situational awareness to locate the ball carrier after spinning away from a blocker is something to see. He is always aware of where the ball carrier is and sniffs the play out a lot. He isn’t a perfect run defender but would be an instant upgrade for the Browns.

Video Player

00:00
01:37



Causes for Concern and Weaknesses

The biggest concern I have is his limited versatility, he isn’t completely useless if you put him inside but he loses his effectiveness. In the NFL he needs to play as an edge rusher over the tackle pretty much exclusively. You lose some of his best aspects on the inside but he is more than effective enough to just play outside.

Some scouts are concerned with his experience level having less than 30 starts played in college. However, he has shown enough growth and good tape to think he will continue to improve overall.

https://brownswire.usatoday.com/lis...medium=trueanthem&utm_source=twitter

Finding Browns Fits in the 2023 NFL Draft: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE Kansas State
The Cleveland Browns need all the pass rush help they can get and Kansas State defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah could be one of the best in this year's class.

PETE SMITHJAN 20, 2023 7:29 AM EST


CLEVELAND BROWNS
With the season over and Jim Schwartz hired as defensive coordinator, the Cleveland Browns can put their attention into fixing their defense. Most of that will be focused on a defensive line that needs three new starters and would benefit from additional depth. Given the sheer amount of talent in the 2023 NFL Draft, it would be surprising if the Browns didn't partake, potentially as early as their first pick.


The switch to Schwartz may have a small impact on the types of defensive linemen the Browns want. It may broaden their horizons when it comes to the type of defensive ends they will consider. Schwartz has had plenty of success with bigger ends, but specifically with pass rushers, it could open the door for anyone as long as they can get to the passer and fit within the guardrails the Browns have established for the players they want to draft.


Namely, the Browns have no reason to change their approach to prospect age, preferences for arm length and athletic profiles.

The Browns are coming off a season in which they had 34 sacks as a team. 16 of those belong to Myles Garrett. The need is apparent. The track record of Schwartz combined with a loaded draft class incentivize the Browns to draft both an edge rusher and defensive tackle in addition to the starters they add through free agency or trades.


One talented option that could be a great fit for what the Browns want in an edge rusher with Schwartz could be Felix Anudike-Uzomah, a defensive end out of Kansas State.

Listed Measurables
Height: 6'5"

Weight: 255 lbs

Anudike has a broad build with a low center of gravity. His listed height seems generous, but the weight does look legitimate. He's dense. Anudike is explosive off the ball, reaches his top speed quickly, though it wouldn't be a huge surprise if his top end speed doesn't set the world on fire.

Anudike is a natural bender, plays with good pad level and possesses the functional strength to cause problems for opponents he can beat with leverage. He's not a power rusher per se, but he has won with power and will use it to put the opponent off balance. His agility is noteworthy along with his ankle flexibility. He doesn't possess the hip flexibility to bend the edge but he's going to change direction effectively from the waist down and use his arms as levers to turn the corner.


Anudike has long arms and he's only going to be 21 at the time of the NFL Draft.

Production

2022: 31 solo tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one pass deflection in 14 games

2021: 37 solo tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, six forced fumbles in 13 games

Anudike has been one of the most productive pass rushers in the nation the past two seasons. His solo tackles weren't ideal this past season, but his sophomore season was excellent on that front.

Part of this comes down to the fact Anudike is a high effort player that is active in pursuit. He is relentless getting after the quarterback, but will chase down running backs or short passes. The fact that he's been as productive as he has while operating predominately out of an odd front is also noteworthy.

He's accustomed to facing help, often in the form of a second lineman. He can attack the tackle and have to account for a guard who's trying to establish a double team. That has forced him to understand how to get skinny to split the double team, isolate a single blocker, run the arc to avoid the second block and develop counter moves.

Anudike can attack up the field, slash inside, bull rush, swim, rip and flashes a spin move that has been good for when he's behind the quarterback and needs to work back to the line of scrimmage in pursuit. His violence with his arms stands out and he's able to keep opponents out of his chest. There are times when he will get stuck on single blocks or double teams, but he's often able to find a way to separate and keep himself viable.


His ability to play with low pad level and chase down the line has allowed him to chase down slow developing runs or take away cut back lanes.

On top of making plays behind the line of scrimmage, Anudike forced eight fumbles in 27 games, which is a credit to how he attacks the ball while tackling ball carriers, especially quarterbacks.

Why the Browns Could Like Him

Anudike is an impact pass rusher with upside. He's a player that could come in and contribute as a designated pass rusher as a rookie. That might be all he does as a rookie, which would be valuable.


The Browns are going to be in search of a starting caliber defensive end in free agency or through trade to play across from Myles Garrett. They will also have Alex Wright and Isaiah Thomas that will be in their second seasons. Wright, to this point, has been largely a run player, but offers the ability to kick inside to rush the passer. If Anudike is effective as a rookie and is DE3 or even DE4, the Browns would be in a great spot.

If the Browns get a lead or they are able to put the opponent in obvious passing situations, they can put a fresh Anudike on the field entirely focused on getting to the quarterback. If the Browns defense works as intended under Schwartz, that is the best case scenario. 25 to 30 snaps per game going full bore.

With more time and development, Anudike can become a full service player. He has shown he's capable, but just needs to acclimate to the rigors of the NFL. If he overachieves as a rookie, all the better.

The Bottom Line

Felix Anudike-Uzomah has put together one of the best pass rushing resumes in this year's draft class and has many of the qualities the Cleveland Browns seek in defensive end prospects. If they want to target a pass rusher early, it's difficult to imagine Anudike won't be on their short list.

https://www.si.com/nfl/browns/browns-maven-features/browns-draft-fits-felix-anudike-uzomah

Watched his highlight tape.

Very explosive edge rusher. Quick and powerful. Highlight tape is what it is; so you see his top plays.

I need to watch more of his game tape against top guys. The tape didn't show him set the edge or loop inside to play the run.

But he looks the part rushing the passer. Young guy who will get bigger.

Very interesting prospect.

Tyler Scott is another guy who has been linked to the Browns. I believe Milk brought him up first. I put this article in the PFF forum. I'll add it here.


Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati | NFL Draft Scouting Report

Cincinnati WR Tyler Scott is a sleeper in the 2023 NFL Draft, but as an expected NFL Combine standout, it's only a matter of time before he's a household name.

Ian Cummings
February 18, 2023

Cincinnati WR Tyler Scott doesn’t always get the buzz you’d expect from an early declare, but he has the 2023 NFL Draft scouting report to go off the board early this April. Here’s more on Scott, what’s led him to this point, and what his film does for his projection.

Tyler Scott NFL Draft Profile
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Cincinnati
Current Year: Junior
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 185 pounds
Length: TBD
Wingspan: TBD
Hand: TBD

Numbers have been, and will continue to be, fairly kind to Scott. They were in high school, when the three-star athlete recruit ran for 44 touchdowns across his final two seasons and added three more scores as a kick returner.

They were kind in 2021, when Scott broke out with 520 yards and five touchdowns on 30 catches. And they were kind in 2022, when Scott upped the ante and went for 899 yards and nine touchdowns on 54 receptions, averaging 16.6 yards per catch.


Even with the production in mind, Scott’s unconfirmed numbers are even more impressive. He’s reportedly clocked a 4.29 40-yard dash, and there’s a definite speed element to his game that’s confirmed by the tape.

Scott is dynamic and versatile, and he did his best work after a notable QB change for the Cincinnati Bearcats. On the surface, his profile brings plenty to like. Taking a deep dive into the tape, let’s see what else he brings to the table.


Tyler Scott Scouting Report

Strengths

Explosive athlete who carries sudden burst out of cuts and can stretch seams downfield.
Incredibly twitchy run-after-catch threat with impressive energy and foot speed.
Has the short-area agility and body control to stop on a dime and swivel free from DBs.
Has a unique brand of long-strider speed for his size, which he uses to attack space.
Tracks the ball in the air with predator-like precision and effortlessly adjusts.
Can extend beyond his frame, rise vertically, and snare high passes with authority.
Has elite hand-eye coordination and precise timing when extending for passes.
Hands are very reliable and naturally flow to the ball, even in contested situations.
Has shown he can press into stems and use stride variations to offset DBs.
Able to use his speed to manipulate blind spots and create space on quick outs.

Areas for Improvement

Has a noticeably lean frame with an average catch radius.
Has excellent long speed, but isn’t always the breakaway threat that’s advertised.
Doesn’t quite have elite deceleration ability and sink on comeback routes.
Sometimes veers around as he’s decelerating and can be sharper at stems.
At times, can better accelerate and press into stems, to bait DBs upfield.
Can be easily interrupted and swayed by physicality out of releases.
Expectedly struggles to sustain blocks in the run game with slight frame.
Hand strength and composure decrease over the middle of the field.
Speed gave him free releases often in college, minimizing press experience.

Cincinnati WR Tyler Scott’s Current Draft Projection
Scott’s grade lands him in the top 75 on my board and places him as one of the top 12 wide receiver prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. One of the more under-the-radar early declares this cycle, Scott should emerge as the process unfolds and ultimately take home Day 2 capital.

Scott fits the modern mold of the NFL wide receiver with his athletic tools. At 5’11”, 185 pounds, he’s an elite accelerator with devastating twitch and suddenness in small areas. The twitchiest receivers make it look easy and effortless to offset DBs and accelerate out of cuts, and that’s what Scott does.


On top of his burst and agility, Scott also has high-level catching instincts. He’s one of the best receivers — not just smaller receivers — in the class at tracking the ball, coordinating, rising vertically, and timing his hands to secure passes. Even against tight coverage, he can maintain composure. That, along with his track speed, makes him a truly dangerous downfield threat.



Scott falls within a similar category of WR to fellow prospects like Josh Downs, Zay Flowers, and Jordan Addison. What keeps him from rising to their level on the board? Most notably, Scott isn’t quite as refined or consistent when it comes to maximizing his tools as a route runner. He can also be fazed by contact, both out of stems and over the middle of the field.

All that aside, Scott has one of the best combinations of dynamic athleticism and natural catching ability in the class, and that’s a mixture that should grant him early and frequent success in a space-dominated NFL, if utilized correctly.

Scott may need to acclimate early on, as his struggles with physicality could be magnified without elite efficiency as a separator or expansive press experience. But there’s no replacement for speed. Scott has that speed, both in the deep third and as a short-area mover. That, combined with his ability to rise vertically and snare passes, gives him impact starter upside and versatility early on.


https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tyler-scott-wr-cincinnati-nfl-draft-scouting-report-2023/

Here is what PFF said about him in an article entitled Biggest sleepers in the 2023 NFL Draft class where they talk about several guys.

I didn't watch any Kansas State games, but I liked the profiles on him, especially the high motor parts.

Maybe you can post your info on Antonio Johnson on this thread?

From Dane Brugler's Mock Draft 2.0

42. Cleveland Browns: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan

Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan (6-3, 335)

The No. 1 player on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List, Mazi Smith has a rare combination of power and athletic traits. He probably will never be a lineman who fills up the stat sheet, but he is an immovable object in the run game and has the heavy hands and upper-body strength to toss massive guards.

From Bruce Feldman's Freak List:

1. Mazi Smith, Michigan, defensive tackle

His former teammate, Aidan Hutchinson, almost was our top guy in 2021, but this year a Wolverine is the No. 1 Freak in college football. The 6-foot-3, 337-pound senior has rare power and agility. So rare, in fact, it’s hard to find the right superlative to begin with. But let’s start with this: Smith does 22 reps on the bench press, but that’s with 325 (not 225). He close-grip benched 550 pounds. He vertical-jumps 33 inches. He broad-jumped 9-4 1/2. Smith, who had 37 tackles last season, has clocked a 4.41 shuttle time, which would’ve tied the best by any defensive tackle at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, and it would’ve been better than any defensive tackle weighing 310 pounds or more in the past decade. His 6.95 3-cone time would’ve been by far the fastest among defensive tackles in Indianapolis. The fastest was 7.33. Smith’s 60-yard shuttle time is 11.90.

The Wolverines do a reactive plyo stairs test, which is a series of seven 26-inch high stairs that players attempt to jump up as fast as possible. The team record is 2.21 seconds. Smith did it in 2.82. To better gauge just how impressive that is, Hutchinson, some 60 pounds lighter than Smith, did it in 2.57.

Even more remarkable: The Wolverines also do a workout on their combo-twist machine, which is designed to show a player’s ability to rotate an opponent but also their ability to resist being rotated in the trenches. Smith had the machine completely tapped out. There was only enough room for 300 pounds on each side of the machine for a 600-pound max.

“For Mazi, it wasn’t even challenging,” says one of the Wolverine strength coaches. A staffer called the manufacturer to see if there was a way to extend it, then ultimately contacted a private company to build custom extenders for the combo-twist, which made it capable of loading up to 800 pounds to accommodate Smith.

“Mazi’s rotational strength is ridiculous,” said longtime Michigan strength coach Ben Herbert, who said Smith is the strongest defensive lineman he’s seen in 25 years in the business. “He is an incredible combination of rare traits packaged into one player. He is just ridiculously strong and powerful.”

Dane Brugler really likes Tyler Scott.

He likes him over Hyatt.

I have to check him out.

Here is a list of Mazi's strengths and weaknesses from a pretty cool site that seems to align w/many other opinions of him. I'll also post the link so people can see all the cool stuff this site offers.


SCOUTING REPORT: STRENGTHS

A compactly built, high-motor lineman, Smith brings a nice blend of power and quickness. Smith shows impressive get-off, often exploding off the line and getting into gaps before blockers can react.

Crazy athletic skills -- Made Bruce Feldman's 'Freaks List' at number 1. He wrote: "The 6-foot-3, 337-pound senior has rare power and agility. Smith does 22 reps on the bench press, but that’s with 325 (not 225). He close-grip benched 550 pounds. He vertical-jumps 33 inches. He broad-jumped 9-4 1/2. Smith, who had 37 tackles last season, has clocked a 4.41 shuttle time, which would’ve tied the best by any defensive tackle at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, and it would’ve been better than any defensive tackle weighing 310 pounds or more in the past decade. His 6.95 3-cone time would’ve been by far the fastest among defensive tackles in Indianapolis. The fastest was 7.33. Smith’s 60-yard shuttle time is 11.90."

Provides some secondary interior pass rush, getting most penetration when playing three-technique.

He has the strong core and powerful hands to shed blockers, and he shows excellent instincts with the ability to quickly locate the ball.

Can make the impressive chest-to-chest bear hug tackle in the hole due to his ability to wreak havoc in the backfield.

Amazing weight-room strength, which translates onto the field in terms of his anchor.

Smith plays with leverage and brings good power, especially in his lower body, consistently holding up against double teams in the run game.

SCOUTING REPORT: WEAKNESSES

He’s a bit stiff, as Smith lacks the flexibility to truly threaten the edge.

Smith frequently fails to locate the ball in the run game, too often taking himself out of plays.

Despite having impressive speed Smith lacks the elite suddenness as a mover you look for, and doesn't do enough in the pass rush when working one-on-one.


https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Mazi-Smith-DL-Michigan

I'm partial to HUGE guy, Ika, 350 lbs........JMHO, it seems our brains and scouts aren't as good as our division rivals. CBS Sports rated draft classes of 22 and we came in LAST. Looking at what Chiefs got out of their picks and what we got----we ain't close. Go Browns!!!

I certainly like the layout of that site. Very informative and easy to navigate. Thanks for the hook up.

Just throwing some names out there that I've seen either mocked to us or mocked as going near our 2nd rnd pick:

WR

Josh Downs - North Carolina - very good at getting open, slot WR as he isn't all that big 5'10 175.
Nate Dell - Houston - has excellent start/stop ability, hits top speed quickly, very good change of direction, slot WR as he is small 5'10 165

DT

Keeanu Benton - Wisconsin - High motor guy - very good at shedding blocks - does get upright to much.

S

Sydney Brown - Illinois - smooth and explosive in the open field - played mostly in the box this year but has played some as the deep safety and projects there in the NFL.


The descriptions are from what PFF had to say about the players.

I saw Siaki Ika mocked to the Browns on a CBS mock draft. He seemed like a very interesting possibility at an obvious position of need.

Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor | NFL Draft Scouting Report

Defensive tackles come in all shapes and sizes, but none in the 2023 NFL Draft are quite the same as Baylor Bears nose tackle Siaki Ika. There’s no mistaking the redshirt junior’s gargantuan frame, and at the same time, there’s no escaping it either. It’s easy to think of the Baylor DT as simply a big man clogging rushing lanes. However, as his scouting report reveals, Ika is more than just a giant roadblock at the heart of the defensive front.
Siaki Ika NFL draft profile

Ika was born with NFL-ready size. While that might not be strictly true, he was a man amongst boys at the high school level, measuring in at 6’3″, and just shy of 300 pounds even early in his time at East High School. A Salt Lake City native, Ika was a long-time commit of BYU. However, a breakout season where he earned All-USA Utah Defensive Player of the Year honors saw him attract significant Power Five attention.

As a result, Ika committed to LSU in December 2018 and was a rotational piece on the Tigers’ 2019 national title winning team. He tallied 17 tackles with 1.5 for loss as a true freshman and was expected to elevate himself further in 2020. Unfortunately for Ika, a change of defensive scheme limited his opportunities and impact, and he entered the transfer portal having played just four games in his sophomore season.

LSU’s loss was Baylor’s gain, and the mammoth DT made a significant impact for the Bears’ Big 12 Championship-winning team. Tallying 24 total tackles, Ika was a menace in the backfield with six tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Showcasing a penchant for the big occasion, 2.5 of the tackles for loss came as Baylor defeated Oklahoma State in the title game. Ika was named Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year and earned second-team all-conference honors.

Although attracting attention in the previous cycle, Ika opted to return to Baylor for the 2022 college football season. In doing so, he put himself at the forefront of the 2023 NFL Draft interior defensive line class.

Position: Defensive Tackle

School: Baylor

Current year: Redshirt Junior

Height/weight: 6’4″, 358 pounds

Baylor’s draft classes have had a distinctly defensive feeling in the past three years, and with Ika, there’s a chance that continues in 2023. The positional value of true nose tackles isn’t high within the NFL, which could eventually impact how high Ika is selected.

As such, a first Baylor defensive selection on Day 1 since 2011 might be a stretch. Yet, Ika’s scouting report is enticing, and we’ll start it with the strengths the Baylor DT brings as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect.
Ika’s strengths

Did we mention size at any point in the introduction to Ika’s scouting report? It seems almost blasé, but the Baylor DT’s sheer size is truly a strength. At 6’4″ and 358 pounds, there truly are few prospects that command space in the same way that Ika does. He’s the football equivalent of a dam blocking a river to prevent the village beneath it from being flooded. Trying to run your offense through the gap that he inhabits is simply futile. Remove Ika, and the Baylor defense would be substantially more susceptible to attack.

Like Jordan Davis in the previous cycle, Ika is the very definition of “two on me, somebody’s free.” In the games studied, he was routinely double-teamed due to the threat that his size — combined with other factors we’re about to discuss — presents to an offense. Football is a simple numbers game in some respects, and when one player commands the attention of two of his opponents, the equation is favorable for the team with the 6’4″, 358-pound man-mountain patrolling their side of the trenches.

Ironically, given presumptions associated with players of his size, Ika’s run-game ability isn’t the standout element of his game. Despite that, he does offer some upside against the ground game. Ika flashes a high-level ability to read the run and locate the ball carrier, while consistently being able to lay hands on the rusher regardless of their location. Ika isn’t overzealous in his approach to the ground game, instead remaining patient which helps with his overall effectiveness against the run.

What makes Ika’s scouting report so exciting is the upside he demonstrates in the passing game. Already, he has a blossoming pass-rush toolbox that includes chop and swim moves that he consistently deploys to a high level. The Baylor DT possesses fast, accurate, refined hands that rarely miss and allow him to dominate his opponent. Ika’s able to hit and redeploy with devastating quickness. While he’s not the longest DT in the class, he’s also able to disrupt the passing game by getting his hands up into passing lanes.

Saving the best for last, Ika boasts an impressive athletic profile. Very few players — let alone players of his size — have the explosion in their game that the Baylor DT possesses. Ika rockets out of his stance, regularly being the first defensive lineman into the backfield. This explosion is evident in his ability to penetrate gaps, whether against the run or in the passing game.

In addition to the explosion element of his athletic profile, Ika also boasts quick feet and decent lateral agility. He can redirect and change direction well for his size, and he’s capable of altering his pass-rush attack from the outside shoulder to the inside shoulder in a heartbeat. Meanwhile, Ika demonstrates good body control in these instances to ensure he slithers through gaps with relative ease.

While you don’t ideally want your 6’4″, 358-pound nose tackle to be the one chasing down ball carriers in the open field, Ika is capable of doing so. He isn’t fast in the same way that Georgia’s Davis was last year, but he hustles back to the ball carrier. One play against Oklahoma State last season is a good example of this ability. The Baylor DT also takes good angles to the ball carrier in pursuit.

Wrapping up the strengths of Ika’s 2023 NFL Draft scouting report is, well, strength. The Baylor DT is more than capable of pushing the pocket backward. He showcases excellent lower body strength to walk offensive linemen back into the path of their quarterback. There were multiple reps in the games studied where Ika pushed both elements of the double-team blocks backward, demonstrating some impressive upper body strength too.
Ika’s area of improvement

While Ika boasts an alluring 2023 NFL Draft scouting report, it isn’t without areas for improvement. Meanwhile, there are some elements that might cause pause for an ascension to the very top of the class.

Although Ika has made a habit out of exploding into the backfield and was productive in his first season at DT for Baylor, he could have been even more so. He sometimes fails to finish, both as a pass rusher and run stopper. If he could work to ensure he brings down his man on the first attempt in the ground game or gains an extra split second of speed as a pass rusher, Ika would prove a more dominant threat in both phases.

Even though Ika has demonstrated a strong lower body with impressive body control and flexibility, there were several reps where he was relatively easily corralled to the floor by his opponent. This was less a result of being brutally bullied by power and seemed to be more an issue of balance.

It could also be a pad-level-related issue. Although the Baylor DT has showcased that he can win in the trenches by being the lower man, there are times when he plays high and leaves his chest open to attack. These instances lead to Ika being physically overwhelmed. Furthermore, he doesn’t possess elite length, which can be an issue when longer, powerful, offensive linemen are able to initiate contact.
Current draft projection for Baylor DT Siaki Ika

Given his 6’4″, 358-pound mass, there’s an obvious and natural positional projection for Ika at the next level. He’s the epitome of a true nose tackle who can attract double-teams to allow his teammates to rack up the gaudy statistics while pushing the pocket to create pressure himself. Although Baylor has been known to align him as a 3-tech, he’ll be deployed over the center or as a 1-tech defensive tackle at the NFL level.

Ika has high-level starter potential in the NFL. How does that translate to draft day? At present, the Baylor DT should be viewed as an early Day 2 prospect at the very latest in the 2023 NFL Draft. His alluring combination of size, lower body strength, athletic prowess, and pass-rush upside are enough to mitigate the areas of improvement — especially given some of those are coachable elements. Ika’s an exciting prospect who can make a significant impact on the league early in his career.

https://www.profootballnetwork.com/siaki-ika-dt-baylor-nfl-draft-scouting-report-2023/

This "highlight reel" I found to be broken down very well unlike many. More of a film sudy which I find to be very helpful.

JOSH DOWNS
NORTH CAROLINA
WR

Prospect Info
COLLEGE
North Carolina
HOMETOWN
CLASS
Suwanee, GA
Junior
HEIGHT
5' 10"
WEIGHT
175 lbs

Prospect Grade
6.41
Will Become Good Starter Within Two Years

Player Bio


Analysis
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst

NFL Comparison
Kadarius Toney

Overview
Free-flowing athlete with dynamic footwork and an instinctive feel for how to elude opponents. Downs posted off-the-charts production over the last two seasons as an undersized slot with an oversized will. His confidence jumps off the tape and he has proven himself to be better at catching through contact than you might expect. While his route running is effective and fun to watch, coaches will need him to become more disciplined and efficient in order to maintain the timing of play designs. Downs might not have prototypical size, but he’s well-positioned to keep stacking catches and making plays as a starting NFL slot receiver.

Strengths
-Supremely confident with outstanding production over last two seasons.
-Appears to have both quickness and long speed.
-Tempo changes create unease for man coverage.
-Separation burst gains space through turns/cuts.
-Footwork and change of direction are sudden and sharp.
-Uses athleticism to elude defenders.
-Leaps and adjusts to pick throws off defender’s head.
-Surprising catch toughness for his size.
-Slippery when asked to return punts.

Weaknesses
-Below average build working into the middle.
-Can be slowed by a physical press corner.
-Needs to be more disciplined in route running.
-Will leave routes unfinished at times.
-Struggled with focus drops at times during career.
-Unable to make a difference as a run blocker.


https://www.nfl.com/prospects/josh-downs/3200444f-5768-6145-dd60-3fbae406310a

This is Jake Burns mock from today.

Interesting he has us trading down. He has some tape on Tyler Scott mocking him to us in the third.

https://247sports.com/nfl/cleveland...mock-draft-day-26-205029574/#205029574_4

Mazi Smith is who I am really hoping for but if his combine shows the same measurables as listed I think he will move up to 1st round. He does have a gun possession charge against him that may scare off some teams.

Here's more on Josh Downs from PFF:

Pros:
Footwork king. Build in a lab to demolish an
agility ladder.
High-level understanding of how to get open. Lot
of tricks up his sleeve as a route-runner.
Attacks the football in the air like a man much
bigger. Always thinks the ball is his.

Cons:
Limited catch radius at his size. Makes working
the seams difficult.
Top-end speed is average for a receiver his size.
Makes it hard to see him on the outside in the NFL.
Not the guy you want lead blocking a screen or
crack blocking a linebacker.

Where he wins: Footwork
You don't want to see Downs' feet pattering as he approaches you off the line. He's one of the
best in the class at not telegraphing his breaks before striding away from defenders.

What's his role: Slot
You don't want to see Downs' feet pattering as he approaches you off the line. He's one of the
best in the class at not telegraphing his breaks before striding away from defenders.

Where he can improve: Size
Slot receivers are getting bigger around the NFL because of the run-blocking prowess required.
Downs' lack of size really shows up when defenders are able to get their hands on him.

Receiving grade: 86.5
Receiving grade vs Man: 92.1
Receiving grade vs zone: 73.4
Yards per route run: 2.17
Contested catch rate: 72.2%

I have not seen a guy do things with his feet like Zay Flowers since Eric Metcalf.

This is where I'm at. It's early, but I am really liking Tyler Scott. A lot can change.

The replies on this thread have been great so far. Real football talk that can help us all learn. Thanks for that.

More on Flowers:


ZAY FLOWERS

WR Boston College
Senior
#39
5'10"
172lbs
Prospect
Atlantic Coast
2022 Season
REC

78

YDS

1077

TD

12

YDS/REC

13.808

Prospect Summary
Zay Flowers NFL Draft Scouting Report
WR, Boston College Eagles
Entering Boston College as a three-star recruit, wide receiver Zay Flowers found his way onto the field as a freshman. Flowers’ toughness and competitive drive stem from having 13 siblings and being the fourth youngest in the family. He played football in full pads in his backyard at the age of 4—he loves the game.

Flowers has continued to increase his productivity and impact on BC’s offense. Flowers is having the best year of his college career, posting career highs in receptions, yards, touchdowns, and yards after the catch in 2022. He provides inside and outside versatility. Flowers has improved his ability to track the football while it’s in the air. Despite his smaller frame, he is far more competitive at the catch point this season. He has reeled in 50% contested catch targets this season. Flowers does an outstanding job attacking the defender’s leverage with his route speed and tempo. Once the ball is in his hands, he is an explosive and dynamic threat to generate big plays.

While his athleticism is promising, Flowers does not present a big frame or catch radius. This will limit the opportunities a quarterback will trust him with in regard to targets. Flowers must improve his drops to prove his reliability to an NFL coaching staff. He has been charged with 24 drops over his career at BC with an 11% drop rate. As we have seen, no matter how talented a wide receiver is, dropping passes will not be tolerated. Flowers faces a high amount of off-coverage and free releases. This leaves a lot to be imagined regarding his release package. The question that will be asked is, will his size force him into a slot-only role in the NFL?

Projecting to the next level, Flowers’ lack of height and weight are a concern. As a result, some teams may view him as a slot-only receiver. His overall skill set and package are enticing. Flowers’ versatility will make it easier for coordinators to dial his number and get the football in his hands. The plan a team has for him in year one should revolve around pre-snap motion, manufactured touches in space, and quick-hitting routes with run-after-catch opportunities. After a few seasons in the league, Flowers could develop into an impactful and dynamic chain-mover for his offense.

Top Reasons to Buy In:

An electric player in space
Three-level receiving threat
Dynamic run-after-catch option


Top Reasons For Concern:

Lack of mass and height
Inconsistent hands (catching)
Functional strength as a run blocker
Size (TBD):

Height: 5110

Weight: 172 lbs



Ideal Role: Movement Z-receiver, aligns outside, in stacks/bunch set, and the slot

Scheme Fit: Spread concepts with ample 11-personnel packages and pre-snap motion

Prospect Comparison: Tyler Lockett

TDN Consensus Grade: 80.00/100 (Second-Round Value)

Parson Grade: 80.00/100
Written By: Damian Parson

Exposures: Clemson (2022), NC State (2022), Rutgers (2022), Louisville (2022)

https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/zay-flowers-08a9c924-f9a2-4288-a242-e45d3d13c103/

The inconsistent hands rap while being a smaller guy concerns me.

Here is some info on Marvin Mims.

Strengths

His competitiveness and knack for high-pointing the ball allow him to play bigger than his size

He’s excellent downfield, accelerating to top speed quickly and stacking on top of cornerbacks. He has excellent body control, contorting to make difficult catches and working well on back-shoulder throws

Has experience as a punt returner – will likely be used in that capacity as he develops in the pros

Good hands who goes up and attacks the ball to bring it in in contested catch situations

Weaknesses

Mims is small at 5-11 and just a little over 180lbs and as a result will be outmuscled by bigger DBs. He will likely be limited to slot player

He’ll have to develop a better feel for sitting down against zone coverage

While he has good speed – it isn’t elite and may reduce his chance of being selected high


Marvin Mims Jr. in Mock Drafts

According to NFL Mock Draft Database, Mims Jr. is projected as a third-round pick. His limited use in the NFL pushes him outside of the first couple rounds. He has some nice upside but teams are unlikely to use top picks on him. Mims Jr. has not shown up in any recent mock drafts. Before the season, Mims Jr. was projected as a first-round pick but has fallen out of favor with many scouts.


https://wisportsheroics.com/player/marvin-mims-jr-2023-nfl-draft/

Keep them coming Vers, this is the kind of stuff I like. I don't get to see many college games, and it is nice to get some good info on draft prospects.

I like Marvin Mims and mentioned his in an earlier thread. Seems like there could be some real value when the Browns are picking in the second or third round.

I'd be thrilled to land Scott, Mims, Downs or Flowers. I think Scott, Mims and Flowers provide more of a deep threat. It'll be interesting to see what Berry does with WR position. The Browns would essentially putting Bell on the backburner (which I am fine with) as the Browns desperately need more of a weapon capable of breaking one on the field. Need to get more athletic.

I also would be pleased with a guy like Mazi Smith or Calijah Kancey (he could likely be gone before Browns pick in the 2nd) on the interior DL and hope to land a WR in the 3rd. Possibly trade Newsome or Emerson to get back into the second?

Normally I prefer receivers who are on the big side. Guys who are what I call contact receivers.

Great ball skills who win 50/50 balls. When the ball is in the air; they get it. They beat tight coverage.

But then once in awhile you see guys who create space. Shifty guys who can fake you out of your shoes and are close to impossible to tackle in space.

That is this guy Zay Flowers. I doubt he gets to the second round..

The following is part of a larger article from the Browns Wire. Another DT to consider. There are a couple of short videos and FA predictions if you want to click on the link.


Bio for Keeanu Benton and his career at Wisconsin

Browns Film Room: Why Keeanu Benton is dominating the Senior Bowl
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Keeanu Benton is a Senior checking in at 6-foot-4 weighing in at 317 pounds playing primarily as a nose tackle in college. He started all 12 games this season and in 2021 after playing in 15 games total his first two seasons. The production took a step forward this year finishing with 10 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

Most of what Benton does on tape doesn’t show up on tape as he anchors the line and doesn’t allow much ground in the run game. For the past two seasons, Benton had two pass breakups and does an excellent job to disrupt passing lanes with his arms.


Benton absorbs blocks and clogs the rushing lanes
Browns Film Room: Why Keeanu Benton is dominating the Senior Bowl

Wisconsin nose tackle Keeanu Benton (95) recovers a fumble by Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras during the second quarter of their game on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at Camp

One of the reasons the Browns’ linebackers struggled last season was that the defensive tackles could not keep them clean. Guys were constantly driven back or able to climb to the second level and block the linebackers. Benton excels at clogging the lane while eating double teams to keep athletic linebackers clean to make plays.

Plays like this do not show up in the stat column at the end of the day and it’s put as the dirty work. As you can see in this clip Benton takes on double teams not giving up much ground so his teammates can make the plays.

Benton often lines up over the center as a nose and wears number 95.

Video Player

00:00
00:26



Plays with great strength and sneaky burst against the run
Browns Film Room: Why Keeanu Benton is dominating the Senior Bowl
Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

It’s not just eating blocks that Benton does well against the run as he makes plenty of plays that show up in the stat column. He is a massive human and plays will great strength to push the line of scrimmage and get to the running backs. If Benton is in a one-on-one in the run game he can overpower a good amount of linemen to make the play with his power.

He has a surprising burst off the line for someone of his size that sometimes surprises offensive linemen as he uses a great swim move to slip past them. Though Benton is by no means a first-round talent his impact on the run game would be immediate in Cleveland.

Video Player

00:00
00:12



Keeanu Benton's weakness


As good as Benton is in the run game he struggles to be consistent as a pass rusher. He lacks a true pass-rush plan and if he isn’t able to overpower with his bull rush he won’t make much of an impact. Though he does possess burst off the line of scrimmage and sneaky good athleticism he isn’t able to use it consistently to win as a rusher.

He needs refinement in his technique because you see some flashes on tape that show he can make the plays. Early in his career in the NFL he likely won’t be a three-down player but in obvious run situations, he would be night and day from what the Browns had this past season.

https://brownswire.usatoday.com/lists/browns-film-room-keeanu-benton-senior-bowl-standout/

Thanks for that ^

Was about to post last night but my eyes were about crossed from reading and watching tape of all the IDL candidates.

After the initial eye test, Benton is my #1.

Ika isn't that far off, I think he does a great job of sticking to blocks (especially double teams) and keeping LBs clean -- something we desperately need. I don't think he's as strong as Benton, nor does he possess the natural leverage; hands aren't as angry either. These dudes 'dinged up' all the time. If I can get someone out of college with good hands, great strength and naturally plays with great leverage, I know I'm ahead of the curve.

Bottom line to this thread is even though we don't have a #1 pick there are good players available to us in the 2nd and 3rd rounds that should be able to help us right away. The later rounds are anyone's guess but hopefully we will be able to find some productive guys there too.

EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah Kansas State ... That's my guy.

Mims is so underrated imo.

Good post. I appreciate the effort of Vers to start this thread and the efforts of others to contribute. I don’t watch a lot if college ball so don’t know the names. Plus we’re not picking in the first round so who knows who we’ll have available?

DL and WR. We have in heavily invest in those two position groups.

Thanks lamp. You are correct that we don't know who will be available, but the players highlighted in this thread have been mocked to us. That means they are projected to be drafted around the time we are on the clock. Not an exact science, but better than just throwing out names.

Here is a guy that bonefish likes. His name is Antonio Johnson, a safety out of Texas A&M. This profile is from PFF. bone has more info on him and he may want to post it on this thread.

j/c...

Zac Jackson's Mock Draft 1.0

Round 2 (No. 42 overall): DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State

Anudike-Uzomah recorded 20.5 sacks in three college seasons, and he has enough natural pass-rush ability to think he can become the Browns’ long-term complement to Myles Garrett. He’s No. 67 on Brugler’s early top-100 list but is starting to pop up near the bottom of the first round in some mock drafts, so the Browns won’t be the only team taking an up-close combine look at Anudike-Uzomah in Indianapolis. Anudike-Uzomah was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 after he recorded 8.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

Round 3 (No. 98): WR Marvin Mims, Oklahoma

Mims has big-play pop. He averaged almost 20 yards per reception and scored 20 touchdowns in three college seasons, and he had enough speed that Oklahoma believed he could also turn jet sweeps and quick screens into big plays. Mims is just 20 years old. He averaged 22 yards per reception in 2021 in the Lincoln Riley offense, then went over 1,000 yards last year.

Round 4 (Vikings’ pick plus their own pick, slots still TBD)

DT Jaquelin Roy, LSU

The Browns have valued pass-rush ability in their defensive tackles. We don’t know exactly what Schwartz wants in his defensive tackles, but we know the Browns will be remaking the group in the coming weeks. Pro Football Focus graded Roy as recording 42 quarterback hurries and 13 quarterback hits over his final two college seasons, and he was one of several intriguing prospects on LSU’s defense last fall.

RB Roschon Johnson, Texas

He didn’t start in college, but that’s because he played behind Bijan Robinson. Some believe Robinson is the draft’s best running back prospect in several years, but Johnson is an interesting prospect in his own right. Texas listed Johnson at 222 pounds, and not long ago he was a decorated quarterback recruit. He’s powerful and still should have his best football ahead of him. Nick Chubb is the Browns’ lead back for probably two more seasons, and in what shapes up as a really good running back class, it’s time for the Browns to invest a third-day pick in a player who can help keep Chubb fresh and keep the offense moving.

Round 5 (Rams’ pick plus their own pick)

DE Habakkuk Baldonado, Pitt

Baldonado he plays a premium position and has shown natural pass-rush ability. Baldonado had 11 sacks over his final two seasons and blocked two kicks in nine games last year. He was a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy, which goes to college football’s top scholar-athlete. For a five-year college player, he still hasn’t played a ton — and he makes for an interesting third-day selection. He took up American football as a high schooler in his native Italy and played just one year of high school football in America.

LB Isaiah Land, Florida A&M

A “traits” prospect who’s around 6-foot-4, 225 pounds and can play a variety of positions. The present and future of the Browns’ linebacker group are wide open, and Land is the kind of player who figures to pop for the Browns as they look for a developmental prospect and someone who could end up contributing in his rookie season in Schwartz’s various defensive packages. Land is likely to create some buzz at the combine with his physical gifts and athletic testing numbers.

Round 6: S Trey Dean, Florida

I actually think the Browns will use a higher pick on a safety unless they acquire one in free agency. There’s little chance John Johnson III will be back at his cap number of more than $12 million; even if Johnson returns at a reduced number, the Browns need depth at safety.

Round 7: TE Zack Kuntz, Old Dominion

Kuntz is an intriguing prospect; he’s listed at 6-foot-8 and had a big season at Old Dominion in 2021 after transferring from Penn State. His senior season was cut short by injury. The Browns want to be more of an open team going forward and get away from their three tight-end sets, but every NFL team is searching for tight end help. Harrison Bryant is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and though David Njoku is in the long-term plans as the No. 1 tight end, 2023 is the last year Njoku’s contract carries big guarantees.

Hard to say if Antonio Johnson is a scheme fit for the Browns defense under Schwartz.

First they have to decide what they want to do with JJ3.

If they decide to move on from him; they may want to go to free agency. Ronnie Harrison was on a one year deal so, that leaves Delpit.

Jesse Bates maybe available for close to the money JJ was at.

I like Antonio Johnson. He just looks like a player to be. I don't what his role would be in Schwartz's scheme.

As things stand today. I have to believe that the Browns will go DL with their first pick.

Mazi Smith and Uzomah both look good fits. Right now I don't have a preference. I will watch both as the draft gets more coverage.

Uzomah looks really impressive. I have not watched Smith.

I'd be happy with Anudike-Uzomah and Mims w/our first two picks. I don't know anything about the other guys on Zac's list although I know there has a bit of a buzz around Kuntz.

I do not see the Browns using their second on a receiver.

I see them signing a vet on a short deal.

They could draft a receiver in later rounds.

I think they have to go DL with that first pick.

Perhaps, but it's obvious that this year's FA WR class is horrid and that there are a ton of FA defensive linemen to consider at this point in time. Anyway, getting Anudike-Uzomah in the 2nd and Mims in the 3rd would be wonderful. Not sure if either will be available in those spots. I think both guys are starting to rise. We'll see what the word is after the Combine.

15 2023 NFL Draft prospects for Browns to follow at the NFL Scouting Combine
Cory Kinnan
February 25, 2023 10:23 am ET

The Cleveland Browns have holes to fill on their roster as free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft rolls closer. However, before we get there, first comes the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, where general managers, head coaches, and agents are known for wheeling and dealing behind the scenes.

The combine also has massive NFL Draft implications for the Browns as they have needs at defensive tackle, defensive end, and wide receiver before we reach Week 1 of the season. Here are 15 players to keep a close eye on as they travel to Indianapolis, Indiana for the biggest job interviews of their lives next week.


1
DT Byron Young, Alabama
Browns 2023 NFL Draft NFL Scouting Combine
(AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Defensive tackle is an obvious need for the Browns, and they may find a bargain in the third round in Alabama defensive tackle Byron Young. He has refined hands, an explosive first step, and a sturdy strength profile to two-gap and take on double teams. If the NFL wants to let one of the best defensive tackles in the class drop to the third round, the Browns should jump on it.


2
DT Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin
Browns 2023 NFL Draft NFL Scouting Combine
Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Another defensive tackle, Wisconsin’s Keeanu Benton is my DT4 even if his draft stock does appear to be higher than that of Young. He possesses long arms and light feet to wreck pockets in pursuit of quarterbacks. Benton is a target at 42 or if the Browns make a small trade down deeper into the second round.


3
WR Tyler Scott, Cincinnati
Browns 2023 NFL Draft NFL Scouting Combine
A firm target at pick 42, Cincinnati wide receiver Tyler Scott is not going to be a sleeper for much longer. He is anticipated to run a low 4.3 40-yard dash and is a twitch and explosive athlete who effortlessly throttles between tempos. This makes him an excellent and sudden route runner even with his top-end linear speed. Look for Scott to have a big week.


4
WR Josh Downs, North Carolina
Browns 2023 NFL Draft NFL Scouting Combine
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

North Carolina’s Josh Downs is the only other receiver at 42 that moves me. People like Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt, but it’s a good thing he will likely be gone by the time the Browns come on the clock as he only has one track and is not a great route runner. Let the league overdraft on speed while nuanced and electric playmakers like Downs continue to drop.


5
EDGE B.J. Ojulari, LSU
Browns 2023 NFL Draft NFL Scouting Combine
(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

This is the dream at pick 42. If LSU’s B.J. Ojulari somehow falls out of the first round, he should not make it past the Browns. He is long, explosive, bendy, and a nuanced pass rusher with a nasty ghost move in his toolbox. The Browns need a long-term pass rusher across from Myles Garrett, and Ojulari can be that guy even if he is not in the usual big end frame the Browns have preferred.


6
C Joe Tippmann, Wisconsin
Browns 2023 NFL Draft NFL Scouting Combine
The interior offensive line is going to be a sneaky need for the Browns. As they have the most contracts over $10 million in the entire NFL, they will have to make concessions somewhere. Ethan Pocic is likely that concession this year, and Wyatt Teller may have limited time left in the brown and orange as well.

Wisconsin center Joe Tippman is athletic, a fit in the Browns’ wide zone run scheme, and plays with a nasty streak. Tippman, however, may not make it out of the second round so he could be a trade-back candidate.


7
DT Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern
Browns 2023 NFL Draft NFL Scouting Combine
Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

He is going to test like an absolute monster. And stacking that on top of a dynamic Senior Bowl showing, Northwestern defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore could be set to see his draft stock soar. The problem, however? His tape just doesn’t add up to more than a late third or early fourth round pick. So some teams may over-draft Adebawore out of the range of the Browns, but if he is on the board for their third or fourth rounder, the Northwestern defensive lineman would be a great fit with Jim Schwartz.


8
S Jammie Robinson, Florida State
Browns 2023 NFL Draft NFL Scouting Combine
Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

With both bite and bark, Florida State safety Jammie Robinson is one of the pound-for-pound toughest players in the class. He can play over the top, in the slot, or the box, making him quite versatile as well. The Browns will likely be replacing two safeties this offseason, so Robinson would be a great fit in Cleveland as a nickel who would not struggle to fit the run or a moveable safety.


9
TE Payne Durham, Purdue
Browns 2023 NFL Draft NFL Scouting Combine
Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Harrison Bryant is entering the last year of his deal, so the Browns may look to draft a young running mate next to David Njoku on day three of the draft. If they do that, Purdue’s Payne Durham would be a great target. He has a massive catch radius and has proven to have more wiggle at the top of his routes than one would guess a man his size would have. After a strong Senior Bowl showing, Durham looks to stack events at the combine next week as well.


10
DL Tuli Tuipulotu, USC
Browns 2023 NFL Draft NFL Scouting Combine
Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

A guy who can play both off the edge and along the interior of a defensive line, USC’s Tuli Tuipulotu output extraordinary production for the Trojans this year. While he is on the stiffer side and will not win along the outside shoulder, he is a strong run defender who is not afraid to work through the chest of the man across from him.


11
EDGE/LB Nick Herbig, Wisconsin
Browns 2023 NFL Draft NFL Scouting Combine
Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

If Wisconsin pass rusher Nick Herbig was two inches taller and 30 pounds heavier, he would be a first round pick. However, his lack of size shows up in the run game. As the Browns look for a new SAM linebacker, Herbig could fit that mold in base defense looks, then slide out as a designated pass rusher in obvious passing situations. Despite being a tweener, Herbig is not a positionless player and is worth pounding the table for.


12
CB Kei'Trel Clark, Louisville
Browns 2023 NFL Draft NFL Scouting Combine
Greg Newsome II no longer wants to play in the nickel, and that position is a massive contributor for the Browns. Running out of nickel looks over 70 percent of the time, that is a starting position. Louisville’s Kei’Trel Clark, while he played outside at Louisville, likely kicks inside at the next level. He is mean and is not afraid to work downhill either, so fitting the run as often as the nickel is asked to do for the Browns would not be an issue for Clark.


13
C Luke Wypler, Ohio State
Browns 2023 NFL Draft NFL Scouting Combine
Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Another wide zone center who has the tools to get to the boundary as often as he would be asked to do in Cleveland is just a short drive away. Ohio State’s Luke Wypler has been as sturdy as they come for the Buckeyes since he started Week 1 as a redshirt freshman a year ago. With good eyes, intriguing lower-half tools, and a strong base in pass protection, Wypler looks destined to have a long NFL career.


14
WR Marvin Mims, Oklahoma
Browns 2023 NFL Draft NFL Scouting Combine
Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

If the Browns wait until their third rounder to snag a wide receiver, Marvin Mims is the guy. While he is an outlier in size, he is explosive down the field, tracks the football at a high level, and has strong hands to play through traffic despite being on the smaller side. The issue with Mims, however, is that his route tree is not nuanced and is almost exclusively vertical.


15
LB Dorian Williams, Tulane
Browns 2023 NFL Draft NFL Scouting Combine
(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

The Browns need to bring a veteran linebacker or two back in free agency. Between Anthony Walker Jr., Sione Takitaki (who will likely miss most of the season), and Deion Jones, the Browns cannot void every veteran from that room.

However, they also must draft a young guy who can take over at MIKE, and Tulane’s Dorian Williams checks all of their boxes from measurables, athleticism, and production. Williams will look to solidify those athletic traits next week in Indianapolis.


https://brownswire.usatoday.com/lis...medium=trueanthem&utm_source=twitter

The draft can be overwhelming. When you have a pick in the first round it is easier to scout and cover 32 guys.

Two rounds it gets way tougher.

I was thinking about Mike Mayock. He announced college games and was a fixture covering the draft. Experienced guy, former player, well respected. Knows everybody.

Gets a GM job. It did not go well. He bombed on first rounders. Most likely he will never get another GM job.

It is really hard to forecast players into the NFL. When you think of all the time, money and resources spent on scouting and drafting players. It is crazy how many misses there are. I mean you would think that the top 32 players in the country would be close to sure things. Far from it.

As each round passes it gets harder and harder. And every year there are guys like Purdy. Or, some undrafted guy makes a roster and balls.

I watched Hard Knocks with the Lions. Amon-Ra St. Brown was tearing up camp. He looked like a guy who not be denied.

He was a fourth rounder. Ran a 4.59. He has over 2k yards and 196 catches in his first two years.

Selecting players in the draft is not for puscatores.

A guy I haven't seen mocked to us, but think could be a fit, is Gervon Dexter, DL, Florida. His numbers aren't spectacular, but he seems to collapse the pocket frequently. Needs to clean up his technique some and show a bit more consistency, but when it's clicking he can be a play wrecker. He's an early entrant (redshirt soph, I believe,) so he's not a finished product but I like his tools and motor/on field demeanor. Haven't dug in a ton yet, but what I've seen looks promising, and I thought I'd try to see what you all thought.

edit: Apparently, he has been mocked to us. (link) That draft looks pretty good to me right now.

All additions are appreciated. I think it's fun learning about guys and trying to predict might work out. I don't worry about being right or wrong. It's just fun.

More on Tyler Scott:


Cincinnati WR and Norton High School's Tyler Scott and openly advocates for Browns to draft him

Jacob Roach
February 25, 2023 2:03 pm ET


The University of Cincinnati’s Tyler Scott is one of the most appealing wide receiver prospects for the Cleveland Browns in this year’s draft. He has the speed and dynamic play-making ability the team sorely needs to take the next step in 2023. Scott has already been clocked at a 4.29 40-yard dash and with the combine coming up next week talked with the 33rd Team about the possibility of breaking the combine record.

Scott talked about his role models and modeling his game after Browns’ wide receiver Amari Cooper before mentioning he hopes to join him in Cleveland. Browns fans would love to have Scott in Cleveland and putting him in the slot next to Cooper would make a formative group.


https://brownswire.usatoday.com/202...medium=trueanthem&utm_source=twitter

Tyler Scott was the first receiver that I watched film on. He was projected as a second rounder.

When you see him run two guys came to mind. Deon Sanders and Josh Gordon.

Stride is what sticks out. Effortless stride. Guys who run fast and make it look easy.

Scott eats up ground on coverage real fast. You see the db playing off man and zoom Scott is past the guy.

He is forecasted as a second rounder because he does not have refined techniques. Not his fault. He was used as a "go route" guy.

If he takes to coaching and learns the fine points of being a receiver. He will be a standout. Hard to say where he gets drafted. You get attention when you have his type of speed. If he has good workouts and interviews well. He will not get to #42.

Nice post.

Thx.

If the Browns go hard in free agency to address the DL then a receiver will come into play at #42.

Judging receivers is tricky. College players play in all forms of schemes. But it has to be kept in mind "who was throwing the ball?"

Good receivers can be buried because their numbers do not reflect weak quarterbacks. In addition route trees could have been very simple and one dimensional.

Speed is the first thing people look at when it comes to receiver. When in fact it does not automatically forecast success.

Amon-Ra St. Brown was a fourth rounder. Ran a 4.59. He has over 2k yards and 196 catches in his first two years.

Cooper Kupp is not real fast.

However, if you have speed and you also have all the other qualities that make a receiver. Well then you can be elite.

It is cool that he is a Ohio guy and a Browns fan. It would be amazing if we got him and he became a star.

Yeah, college offenses are--in general--way different from NFL offenses. It's hard to evaluate QBs, OTs, and many WRs. The one read and elementary route trees can be problem when it comes to evaluating those guys. Some guys jump off the screen like Jamar Chase, Jefferson, Olave, Wilson, etc. They are dynamic and ran routes in college. Others, are harder to judge, especially if they just primarily ran go routes in college.

I am not making any predictions on who will be good or not, but I enjoy this type of football talk over a lot of the crap that has made its way into the PFF. Thanks for the intelligent replies.

Tyler Scott I had a sideline view to watch him up close
Coaching against him was fun and a challenge.
He lined up at WR and RB in the Norton offense all over the field.
He simply ran past everyone once he got a crease or at
WR he beat any kind of coverage across from him
What I really admired about him is he stayed
At Norton after local powerhouses like Akron Hoban
And St Vincent St.Marys did their hardest to recruit
Him to their programs.

He could very easily be drafted by the Browns
And easily win that #3 WR spot on his worse day
If Berry passes him up Berry needs his head checked

You just can't help yourself can you? Was what I quoted the kind of football talk you like? If you spent half as much time policing yourself as you do those you disagree with this place would be a lot better too.

Thanks for the information and keeping it to football talk.

They currently have 2 picks in the top I04 overall. Everything else is the later rounds.
They have pick number one hundred eleven, which is close but not in the top I04.

Scott reminds me a lot of Schwartz, but with a lot more opportunities. That's not to say he'd be as unproductive here, but they seem stylistically similar.

I kind of think Josh Downs might bring a dimension to our passing game that we are more lacking. Being able to blow by people is nice, but it will be harder to do at the next level. Quickness, routerunning, and crazy change of direction give more ways to beat a DB. I think the scramble drill will be a bigger part of our offense with Watson going forward. The ability to adjust to the scramble and get open for the QB in the near to intermediate range lead to higher likely completion percentage attempts.

Deep passes are great, but they require a lot outside of the receiver to go right. If things go wrong in the pocket, a receiver going deep can be somewhat out of the play.

Maybe some of my thinking is just not wanting to give up on Schwartz quite yet. This is not to say that I absolutely don't want Scott, but that there's a lot to consider. It's often hard to figure out what will translate to the next level, and it's hard to put a finger on how a player will fit into or change the surrounding "structure."

This is Bucky Brooks positional rankings:

https://www.nfl.com/news/bucky-broo...spects-by-position-1-0-stroud-young-hook

Thanks.

Man, true single-high safeties are hard to find. No locks in this year's class. Brian Branch looks like he might be able to handle that role, but he'll be gone before the end of the 1st round.

What we do in free agency comes first.

Mentally it is hard to get into the draft until one can see what are needs really are.

We have to address the DL first. How, who, and for what cost will tell a lot. We need DT and DE.

We may need a safety. We may need a receiver. After free agency the draft picture will become clearer.

I don't like starting in the second round to fill a hole. I believe in BPA. I think you can go into say the second and say BPA from three positions and prioritise positions if you rate guys equal.

I am really curious about how this off season is handled.

I totally agree about BPA. We can't get too caught up in needs.

I agree to a point. But NOT with glaring weaknesses.

So, if the best center in football is available at 42, should be a first rounder; you guys draft him?

Belichick and his staff developed the Vertical and Horizontal boards way back when they were in Cleveland.

This is an abbreviated explanation.

The Vertical board is where you rank players from 1 through wherever your board ends. It's what we come to know as the Big Board. It is positionless. Just ranking players by how good you think they are.

The Horizontal board is where you rank each positional group on your own team and assign them grades. They then look at the grades they have on available players when they on their big board. Thus, the Horizontal board can affect who you pick, but it's very limited in terms of movement.

The idea is that you almost always want to draft the guy who has the highest grade on your Vertical board, but will move 1-2 spots based on your Horizontal board. Never move more than 3 spots. Teams get into trouble when they pass on superior players when they rely on drafting for need. This is magnified if they do this over a period of time.

Not sure if I explained that properly, but I didn't feel like typing out the entire process again.

Sounds like a great philosophy (and a solid explanation, thanks); I'm just not sure how much you can adhere to that when you have a bunch of 'As' and 'Bs' at many positions and then a 'D' or 'F' at others.

Is DT a 'D' or 'F'?

Would we draft a CB at 42? I say no way, no matter what.

In my opinion, drafting BPA is just that, a philosophy... not a rule. You try to adhere as best as you can; but ignorance of glaring holes in the interest of talent can be almost as absurd as the opposite.

Again, just my opinion.


Bottom line in my eyes, success in the NFL is a race to "plug 'n play". Once you are there, it's much easier to draft BPA. Getting to that point is much more important than assembling the most talent.

It's an interesting conversation.

Whoever the Browns take in RD 2 he has to be a bona-fide game changers
Where the other team on film Day says " WE HAVE TO SHUT THIS PLAYER
DOWN !!!"" The Browns haven't drafted one of those types since forever

It is all about rankings. Then position. And value.

Never black and white mostly grey.

Let's say our needs by priority are DT, DE, WR, S.

Ideally you would love for highest ranking player to be DT or maybe edge.

But say a receiver who you rank higher than DT, edge happens to fall to your pick. You should take him.

If for some weird reason the best center in the draft fell to #42 and say you had him ranked 20's.

Damn straight you take him.

This guy is impressive.

Anudike-Uzomah has been a highly productive pass rusher for Kansas State. He has average size and speed for the position, but he's a skilled pass rusher. He had to play in a lot of tight alignments in K-State's three-down-linemen scheme. This forced him to play run-to-pass on early downs. He lacks the ideal size to battle inside against much bigger opponents and double teams, but he hangs in there and battles. When he got to play outside for the Wildcats, he displayed a variety of ways to generate pressure. He has a violent slap/rip move, a nifty spin and a quick hand-swipe maneuver. He is also effective as a looper. To see his full potential, watch the 2021 game against TCU, when he collected four sacks and harassed Max Duggan the entire game. Overall, I'm anxious to see how Anudike-Uzomah tests, but I believe his best football is yet to come.

I think he is a good fit fro the Browns. It would be sweet if we got him.

I think Myles and Chubb both fit into that category.

I like Anudike-Uzomah a lot, too. I think he is my favorite of all the guys mocked to us. I really like Tyler Scott, as well. With that said, I haven't studied the draft nearly as much as I used to.

I don't either.

I use to look at game film not just highlights. Now I read scouting reports.

I don't really study guys.

Once the draft is over. Then I will go look closely.

When the Browns were chasing a quarterback I use to go all out on film.

Way more casual these days.

Yeah, I remember some of our discussions about the draft back in the day. Those were fun times.

Hey Fate, one thing that I forgot to mention about the Horizontal boards that you might find interesting/important is that teams use them a lot when making trades. Say there is a guy you had ranked pretty high, say #38 and he is still available at pick # 42. You have pick #46. It's a good time to initiate trade talks w/the team who owns the 42nd overall pick. Teams also do it when trading down, too. But, I am pretty sure the Horizontal board is used more for trading up.

You Demand the impossible - those players are at the top of round 1. The odds of selecting what you just described in round two is .... not high.

Your first post prompted a little digging to understand the horizontal/vertical stacks. Particularly related to Belichick. You sent me down a damned rabbit hole 🤪, so I apologize for the length (and anything confusing) in this post.

This was very helpful:

Inside Belichick's methodical approach to NFL Draft

I had to read it a couple times to really get a grip on the big picture, it all starts here...




And then this (below) plays a huge role in creating your overall draft strategy, and your ability to adapt that strategy on draft day as the draft begins to unfold. This is about weighing the vertical stacks within the horizontal stacks and breaking up the 'clumps' he spoke about above. It pertains more to available talent at each position and how it fits into your needs as a team... it basically changes values, pick by pick, by constantly ranking and analyzing the remaining talent pool by position. I think a good example of this is proven year-in and year-out by the fact that we see 'runs' on positions; i.e... we may see a run on LBs in the late 2nd because teams see the talent pool being diluted and they think "I better get mine now"... many of them succumbing to fear of missing out, over-drafting, and blatantly ignoring BPA.




And this (below) speaks directly to your second post. This is a very underrated part of 'winning the draft'. Knowing the needs of the teams around you... not only in helping to predict the availability of the players you have targeted, but also in identifying trades (according to the horizontal board, as you mentioned) both up and down.


And in Bill's case, it's mostly trading down (by nearly a 2-1 margin). So obviously, he pays great attention to the "five, six, seven spots" behind him as well. Since Belichick's arrival in New England, he has traded an average of 3.8 times per draft... 83 times. The next nearest club is 64. Sometimes Bill's "best player on the board" fits better into his trade philosophy than the confines of his actual roster -- and he takes advantage. He executes trades, and stockpiles draft capital, by taking advantage of the fact that team x will overpay for the WR they need. He knows he'll still end up picking his guy (probably a different position) from a pool that he has closely rated anyway. In essence, he 'sells' the best player available because that player doesn't fit the needs of his team.

Thanks, I never read that article. Looks like it has really evolved from the early years.

This goes back to the Ravens in 1996.

Their starting LT was Tony Jones. In the 1996 draft the Ravens selected Jonathan Ogden. He played guard for them that year. Of course he went on to become a HOF LT.

I think BPA is a philosophy. I think it is a goal as well. However, it is not written in stone. Teams draft for need all the time.

Yes they do. Need is certainly a factor baked into the draft. We actually witness it every year. I won't make that a blanket statement as teams have different strategies. And it also applies to how well rounded and compete a team is. If you look at team like KC, the Bills and Philly as some examples, their needs aren't as great and their teams are pretty complete. So their situation may make need a lesser issue in terms of who they select. But teams on the lower end of the spectrum are a different animal.

I would also like to add that the cost of signing the position in the FA market or as some call it positional value play a role as well. If you have a need at, as an example both RB and LT, LT costs a lot more to sign as a FA so it makes sense to draft the LT first and the RB later.

Exactly. That's why I always say the race to "plug 'n play" is the prerequisite to drafting BPA... as a religion rather than a goal. Once you're there, you should do it religiously.

When you have a bunch of holes, truly drafting BPA can range from solid thinking to downright stupid... depending on your situation.

I assume they meant formidable, but if not, what is that supposed to mean?

We have discussed multiple defensive linemen in this thread, so this is just a reminder that they will be on the field today. Combine coverage is on tv from 3 PM to 8 PM.

Thanks Vers!

I am intrigued by this kid. Pretty much every receiver above him (especially those we will have a shot at) had hands or catching the ball in their CONS section of their draft profile. Don't we already have that in Schwartz??? Personally, my top criteria for WR is hands. Number two...Can he get open. This kid went to Princeton...so he is smart(or should be) He is an athletic Freak. He has Size, Speed, a large catch radius....and he has GOOD HANDS. The biggest knock against him is the talent he played against.

https://www.cleveland.com/browns/20...e-a-browns-target-in-nfl-draft-2023.html

By Irie Harris, cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- With the 2023 NFL Draft around the corner, the Browns are starting to build a list of key prospects to target. Among national mock drafts, a wide receiver from the Ivy League could be a possible target for the Browns.

That is Princeton’s Andrei Iosivas.

At 6-foot-3, 200-pounds, Iosivas already has the ideal size scouts love to see. But on top of this, as cleveland.com’s Lance Reisland stated in the video at the top of this post, “he could be the fastest guy in the combine running.”

He’s an ideal wideout prospect, yet he plays like a slot and can score in many different and creative ways. Iosivas has the physicality and speed to create separation between him and his defender, with tremendous control and catch radius as he’s coming down.

Thanks to his size and skill set, Iosivas can be a matchup nightmare for corners that have to cover him, as he finishes well through contact to get to the end zone.

Iosivas produced a strong senior campaign, leading the Ivy League in receptions (66), receiving yards (943), and touchdowns (seven). He recorded three games with 150 or more yards, including nine receptions for 176 yards and one touchdown in a 37-10 win over Harvard.


But Iosivas didn’t only excel on the field, he was also a heptathlete for Princeton’s track and field team. He set a new school record with a score of 5,715 points to win the heptathlon at the Wesley Brown Invitational, on his way to being named an 2022 All-American.

He has the speed, endurance and size to hold his own and be an asset for any NFL team.

From that article, he certainly sounds like an excellent prospect. Plus he’s an Ivy Leaguer, so he’s gotta be half-smart.

I've said it here for years, how I've always been envious of the Eagles Dline...in how they always apply pressure by being very deep and fresh. This was prior to even Schwartz coming over, and with our Dline being horrid outside of Myles. I will assume we will grab a DT and DE come the draft (possibly double dip at DT) since I'm sure Berry is going to give his boy Alex Wright a push. A guy I like later in the draft (projected anywhere from round 4-6) is Texas DT Keondre Coburn...Now I don't get Shaun Rodgers vibes with him...And he's probably more of a limited tackle for us (run sets and goal line) His motor is better than I expected, and he is often doubled and washed. But shows an ability to rip fast when single blocked. However, like Perrion Winfrey he ends up stuffed or on the ground too much for my liking. Not a star by any means, but his stout abilities present a very good value in the later rounds...hoping he's there in the top of round 5 for us. Would be a nice depth and situational piece for us....would be nice if we can grab him and Benton (obviously Benton will go much earlier) really form that DT core for us.

Good info. We aren't going to find great prospects to talk about in the latter rounds and I appreciate you finding a guy who might be available later. It's why I brought up Clark Phillips. All of those guys will have some flaws.

I haven't given up on Winfrey yet. I think getting his head on straight will go a long way in him becoming a better player. I also think we will use FA to bolster the DL. Wright showed some potential. He was forced to play more than anyone planned due to Clowney being "injured" so much.

The Browns have met w/two WRs that we talked about earlier in this thread: Tyler Scott and Josh Downs.

Here is some commentary about the WRs that we have discussed and been mocked to us. Not sure if Flowers was mocked to us, but we did talk about him on here. I know bonefish really likes him.

Hard to make any predictions, but it is cool Tyler Scott wants to be a Brown.

It really depends on what we do in free agency. If we can address the defensive line. Maybe we could land Scott.

This off season will be a challenge. We have to maximize what we are able to do. We know the needs.

The question remains who can we get? Only in trade can you really target "a player."

This is a big year for Andrew Berry. I like the composition of the coaching staff. We have talent. We don't need stars. We need competent role players.

This is what I am hoping for. The FA WRs all have questions surrounding them and the price for WRs has skyrocketed. I think there are quite a few FA defensive linemen that could become available and I think they are a much better value than the WRs are. Tyler Scott was not high on my list at first, but the more I dig, the more I like him. I'm not speaking from a real educated point of view, but that's the way I view it right now.

I agree.

I don't see us trading for a D'Hop or any other WR. In fact I am not really concerned as most are about WR. In Bell and Woods we don't even know about them really. Njoku is going to get targets. Cooper and DPJ are solid. Hell maybe Schwartz gets reborn.

We need to use the free agent dollars on the DL.

I am hoping when pick #42 comes we can just take BPA. If that is Scott - cool. If it is Uzomah than take him. We can find a receiver if we need one.

In the end when it is all said and done come May. I think we will be ok. Then there are camp cuts etc. Berry is going to go all out trying to build the best roster he can.

It really is about Deshaun Watson. If he the guy he has shown in the past when he was in the groove of playing. All should be well.


https://www.brownsnation.com/nfl-wr-prospect-says-he-had-a-great-meeting-with-browns/

After a @uick glance, I highly doubt Josh Downs will be there at 32, let alone 42.
Too many catches and touchdowns in a 2 year frame for enough of the NFL teams to pass that up for a whole round.
After all the name of the game is scoring points and WRs score more points than about anybody.
I'd bet Downs lasts only until pick 28 or twenty nine at the latest, just look at past drafts, he could go higher too.

Iosivas the Wr from Princeton. ,not a football school.

Does, Doesn't being a Heptathalon athlete hurt his stock instead of help it, because you need football players not track and field athletes
they aren't going to be asked to run track and field on game days,
they already grabbed a track and field star two years ago and he's barely had a catch in the NFL in a long time.

I'm not saying he's not what he isn't, he's just not what he's not.

I mean you have to assign correct value to the possible selection of a prospect, unless you really want them. And if you really want someone, they ought to be a football player. I mean they should scream football player when you have a look at them, no @uestion of baseball player, or or anything.
Of course they would probably pick a Princeton ivy league player, they are id>, very on brand.

Jonathan Mingo Wr from Mississippi is interesting. Especially if he is there at pick one hundred eleven.
A big Frame Wr.

Going back to 2013, only 2 receivers 5'9" or shorter have been drafted in the 1st round, Marquise Brown and Tavon Austin. Only 2 5'10" receivers were 1st rounders over the same period, Brandin Cooks and Phillip Dorsett.

Tavon Austin and Marquise Brown both run low 4.3 in the 40. (Brown missed the combine with a foot injury, but he was a known burner and had been clocked there.) Downs ran a 4.48.

Josh Downs had good production, but it isn't everything. Stedman Bailey had 25 TDs his last college season and lasted to pick 92. Patrick Edwards (also 5'9") had 20 TDs and went undrafted. Jaelon Darden (who's now on the Browns) had 19 TDs and went pick 129. Downs "only" had 19 in his last 2 seasons combined.

All I'm saying is it's hard to predict where someone will be picked based on production. Also, receivers his size have not gone in more first rounds than they have gone in the past decade. I could see him going round 1. I could see him going round 3, and anywhere in between.

Many of the best WRs in the last 10 years are 6'1" or shorter

j/c,

I am not interested in drafting WR Josh Downs with our 42 pick ... He is more quick than fast, and for his size he isn't anything special speed wise.

I don't know anything about the guy, but the school won't hurt.

Some people are academically gifted and want to go to a top school. Doing so also means the football program is a bit limited by the school to allow student to exceed in school.

Players can do both. It's not as common because marketing plays a role these days, but Calvin Hill went to Yale? He could have played anywhere...there are others.

I guess what I am saying is if you have the ability, you can play football at an Ivy League school and play in the NFL, but you can't go to Tennessee and attain an Ivy degree. For the brainiacs of the world, that Ivy degree is their Heisman Trophy and lotto ticket.

I said Tennessee because I live in Tennessee. Call it Florida where I graduated, Ohio State, Texas, Alabama, USC or any other fine college who is known as a football factory. You can get a fine education there, but no matter what, Ivy stands alone when it come to the sheepskin on the wall, so if you can get it, do it.

After the trade For Elijah Moore WR. the Browns
STILL have 2 picks in the top I04 overall.
2 before the trade and 2 after. Well Done.

this years draft is gonna feel a better weird... no first round.... no second round.....

Yep. Won't be watching this year.

Overall, watching the draft is pretty boring. It doesn't make much difference to me if I see the pick in real time or find out an hour later by checking a Browns site.

I may flip to the channel and if the Browns are soon to pick I will stick with it, but other than that I know that I will find out later in the day. Plus, I like the later rounds because they actually move. That 1st round is dreadfully long.

I get that. I usually put it on my second screen with mute and watch the pick ticker until we are close. The listen during the pick. I've done that on the first night for several years now. No use this year.

J/C

I'm a freak that would have different channels' coverage on different screens, and watch all of it. Like to see all the highlights and try to figure out how the players will fit wherever they end up going. I also would kind of live mock each pick and would like to see how many of my picks match the teams.

Not sure if I will end up doing that this year or not. Not because of our lack of early picks, but I might be otherwise engaged.

Yet, employers are starting to say....sheepskin ain't important, sell me on your SKILLS. Time will tell.

browns wire on the interntet search at top of page mentioned ,
Marvin Mims NOOOOOO
and Ivan pace Jr.

PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM MARVIN MIMS

why, why would you go for a guy with obviously no upside

Might as well give a udfa a try than waste a pick on a player with what projects to do nothing of special.
Nobody would take a volkswagon bug to a car race. cheesy movies excluded.
somebody tell me how Marvin Mims wouldn't be either of both, a player with no upside and a bad fit for the Browns current,
and near future needs / and group fit.
Give Schwartz a chance, or draft Mims? I'd rather give Schwartz a chance.

Players mocked to the Browns.

When you begin at pick 74. Kinda takes the sizzle out.

Besides damn near impossible to predict.

I don't have a clue on who we will choose.

It is not very often that the team gets a good interior offensive lineman anywhere outside of the draft.

The injury to Michael Woods shows just how important depth is.

If you marry Best player available and team needs, then the Browns,,, after the Moore and Goodwyn signings,

are in a rare position to address and add either a Center, or an Offensive Guard, and have a good value at that position at the place they pick, pick number seventy four this time.

If they DO NOT, get a good pick at the interior offensive line, and, if they
for about a 4th year plus in a row NEGLECT the interior offensive line, then they are doomed to all future considerations on how they Blew the Opportunity, because they don't prioritize winning,
they prioritize guardrails and analytics, PHOOEY.

Teller: Acquired in a trade.

Pocic: Acquired in FA.

Tretter: Acquired in FA.

That further highlights how they have not drafted a good Interior offensive lineman in the draft, for too long at time. It's about time they do.
Tretter is no longer on the team, Pocic was a stopgap because they didn't have a good option at the time, and Teller was an unforeseen improving player. They will have need and value at the draft an opportunity they should not pass up.

We don't pick until 74, who knows what the value will be when the draft gets there. When you've got multiple pro bowlers on the interior OL, you generally don't use more high picks on interior OL. Pocic may have been a stopgap, but they re-signed him because he "had the right fertilizer and blossomed." I don't see us using our 1st pick on a guy that they hope never plays, as would be the case for any interior OL. I especially don't see it when Callahan has been able to produce "unforeseen improving players."

If an interior OL is clearly BPA, sure, take him. I'm guessing they'll see more value elsewhere, though.

You began your previous post w/this:


I gave you three examples of how your statement was incorrect.

I do agree that most good interior linemen come from later rounds or are are FA castoffs. Teams don't generally pick them high, and don't usually allow enough time for them to turn in to the players they can become.

Not saying that is good or bad, it is what it is. Bitonio was a later round pick and thankfully we stuck with him long enough to have him now.

Bitonio was the 35th overall pick in the 2014 draft. (just to clarify)

20I4 was 8? no nine years ago, you draft for 3 years in the future, according to google Joe Thomas played eleven years in the NFL, hmm.

Who are the most common players drafted to Browns in mock drafts?

Cory Kinnan
April 5, 2023 9:17 am ET

The Cleveland Browns do not regularly appear in mock drafts anymore after falling not only out of the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft but out of the second round as well. This makes projecting who they will take in the draft a bit of a mystery to figure out. And the best way to figure out exactly who could be on their board that late in the draft is to see who they are most commonly mocked by analysts and media members pumping out content.

Skimming through mock drafts, four common names have been repeated throughout them.

Auburn EDGE Derick Hall

As the Browns plugged a ton of their gaps on the roster in free agency, depth off the edge is still an issue. The only players on the roster behind Myles Garrett and Ogbo Okoronkwo are second-year players Alex Wright and Isaiah Thomas.

Derick Hall is a bit of a weird player where his skillset best translates as a 4-3 end but played his entire collegiate career as a 3-4 standup rusher. If he landed in Cleveland, the explosive and heavy-handed pass rusher would fit in as a rotational end as either a big end or the occasional wide-nine look.


Oklahoma WR Marvin Mims

Wide receiver remains a need for the Browns despite the trade for Elijah Moore.

Donovan Peoples-Jones has just one year left on his contract, the team has a decision to make on the $23 million cap hit of Amari Cooper beyond 2023, and the rest of the depth below Moore is negligible. With Marquise Goodwin on just a one-year deal, the Browns may decide to round out the room long-term with a talented speedster on a rookie deal.

While Cincinnati’s Tyler Scott remains the preferred option, one of the most common options after falling back to pick 74 has been Oklahoma’s Marvin Mims. An explosive vertical threat, Mims has proven capable of winning both inside and out while averaging a ridiculous 20 yards per catch throughout his career.


SMU WR Rashee Rice

Another common wide receiver to see landing with the Browns is SMU’s Rashee Rice. This is perhaps the least favorable option of all of the names listed as there is just no calling card to the game of Rice.

He is not fast, his route tree is thin, his hands remain skeptical, and he does not play through contact at a high level. Drafting Rice if players like Mims or Scott are on the board would be a significant disappointment. Don’t do it, Andrew Berry.


Wisconsin EDGE Nick Herbig

There may not be a better player to draft on the board at the 74th pick in the draft than Wisconsin pass rusher Nick Herbig. While he is a bit of a tweener and perhaps a sub-package player, Herbig has real juice, bend, and nuance as a pass rusher when he is asked to pin his ears back off the edge.

As the Browns look to add to their linebacker room and add defensive end depth, Herbig could be the best of both worlds as a base SAM linebacker and pass rush specialist in obvious passing situations. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz could have a ton of fun scheming up ways to deploy Herbig.

https://brownswire.usatoday.com/lis...medium=trueanthem&utm_source=twitter

The kid is stuck on Nick Herbig lol ... who probably isn't a good system fit for us.

I really think that Safety (Robinson/Battle) could be in play here at #74 with next season in mind.

Or a LT if one Bill likes is sitting there at pick #74. ... which I will admit is probably not very realistic considering where we are drafting as of today.

For what it's worth the Concensus Big Board has LT Matthew Bergeron (the Canook) as the 72nd 2023 Draft prospect in their Mock Draft data base....Interestingly enough his comp has been Joel Bitonio (who came into the League having been a LT), so even if he doesn't unseat Wills at LT ... then he could take over at one of the OG positions in the near future.

All time low interest in the draft.

By the third round the players are just names to me.

When the draft is over I will look at who we drafted.

That makes a lot of sense bone. That's pretty much the way I've treated every draft beyond the second round. Once you get to the third round and beyond it's a guessing game of who will even be on the board much less who the Browns would select of those remaining. And before the usual suspects climb up my back, I'm not saying that everyone else should approach it that way. I'm sure there are avid draft junkies who will project all seven rounds and that's fine. As for myself I see it as a wasteful exercise. Just as yourself I'll look at the picks after the dust settles.

There is some truth in that. That somewhat depends on the industry, and I don't think it applies so much to an Ivy degree. Most of those people have been recruited and have a job the day they leave school.

Berry may make a trade to move into the second round.

[social:insta]https://instagram.com/stories/clevelandbrowns/3088256524181999241?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=[/social]

This link should work

IMO we'll be drafting for depth on D-line, and secondary. If we keep most of our picks, I would think we'll look at a LB, WR and an OL for development.

I agree with Dane here ... I would like either of these two Safety / Slot (my) guys.

Given our starting position, I doubt anybody we draft is going to step in and start. Maybe at LB. If we draft Jack Campbell, he might work in to a starting role at some point because Taki isn't all that strong of a starter, but even that is a stretch.

KJ Henry edge, was avail in the late 4th round, ... watched a highlight,
OH my, the guy is a good @uarterback spy,
the Browns need to take that player, not to rush the @uarterback, but to hold back, diagnose the screen, and spy the @uarterback.

in 2023, you can never have too many dudes who can shut down a running @uarterback.

at I26 or later, go get KJ Henry imo.