No. 246 pick C Dawson Deaton to the Browns

A three-year starter at Texas Tech, Deaton was a staple at center in former offensive coordinator Sonny Cumbie’s version of the Air Raid offense. He was a two-time team captain for the Red Raiders and earned All-Big 12 honors three consecutive years at center.

In the run game, Deaton tends to rely more on athleticism than power and will need to play with improved leverage and balance through contact to hold up vs. NFL defensive linemen. As a pass blocker, he moves well laterally and keeps his head on a swivel (pressures allowed were hard to find on his 2021 tape). Overall, Deaton isn’t a drive blocker, and he battles anchor issues, but he is a solid blocker in the run game and in pass protection thanks to his movements, smarts and patience. He can be an NFL backup center in the right situation.

Dane Brugler·
Staff Writer, NFL Draft

Looks like a good athlete. ZBS will be good for him

He could be a cheaper option to Pocic.

Looks like he has some good technique, but gets pushed around too much.

Pocic's is already about as cheap as they come

For a Veteran, still not as cheap as a rookie 7th rounder.

I think he has some of the highest ceilings out of all our picks. He is maybe the best zone blocker out there his lateral movement is superb. HE NEEDS TO GET STRONGER. Especially in the legs he can add 20 lbs in the legs alone of pure muscle you can get a big guy stronger pretty easy just hard work....you cannot teach lateral movement to a big guy...so him having lateral under his belt makes his upside great. Practice player in 2022. Hopefully he works hard and gets stronger. Harris did it and he has become a starter. Deaton can do it and he will become a Pro Bowl starter!!
jmho

I’d rather have a guy have to get stronger than faster. Stronger is doable.

I’m not saying he could be a Pro Bowler, but he definitely fits what we want to do