5 Cleveland Browns potential draft targets in Indianapolis
Over the past month, the Browns have been in draft preparation mode. Nonetheless, their efforts will significantly intensify next week as they head to Indianapolis for the NFL Combine.
Due to the 2022 Deshaun Watson trade, which has left them without a first-round pick for three years straight now, the draft process might lose some of its glamour. Typically, it’s these prospects that generate much of the pre-draft hype leading up to April 26-29 in Detroit.
Despite this, the Browns possess seven draft selections in the current year’s event. Their initial pick is placed at No. 54 overall, which serves as the 22nd selection of round two. Additionally, they are allocated picks for rounds three (No.85), five (Nos.135 and 155), six (Nos.205 and 208) and seven (No .228).
There will be an abundance of skilled athletes and potential NFL standouts to choose from at the 54th pick. Below are five players, listed alphabetically, who should catch the Browns’ eye in Indianapolis.
1. Junior Colson, linebacker, Michigan
Although Colson’s stock may rise during the Combine, it could be mere speculation. Additionally, in Jim Schwartz’s defensive strategy, linebackers are not given a high priority. Nonetheless, pairing Wolverines’ top tackler and an ex-second-round pick Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is ideal – that player being Colson! As both Anthony Walker Jr. and Sione Takitaki will soon become free agents (though one might stay), this 6-foot-3-inch brute of a linebacker would make for an excellent replacement due to his remarkable instincts on-field coupled with sound technique resulting in very few missed tackles throughout his career thus far.
2. Malachi Corley, receiver, Western Kentucky
Corley stands out as an intriguing prospect on this list of receivers, primarily due to his sturdy build. At 5-10 and weighing in at 215 pounds, he possesses the physical attributes that would typically be associated with a running back rather than a receiver. This solid foundation allows Corley to excel both in receiving passes and blocking perimeter positions efficiently. What sets him apart is his ability to gain significant yardage after making catches; over the past two seasons alone, he has averaged more than nine yards per catch post-reception. With only Amari Cooper (271) and Elijah Moore (191) having recorded over 88 total yards gained via receptions last season for the Browns, Corley’s remarkable burst could prove crucial for their team. Moreover,this skill-set also makes him potentially valuable during runs while it never really panned-out effectively enough for Moore during previous games or events played by Cleveland Brownsteam .
3. Michael Hall Jr., defensive tackle, Ohio State
Despite only recording 1.5 sacks during his time with the Buckeyes, the Streetsboro High School alumnus, Tommy Togiai has caught Dane Brugler’s attention for having an impressive 18.3% pass-rush win rate – second only to defensive tackles in FBS college football which would undoubtedly fit well into Schwartz’s aggressive scheme; given that free agency may lead to some significant turnovers at defensive tackle positions for Cleveland Browns- Hall could be a great addition and help introduce more young talent onto their roster due to his quick first step and exceptional upper-body strength – even though he stands tall at 6-2, weighing around ~280 pounds thus making him a possible contender when it comes down finally get on *Browns’ selection-time clock*.
4. Ruke Orhorhoro, defensive tackle, Clemson
The Browns may consider A former Tiger as a potential defensive tackle replacement. During college, he has shown to be more effective at stopping the run than rushing the passer. However, this does not mean that Orhorhoro cannot improve and become an interior pass rusher if drafted by Cleveland. As they play in AFC North division where strong defense is crucial, his primary focus will still be on pluging up gaps until he perfects his passing technique gradually over time. With quickness and balance inherent in him when playing defensively expressed through consistency – upon entering Combine- law Valley O.T.C.A provides some basic capabilities for assessing any player’s NFL viability
5. Malik Washington, receiver, Virginia
The second-ranked receiver on the list and a favorite of the early draft period is Washington. After an impressive final season with the Cavaliers, this 5-foot-8,181-pound wideout excelled at Texas during last month’s East-West Shrine Bowl. Among other prospects, he exhibited quick burst and acceleration that could elevate his status in draft rankings if sustained through Combine testing or Virginia’s pro day. The Browns would benefit from Washington as he offers slot presence capable of generating mismatches for their team.
