2023 Browns NFL Draft Prospects

[Flugel]

@korsou-dawg said:

It's not that I mind discussing the position. Heck, I'm partaking in the discussion. 

It's that I would prioritize all the positions I mentioned over RB currently, because of the backs we already have. Wouldn't even spend a late-rounder on one.

I don't think we need to draft one either; but I wouldn't mind adding 1 or 2 Undrafted FA RBs.  I think Herman Fontenot was one of those back in our 86 season we went 12-4 in.  He had 47 receptions out of the backfield playing almost exclusively on 3rd downs back when we already had Kevin Mack, Earnest Byner, and Curtis Dickey splitting most of the carries.  Fontenot was a nobody from LSU that converted countless 3rd downs for us lining up in the backfield and catching the ball.  That's a perfect example of why you still look for an undrafted RB even when you already have a crowded backfield.  This is exactly what our current team is missing IMO.

[Korsou Dawg]

@texasag1969 said:

Sounds good, but if the BPA is a RB that's so much better than an alternative position of need, what then?

For example, DT is a high position of need, but this is one of the weakest drafts ever for a quality DT. Which do you take then?

BPA is a fine creed, but it shouldn't become a religion. Surely a quality player for the many positions I mentioned will be available when we get to pick. We have too many needs. RB shouldn't even be a want. 

Same goes for CB for that matter. As for the counter that Nickel as actually a need, because Newsome said he didn't want to play that anymore, I say he should stop whining like a little b***h and play his ass off. Emerson surpassed him already. 

@flugel said:

I don't think we need to draft one either; but I wouldn't mind adding 1 or 2 Undrafted FA RBs.  I think Herman Fontenot was one of those back in our 86 season we went 12-4 in.  He had 47 receptions out of the backfield playing almost exclusively on 3rd downs back when we already had Kevin Mack, Earnest Byner, and Curtis Dickey splitting most of the carries.  Fontenot was a nobody from LSU that converted countless 3rd downs for us lining up in the backfield and catching the ball.  That's a perfect example of why you still look for an undrafted RB even when you already have a crowded backfield.  This is exactly what our current team is missing IMO.

UFA is another matter. No capital wasted there. And I do like a strong backfield for sure. 

[tiamat63]

Busy watching Pickens, IDL from South Carolina.  

 But when you're watching the trenches, you can't help but watch the assignments from the opposing Oline as well.  This center for Arkansas has REALLY caught my eye - #51, Stromberg.    Good eyes, good decision making, good wingspan and hand usage/anchor for a center and moves laterally fluid enough.   Looks like he's the one calling protections at the line too when the Razorbacks go up tempo.  Speaks to his coaches trusting his knowledge of the offense and how to set blocking points = football I.Q.     He also has a nice first punch in his short sets when he goes into pass pro, almost reminds me of the strikes you see OT's land. 

 Arky has a nice mix so far of gap and zone calls, and he does a nice job looking strong and well leverage, then explosive and sound in the other.    Count me on board as interested in a VERY early day 3 prospect here. 

edit:

6'3, 306 with a 33 & 1/2 arm is great size for a center.   And seeing how this coaching staff seems to like taller centers, (Pocic, Deaton)... I'd say he's on the radar.   

Also can't help but notice the parallel the last few years in Browns personnel drafted and their overall athletic score via NFL.com.  

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/ricky-stromberg/32005354-5260-5750-52b2-dda533841893

[TexasAg1969]

@tiamat63 said:

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/ricky-stromberg/32005354-5260-5750-52b2-dda533841893

Take a look at 1st team AA Center John Michael Schmitz of Minn. Same size minus 5 lbs. and highest graded OL for 2022 by PFF. Drafttek says he's a mid-2nd rounder. But if we are not looking that high for another center or OG, seems like your guy would be a good pick for sure.

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/john-michael-schmitz/32005343-4836-7249-e8ba-7c4c69915992

[ballpeen]

Somewhere in this draft we probably need to draft a center.  I doubt we sign Pocic, and Harris is in the last year of his contract and he seems to be an injury risk.  He just gets crushed under the larger D linemen.

[Dutch Oven]

@ballpeen said:

Somewhere in this draft we probably need to draft a center.  I doubt we sign Pocic, and Harris is in the last year of his contract and he seems to be an injury risk.  He just gets crushed under the larger D linemen.

Our tackle position seems tenuous too...

Will the Browns extend Wills? Will Conklin continue to be injury-prone? 

And at guard, Joel Bitonio was drafted in the infamous Justin Gilbert/Billy Manziel draft. That was a lifetime ago. 

[Flugel]

@tiamat63 said:

Busy watching Pickens, IDL from South Carolina.  

 But when you're watching the trenches, you can't help but watch the assignments from the opposing Oline as well.  This center for Arkansas has REALLY caught my eye - #51, Stromberg.    Good eyes, good decision making, good wingspan and hand usage/anchor for a center and moves laterally fluid enough.   Looks like he's the one calling protections at the line too when the Razorbacks go up tempo.  Speaks to his coaches trusting his knowledge of the offense and how to set blocking points = football I.Q.     He also has a nice first punch in his short sets when he goes into pass pro, almost reminds me of the strikes you see OT's land. 

 Arky has a nice mix so far of gap and zone calls, and he does a nice job looking strong and well leverage, then explosive and sound in the other.    Count me on board as interested in a VERY early day 3 prospect here. 

edit:

6'3, 306 with a 33 & 1/2 arm is great size for a center.   And seeing how this coaching staff seems to like taller centers, (Pocic, Deaton)... I'd say he's on the radar.   

Also can't help but notice the parallel the last few years in Browns personnel drafted and their overall athletic score via NFL.com.  

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/ricky-stromberg/32005354-5260-5750-52b2-dda533841893

Thanks!  To your point, the back-up to Pocic was the 6-5 OG Hjalte Froholt (who also played OL for Arkansas like Stromberg before NE drafted him in the 4th round in 2019).

It'll be interesting to see what happens with 6'1" Nick Harris drafted by Berry.  He had an unfortunate season ending injury when he started at Center in the very 1st preseason game.  Prior to that, Stefanski had high praise about the off season work Harris put in to position himself for a great shot at the starting job.  Seems kind of interesting what ideal frames Callahan prefers at Center and what Andrew Berry preferred back in 2020. Since that has recently changed to taller guys, it looks like Berry might have listened to some input from Callahan about frame/size preference.  That's a good thing they're on the same page an working together.

[Flugel]

@dutch-oven said:

Our tackle position seems tenuous too...

Will the Browns extend Wills? Will Conklin continue to be injury-prone? 

And at guard, Joel Bitonio was drafted in the infamous Justin Gilbert/Billy Manziel draft. That was a lifetime ago. 

Conklin always tries to play through injuries, which always seems to either aggravate the current injury or to predispose him to another one that causes him to miss starts.  Hopefully, he's healed up this offseason especially considering the generous new contract he got for a guy with his wear and tear.

To state the obvious, Wills really has to step it up this year.  The inconsistency at Left Tackle on the blind side of our $230 million QB looks like a red carpet welcome to the edge rushers on our schedule.  Reminds me of the 68 year old body Guards Saddam Hussain had protecting him from American Troops.  Gee, what could possibly go wrong there?  Tackle seems like a bigger priority than Center to me at this point.

The good thing is I think we have sufficient competition at Center to where we shouldn't have to spend a pick on 1 this year.

I see needs as DT/IDL, Safety, OT, WR, DE/Edge Rush, TE2 (given the situation at LT), LB.  The first need won't be satisfied with just 1 guy.  Given how often Denzel Ward gets injured we could use some depth at Cornerback.  Feels like we're heading to an all you can eat buffet on an empty stomach without a 1st round pick...  

[tiamat63]

@texasag1969 said:

Take a look at 1st team AA Center John Michael Schmitz of Minn. Same size minus 5 lbs. and highest graded OL for 2022 by PFF. Drafttek says he's a mid-2nd rounder. But if we are not looking that high for another center or OG, seems like your guy would be a good pick for sure.

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/john-michael-schmitz/32005343-4836-7249-e8ba-7c4c69915992

I doubt, especially with our current injury ridden log-jam, that we'll be entertaining a center that high.  Which is why I was looking early day 3 that also offers some positional flexibility. 

As Flugs pointed out as well, given Deaton and now Pocic, this front office is seeing some benefits of a center with some serious wingspan. 

[ballpeen]

@dutch-oven said:

Our tackle position seems tenuous too...

Will the Browns extend Wills? Will Conklin continue to be injury-prone? 

And at guard, Joel Bitonio was drafted in the infamous Justin Gilbert/Billy Manziel draft. That was a lifetime ago. 

We might, but it will be more a BPA type pick.  I don't think those positions will be given some sort of priority if there is some sort of grouping of players who grade out more or less the same.

[syd]

@dutch-oven said:

But...but...but.... WE HAVE NO DRAFT PICKS! 

jeez i wonder who said that ? 

[gumby73]

This list does match to the agents (on twitter) that posted a 18 minute team interview at the combine..

 WHO THE BROWNS MET WITH AT THE COMBINE..

https://247sports.com/nfl/cleveland-browns/LongFormArticle/Cleveland-Browns-NFL-Draft-News-notes-rumors-Scouting-combine-206020989/#206020989_1

[gumby73]

Interior Defenders

Contents to color chart.. https://247sports.com/nfl/cleveland-browns/LongFormArticle/Cleveland-Browns-2023-NFL-Draft-Prospects-Interior-Defensive-Line-206038676/#206038676_1

If the plan is to add a 2nd young DT mid-rounds? Adding these pair of Longhorns to the list... 

Moro Ojomo https://www.nfl.com/prospects/moro-ojomo/32004f4a-4f42-6541-624d-798355140764

Keondre Colburn https://www.nfl.com/prospects/keondre-coburn/3200434f-4282-3710-d7b1-7bab7fe764f1

Sleeper alert.. Kobie Turner & Jerrod Clark

[TexasAg1969]

@gumby73 said:

Interior Defenders

Sleeper alert.. Kobie Turner & Jerrod Clark

I will be greatly disappointed if we don't get a superior IDL in free agency who can start immediately. IMO we are in big trouble barring a huge moveup for one of the top 3 in the draft if we don't get one in FA.

I much prefer to be in position for BPA regardless of position rather than have to use our 1st draft pick on IDL. Do the latter and I think it will end up the way the Browns usually end up in the off-season, a lose-lose.

[tiamat63]

I watch Josh Downs and I keep coming back around to a mix of Randall Cobb and Antonio Brown (before he went nuts) 

[gumby73]

@texasag1969 said:

I much prefer to be in position for BPA regardless of position rather than have to use our 1st draft pick on IDL. Do the latter and I think it will end up the way the Browns usually end up in the off-season, a lose-lose.

Aggie, 

Most of us sat on this board last post draft, posting trusting Taven Bryan & Elliott would be a risky choice.. Berry passed on fixing the DL & picked a Martin Emerson that I & most had to start with google (not Ag1969)... I can't remember a more flustrating draft than last season.. Adding K Cade York was the only thing I agreed on..

I'm guessing Berry might have a FA DT cap budget of 6M-8M... Jim Schwartz you find one or a combo of two..

Jordan Elliott is contracted to make 3M this season.. 6 others, are on the roster now, making a million (Winfrey) or less..

In Schwartz I'll trust.. We need a FA/Trade DT starter & a camp winner of Elliott vs. ________? 

edit-- here's a worth hope list..

FREE AGENT DEFENSIVE TACKLES

Year One Cash - Defensive Tackles

Javon Hargrave - $21.5m

Dre'Mont Jones - $20m

Zach Allen - $14m

Dalvin Tomlinson - $13.5m

Larry Ogunjobi - $11m

David Onyemata - $8m

Poona Ford - $7.5m

Matt Ioannidis - $7m

Fletcher Cox - $7m

Sheldon Rankins - $6.5m

Morgan Fox - $5m

Khalen Saunders - $5m

Jarran Reed - $4m

Dean Lowry - $4m

Shy Tuttle - $4m

Taven Bryan - $3.5m

Akiem Hicks - $3.5m

Greg Gaines - $3m

A'Shawn Robinson - $2.5m

will throw in a wildcard here too if you want DeForest Buckner let's say that costs pick 98

[gumby73]

 Final Four WR's...

2nd to 4th round grades

[gumby73]

@gumby73 said:

Somewhat odd ?

What comes next/ is a Teams Pro Day schedule..

I've looked at many schedule sites.. And can't seem to find a Penn State's anywhere.. Maybe clearing WR Parker Washington might have something to do with scheduling a Penn State Pro day ? 

Can't confirm WR Parker Washington is ready?

But, can confirm Penn State has scheduled it's Pro Day for MARCH 24th

Can track some Pro day results here..  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-pro-day-tracker

[Flugel]

@gumby73 said:

 Final Four WR's...

2nd to 4th round grades

Interesting Gumbs! I don't like ANY Northcutt clones that weigh in the 170s for anything other than a return specialist.  Take that with a grain of salt though since it's only me saying that with very, very limited time spent on researching prospects so far.  I REALLY like seeing Parker Washington has a compact 5'10" frame at 204 lbs with strength of 16 reps so it looks like we could line him up on the line of scrimmage when/if necessary.

I know you have a lot of familiarity with the local guys you see in the Carolinas and ACC.  If you're like me, you'd like to see your local studs end up with Cleveland. EDIT: I just cut and pasted 2nd and 3rd round mock drafts (in the next post) from 2 guys with Clevelandbrowns.com where 1 has the Browns drafting Josh Brown in round 2 and a DL in round 3.  If you had your choice, would you go with the Carolina Kid or the better RAS if it came down to Mingo or Downs?  I get the feeling there's a little James Taylor vibe working here - "In my mind I'm gone to Carolina..."  

[Flugel]

2023 ClevelandBrowns.com Mock Draft 1.0

Anthony Poisal and Jason Gibbs make their predictions for who the Browns might select with their first two draft picks

Mar 10, 2023 at 09:01 AM

 

ClevelandBrowns.com

 

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We're 48 days away from Day 1 of the NFL Draft — and 47 days away from when the Browns are slated to make their first pick of the draft at No. 42 overall. 

The Browns don't have a first-round pick but will still likely need to select a player in Round 2 capable of making an immediate difference, and that pick has widely been projected by draft analysts to be spent toward a defensive linemen or wide receiver. Their second pick will come at No. 98 overall in the third round and could also be used at those positions, too.

The first mock draft from ClevelandBrowns.com with staff writer Anthony Poisal and radio producer Jason Gibbs follows those mock trends. We'll check back a few more times before the draft begins and find out next week how the free agency shuffle might affect the Browns' draft needs.

Anthony Poisal

Round 2 (No. 42)

WR Josh Downs, UNC - I think the Browns should take care of their needs at defensive line in free agency, where it should be much easier to find instant-impact players rather than taking a chance at finding a starter with a Day 2 rookie. They should have an easier time, however, finding a speedy receiver at this point of the draft who can immediately be inserted into the lineup and help them stretch opposing defenses. That's what a player like Downs can offer. It's far from a guarantee — but far from impossible — he'll still be available this late in the draft, but the Browns need to add another talented receiver and deep-ball threat for Deshaun Watson, and Downs meets the criteria.

Round 3 (No. 98)

DT Gervon Dexter, Florida - It might not be with their first draft pick, but I think the Browns will still want to draft a defensive lineman on Day 2. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein tabbed Dexter with a grade that ranks him as "an above-average backup," which could still be an upgrade for a Browns interior D-Line that ranked near the bottom of the league last year. A team like the Browns looking to improve their run defense could be intrigued by his massive 6-foot-6, 310-pound frame.

Jason Gibbs

First mock draft of the year, and it's a weird one not having to guess anything in the first round…yet (I'm sure Poisal will eventually lead us down that path). Three biggest needs for the Browns in my eyes heading into free agency aren't really a surprise to anyone: defensive end, defensive tackle and ride Receiver. For me, it's all about accruing weapons for Deshaun Watson. Look at another team in our division — the Bengals are all about putting playmakers around Joe Burrow. I feel like the Browns need to do the same for Watson. You can never have enough.

Round 2 (No. 42)

WR Tyler Scott, Cincinnati - Probably a wish at this point after his combine, but hey, a man can dream can't he? Our friend Dane Brugler from The Athletic compares him to Tyler Lockett. Outstanding speed, a great route runner and, most importantly, he's a northeast Ohio kid from Norton who knows how to play in the weather. He didn't play out of the slot much in college, which could be a concern, but if that's his biggest flaw… Sign. Me. Up.

Round 3 (No. 98)

EDGE Zach Harrison, THE Ohio State University - If the Browns don't go defense at pick 42, I think they look to improve that side of the ball here in the third round, but not necessarily at DT. I think they bolster that DE room with the addition of Harrison from the Buckeyes. Harrison turned heads with his combine weigh-in process landing in the 99th percentile for arm length and wingspan. To play edge in the NFL you have to have length at the position and Harrison has it. The biggest question for him and the Browns: Will he still be there this late in the round? Remember, the Browns have multiple picks in the fourth and fifth round if they want to try and move up. Plenty of Day 3 assets to throw around.