Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB Syracuse 

Age: 21 (Born in May, 1999)

Height: 6'2 1/2"

Weight: 205

Arm Length: 32 1/8'

40-Yard Dash: 4.5

Vertical: 41.5"

Broad Jump: 11'2"

3-Cone: 7.01

Shuttle: 4.36

Bench Press: 16 reps

His jumps, his explosion are elite. His speed is fine when factoring in his size and his agility for his size is adequate. He will be 22 shortly after the draft, which is also a good number for the Browns.

Melifonwu put together an outstanding 2020 season in terms of production, which vaults his overall profile up to potentially being a multiple Pro Bowl player.

Melifonwu isn't a finished product and needs to continue developing in the NFL to reach his lofty potential. The good news is the Browns don't necessarily need him to step in and play right away.

This is part of what makes Greedy Williams valuable to the Browns. He's still got two years left on his rookie deal and the Browns need corner depth anyway. If Melifonwu needs time to adjust to the speed of the NFL, the Browns don't feel the need to throw him into the starting lineup. They can develop him at his own pace.

Melifonwu would obviously address length in the corner room. Along with Williams, that would give the Browns two players that can step in and provide more size across from Denzel Ward, which could be valuable in a division with players like Tee Higgins and Chase Claypool.

The trick with Melifonwu is figuring out where the Browns need to be in order to select him. It seems like they will want to move up from the 59th pick to get him, but whether that's 10 spots as opposed to 15 or even 20 would represent a significant difference in the compensation needed to make such a move.

The easiest thing the Browns can do is use one of their two third round picks, which sit 89th and 91st as part of a package to move up to get Melifonwu. The Browns have positions they would like to add to this team through the draft, but if they can come out with a good edge rusher and corner, that would really improve their chances to compete for the Super Bowl the next two seasons.

Obviously, this is dependent on how quickly the Browns can get them ready to contribute, but in terms of maximizing talent, Ossai and Melifonwu might be the best path forward in addressing those two positions.

When factoring in upside, the Cleveland Browns could end up utilizing what might be viewed as a counterintuitive draft process to maximize talent. The team has relatively few needs, but they are important positions, so they have to consider the best way to hit on the picks while also factoring how good they can become. The Browns are potentially in position to compete right now for the Super Bowl, so maybe they want impact sooner than later, but they often take a longer view with their acquisition of talent through the draft.

Pass rusher and corner are the two biggest needs on the Browns roster currently. The cupboards aren't bare, but they need more talent in those position groups to achieve their goals on the defensive side of the ball.

The two players that might have the most long term upside are also among the rawest prospects in the class. Joseph Ossai, the pass rusher from Texas and Ifeatu Melifonwu, corner from Syracuse.

Ossai is a player that has been knocked because he's still new to the position, only having one season as a true edge rusher. He needs to continue developing as a pass rusher in terms of defeating blocks. As a run defender, he's incredibly active but will occasionally end up on his butt as he's overpowered by opposing linemen.

Despite the flaws on tape, Ossai was still incredibly productive, posting an elite production profile this past season for the Longhorns.

0:13/0:29

He also produced an incredibly impressive athletic profile. No, he did not agility, which is frustrating when trying to produce a complete profile, but his explosion and speed are excellent. It's easy to get distracted by someone like Jayson Oweh from Penn State, who put together an otherworldly profile, but Ossai's is fantastic.

Joseph Ossai, EDGE Texas

Age: 21 at the time of the Draft(Born April 13th, 2000)

Height: 6'3 3/4"

Weight: 256

Arm Length: 33 7/8'

40-Yard Dash: 4.63

Vertical: 41.5"

Broad Jump: 10'11"

Bench Press: 19 reps

Save for bench press, which is a threshold exercise, where Ossai tested was top of the line across the board. His jumps in particular are outstanding. And with Kwity Paye of Michigan losing weight, testing at 261 pounds, there's far less of a distinction between the two.

Paye's jumps weren't as impressive as Ossai's either with a 35.5" vertical and 9'10" broad jump. He was unable to test agility, but he has a freakishly fast 3-cone video from the past, which makes it pretty clear how special he is in that area. Paye's jumps are not bad by any stretch. Ossai's are just that impressive.

Ossai is also younger and will only have been 21 a couple weeks when he's selected.

And while plenty of people want to suggest Ossai should be a standup edge rusher, which isn't a problem anyway. At 256 pounds, he's more than capable of playing from a 3-point stance, even if he's perhaps only using it to pin his ears back as a designated pass rusher early in his career.

0:08/2:09

If the Browns are able to sign Jadeveon Clowney, Ossai, the first pick in their draft would at least nominally be their fourth edge rusher behind Myles Garrett, Takkarist McKinly and Clowney, which might be a frustrating proposition for some.

On one hand, it represents an embarrassment of riches for the Browns at a spot that is critical both for the present and future. Ossai might only really be utilized as a specialist in his rookie season, but what a weapon to have. For the future though, Ossai has incredibly high upside and could be a multiple time Pro Bowler and perhaps an All-Pro across from Myles Garrett in the long run.

If the Browns defense operates as they hope and the offense is able to give them leads in games, they will be able to consistently have fresh, athletic pass rushers to send at the opposing quarterback. Consider a situation where the Browns kicked Garrett inside with both McKinley and Ossai sprinting off the edge.

Ossai looks like a second round pick, but his potential makes it easy to defend selecting him with the 26th pick. Maybe the Browns could move down a few spots before selecting him, but they may not want to risk it.

@calfoxwc said:

Billy goat gruff – This comes from the famous Norwegian fairytale, Three Billy Goats Gruff; Goatzilla – This one is for the Godzilla fans! Baaaa-tman – This one …

@tour2ma said:

Nope..

The measurements change was the point.

But at least you recognize that I am the G.O.A.T.

Billy goat gruff – This comes from the famous Norwegian fairytale, Three Billy Goats Gruff; Goatzilla – This one is for the Godzilla fans! Baaaa-tman – This one …

@calfoxwc said:

Kiper's quote was the point.

Nope..

The measurements change was the point.

But at least you recognize that I am the G.O.A.T.

@gumby73 said:

           but hey, we made it to last call    

Call Girl

           but hey, we made it to last call    

is the same as you posting Kiper's quote.

It's still what you posted. Kiper's quote was the point.

Same difference.

Goat whining is your bag, you should consider stop trying to act so b-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-ad.

@calfoxwc said:

sad

Still under the influence...

hysterical...

Also hysterical...

I wasn't quoting Kiper. I was quoting an article in The Detriot News that referenced a Kiper evaluation that included what were previously believed to be Kwity's measurements. I said as much in the post.

Reading comprehension... try it sometime.

@tour2ma said:

Odd that you would quote me then...

Do I need to get a restraining order?

I quoted you quoting Mel Kiper. I gave you credit for the quoting, and you are bitching like an angry sissy baby goat.

always a victim. sad. but have a nice day. Meanwhile, I canned 25 jelly jars of wild blackberry jam, and1pint

@calfoxwc said:

Didn't think you were referring to anything I posted.

Odd that you would quote me then...

Do I need to get a restraining order?

@tiamat63 said:

The post is a link to the thread which starts off with my mentioning of Farley. After watching 2 games I didn't bother with anymore because I realized, barring a miracle trade up, that the Browns would never be in a position to land such an obvious talent.  

I also assumed, because you have posts dated after my work on Jones (which also mentioned I had more games on the docket for him that I would be posting about) you would... I don't know, actually go "gee, maybe he's watched the guy". 

When in my time on this board have I ever offered up such a contrary analysis and NOT done my homework? 

Last I checked, you clearly have enough time to go over the poli board with a fine-toothed comb, including the rapid fire spam threads that aren't even yours.  So I'm not buying the lack of time as being an issue for you.  

Yes, I have watched almost half of Jones' 2020 season.  No, I do not agree with your assessment or the assessment given by a random Texas Longhorns site.    Actually to see whom might verify my work, I went through CBS, Walter, DJ, Draftlords, Drafttek AND PFF...  highest PJII rated was 4th in his position group from Tek with an average of 8th.  PFF didn't have him in their top 10.    Should the Browns draft him 1st round and expect immediate dividends?   No.          Could they still pull the trigger?  Yes.    

well, I hadn't read those posts. and you assume incorrectly. I have typed for a living - I type very fast, and it doesn't take much time at all.

   I have no way of knowing who you've studied and who you haven't, if I've missed threads. I don't read all the threads everywhere, I just popped in with something and said something. You know your football, everybody knows that. A lot of threads I don't bother readiing - that takes too much time and all sorts of matters I'm not interested in.

   I do the same over on the political board - but more threads are directly applicable to my interests.

I don't care if you don't believe me, I'm good with that. We're pretty busy all the time - I could give you a list of things

we did today, like going out to have lunch with a best friends sister, and I ordered fried crawfish with a side of froglegs. I wanted to order the alligator, but they were out of it, which was funny because I explained that when we were down in West Munroe LA, some years ago,  I ordered alligator but it was out of season...so when the waitress came back, she was laughing that she didn't know they were also out of it.

   Or I could tell you how we got haircuts, ran errands, and I came back and put my 15 or more? lbs of frozen wild blackberries I picked last fall, to let them thaw out so I can make jam tonight after de-seeding them, but I just went and restocked firewood and parked the atv in the barn, locked it up, the berries are almost unfrozen enough maybe, and I''ll probably be up making jam til midnight maybe.......

   but I won't because I gotta get busy again.

  The article I posted a link to - curiously, it had Jones mentioned as the most NFL ready edge rusher. Sure, it all depends on the particular opinion of an author. I read a lot ...when I have time.

  Which, btw, how do you determine which edge rusher is most NFL ready?

@calfoxwc said:

wait, your post shows Caleb Farley. and NO, I'm pretty busy, and I have no idea that you already watched Jones.   Why would I assume you have watched film of every single player in the top fifty?

    I suppose if you have watched film on Jones, you might have elaborated. Not having watched film on most players isn't any shame on you - we're probably all busy. I don't have time to read every single post in every single thread I pop in on to say something.

The post is a link to the thread which starts off with my mentioning of Farley. After watching 2 games I didn't bother with anymore because I realized, barring a miracle trade up, that the Browns would never be in a position to land such an obvious talent.  

I also assumed, because you have posts dated after my work on Jones (which also mentioned I had more games on the docket for him that I would be posting about) you would... I don't know, actually go "gee, maybe he's watched the guy". 

When in my time on this board have I ever offered up such a contrary analysis and NOT done my homework? 

Last I checked, you clearly have enough time to go over the poli board with a fine-toothed comb, including the rapid fire spam threads that aren't even yours.  So I'm not buying the lack of time as being an issue for you.  

Yes, I have watched almost half of Jones' 2020 season.  No, I do not agree with your assessment or the assessment given by a random Texas Longhorns site.    Actually to see whom might verify my work, I went through CBS, Walter, DJ, Draftlords, Drafttek AND PFF...  highest PJII rated was 4th in his position group from Tek with an average of 8th.  PFF didn't have him in their top 10.    Should the Browns draft him 1st round and expect immediate dividends?   No.          Could they still pull the trigger?  Yes.     

@tour2ma said:

I wasn't referring to anything you've posted.

My comment was about Kwity shrinking 2" and dropping a dozen pounds when officially measured.

Learn to embrace your paranoia...

Didn't think you were referring to anything I posted. I just commented that I wasn't off base about what I said about Kwity, per Kiper.

I thought maybe I was wrong about him never falling to the Browns - after reading different places that it isn't a great draft for edge rushers.

I was simply referring to KIPER predicting, as you posted. I did that, because I can't read Kiper's draft without subscribing, and it isn't that important to me.

   Not always about you, what you know, what you like, what you feel, hate to break it to ya.

Have a nice day.

@calfoxwc said:

I wasn't off-base about him. The Browns won't trade up that high - the cost would be ridiculous.

I wasn't referring to anything you've posted.

My comment was about Kwity shrinking 2" and dropping a dozen pounds when officially measured.

Learn to embrace your paranoia...

@texasag1969 said:

Take your preference.?

Both?

@the-gipper said:

Are you referring to the volume of the  steins or that of the mammaries? 

Take your preference.?

@texasag1969 said:

She wins on volume alone.

Are you referring to the volume of the  steins or that of the mammaries? 

@gumby73 said:

 (pg.3...Pissing Contest Alert  ?

   .....         no worries..      I've ordered several rounds of Beer  

She wins on volume alone.

   .....         no worries..      I've ordered several rounds of Beer  

@tiamat63 said:

DUDE, you were IN the thread.  The meat and potatoes were on page 10 with another post on 9.   You even replied to the thread.

You know damn well I watched Jones. 

/topic/59557

wait, your post shows Caleb Farley. and NO, I'm pretty busy, and I have no idea that you already watched Jones.   Why would I assume you have watched film of every single player in the top fifty?

    I suppose if you have watched film on Jones, you might have elaborated. Not having watched film on most players isn't any shame on you - we're probably all busy. I don't have time to read every single post in every single thread I pop in on to say something.

@tour2ma said:

Any 10-yd split numbers?

In order... shorter, lighter and shorter than I'd have thought. Pretty clear he lightened up for his showing, but he looks longer in his tape.

And apparently I'm not alone as in The Detroit News' report on TSUN's Pro Day included this right above the start of the measurements' list...

"Kiper’s latest mock draft has the 6-foot4, 272-pound Paye as a No. 11 overall pick."

I guess an adjustment period is in order...

Surely, *This won't help..

*According to Kent Lee Platte (Analytics Director and Applications Development for Pro Football Network, and creator of Relative Athletic Score), Paye tallied a 9.69 RAS (relative athletic score) out of a possible 10.00.

That stat checks in 43rd out of 1,338 defensive ends tested since 1987. Platte was particularly impressed with Paye's 36 bench press reps and 35.5-inch vertical jump today, with both measurings checking in as "elite" in his metric system.

 

 

 

 

Kent Lee Platte

 

@MathBomb

·

Mar 26

 

 

Kwity Paye is a DE prospect in the 2021 draft class. He scored a 9.69 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 43 out of 1338 DE from 1987 to 2021. Splits projected, times unofficial, updated with his broad and vert (my bad)

@calfoxwc said:

I just meant that I don't know if you watched the film on that particular player or not.

DUDE, you were IN the thread.  The meat and potatoes were on page 10 with another post on 9.   You even replied to the thread.

You know damn well I watched Jones. 

/topic/59557

@calfoxwc said:

Kwity is a top 15 pick, probably the Cardinal's pick at #16. maybe. 

@tour2ma said:

"Kiper’s latest mock draft has the 6-foot4, 272-pound Paye as a No. 11 overall pick."

I guess an adjustment period is in order... 

I wasn't off-base about him. The Browns won't trade up that high - the cost would be ridiculous.