Browns analysis: Top needs and players to watch at NFL Scouting Combine

[Canton Dawg]

Thanks to Baker Mayfield, there is a weird feeling surrounding the Browns.

Weird in a good way.

For the first time in years, the franchise will head to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis without dying of thirst for a franchise quarterback.

The focus will shift accordingly to other positions as General Manager John Dorsey attempts to vault the Browns into the playoffs coming off their turnaround from 0-16 to 7-8-1 during Mayfield’s rookie season.

Some of the top needs will be addressed through trades and/or free agency, which starts at 4 p.m. March 13. Negotiations with the agents of soon-to-be unrestricted free agents can begin at noon March 11, though players cannot sign until two days later. The Browns have the fourth-highest projected salary-cap space in the NFL ($78.6 million). Trades can be agreed upon anytime — the groundwork for deals is often laid at the combine — but can’t be finalized until March 13.

Still, Dorsey wants his main team-building exercise to be the April 25-27 draft, which features 10 picks belonging to the Browns, including the 17th selection of the first round.

So this is as good a time as any to review their primary needs and some players who are worth watching at the combine, which will run Tuesday through March 4.

Defensive tackle

Recap: New defensive coordinator Steve Wilks mentioned in his Feb. 7 introductory news conference the value “a strong three-technique” can add to a pass rush, the facet of the game the Browns most need to improve. Pending exclusive-rights free agent Trevon Coley started at the position the past two seasons and had just 2.5 sacks, including a half sack last year. It’s reasonable to expect Dorsey to find a more disruptive player to pair with nose tackle Larry Ogunjobi, who had 5.5 sacks last season, his first as a full-time starter. An upgrade here would also help the defense against the run after it ranked 28th (135.2 rushing yards allowed per game) out of the NFL’s 32 teams in 2018.

 

Potential first-round targets: Christian Wilkins (Clemson), Ed Oliver (Houston) and Dexter Lawrence (Clemson).

The word: “Wilkins is arguably the most versatile defensive lineman in the draft, with a set of skills that enables him to align anywhere from nose tackle to defensive end. With his versatility and athleticism at 300-plus pounds, the Clemson standout should soar up the charts when defensive coaches begin to ponder the possibilities.” — NFL Media analyst Bucky Brooks on NFL.com

Defensive end

Recap: Bolstering the pass rush from the interior is one way to complement Pro Bowl right end Myles Garrett. A more obvious method would be to acquire a better pass rusher at left end than Emmanuel Ogbah, whose sack totals have decreased from 5.5 in 2016 to four in 2017 to three in 2018 amid injuries. Dorsey had a chance to do so last year but passed on Bradley Chubb at No. 4 overall, drafting Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward instead because, at the time, the organization identified a press man-coverage specialist as a greater need.

Potential first-round targets: Clelin Ferrell (Clemson), Montez Sweat (Mississippi State) and Brian Burns (Florida State).

The word: ”[Ferrell’s] production over the course of the last few years has been, from a tackle, tackle-for-loss standpoint, outstanding. ... The kid’s got length. He’s got the productivity. He can certainly secure the edge against the run.” — ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. on a recent conference call

 

Wide receiver

Recap: Pro Bowler Jarvis Landry, Antonio Callaway, pending restricted free agent Rashard Higgins and pending unrestricted free agent Breshad Perriman form a decent group and benefited from Mayfield’s improvement as last season unfolded. A taller, more physical presence on the outside is undoubtedly on the wish list, though.

Potential first-round targets: D.K. Metcalf (Mississippi), Kelvin Harmon (North Carolina State) and N’Keal Harry (Arizona State).

The word: ”[Metcalf has] had two years of injury. He had the [broken] foot in 2016 and then the neck [last] year. Sixty-seven career receptions, not that many, not a huge number there, but he’s got tremendous talent. He flashes that big-time ability.” — Kiper

Linebacker

Recap: This isn’t necessarily a pressing need, but it could become one if Dorsey decides to move on from Jamie Collins or Christian Kirksey because their recent production hasn’t met the expectations tied to the contract extensions they signed in 2017. Collins is due $10.5 million this year. The number is $7 million for Kirksey, who missed nine games last year with injuries, including the final seven with a pulled hamstring. Genard Avery, a fifth-round pick who had 4.5 sacks last year as a rookie, could become a full-time starter if an opening is created, but the door would be wide open for reinforcements, too.

Potential first-round targets: Devin White (Louisiana State), Devin Bush (Michigan) and Mack Wilson (Alabama).

The word: “With all due respect to Roquan Smith — the 2017 Butkus Award winner and eighth overall pick last spring to the Chicago Bears — White was arguably the top linebacker in college football each of the past two seasons. [He] looks like a future franchise pillar and a rare inside linebacker worthy of top 20 consideration. — analyst Rob Rang on NFLDraftScout.com

Cornerback

Recap: This is an area where the Browns can probably get by with what they have but could use depth and wouldn’t shock the world if they were to seek an upgrade opposite Ward. Quality depth is vital because starters Ward (two concussions) and Terrance Mitchell (broken wrist) suffered significant injuries last season. TJ Carrie and Briean Boddy-Calhoun, who’s eligible for restricted free agency, are solid contributors who can play nickelback, but EJ Gaines will be an unrestricted free agent after missing 10 games last season with a knee injury and two concussions.

Potential first-round targets: Greedy Williams (Louisiana State), Byron Murphy (Washington) and Deandre Baker (Georgia).

The word: “What [Williams] needs to do is prove he’s physical enough to be able to support and tackle. ... Coverage is his strength, his length, his athleticism, all that. LSU has had a history of producing really good defensive backs, but I think the physicality is why maybe instead of going four or five, maybe he drops down to that 10 to 15, 10 to 18 range.” — Kiper

Left tackle

Recap: The outlook here will depend on whether the Browns re-sign pending unrestricted free agent Greg Robinson, which Dorsey has said he would like to do. With Robinson serving as the starting left tackle for the final eight games of last season, Mayfield was sacked just five times. Before Robinson replaced Desmond Harrison midway through the season, the Browns surrendered 38 sacks (Mayfield took 20 and Tyrod Taylor 13). If Robinson isn’t retained, this need will shoot to the top of the list.

Potential first-round targets: Jonah Williams (Alabama), Greg Little (Mississippi) and Andre Dillard (Washington State).

The word: “I believe Dillard is the top left tackle prospect in the draft and his pass-protecting prowess is just what Baker Mayfield needs.” — NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah on NFL.com

https://www.cantonrep.com/sports/20190222/browns-analysis-top-needs-and-players-to-watch-at-nfl-scouting-combine

[Louisville Slugger]

I'm not thrilled with most of the "1st round prospects". Here are the guys that I will be keeping an eye on.

QB- Not a need and it's a pitiful group, so I'm looking at late round UDFA guys here. 

T. Jackson Buffalo J. Browning Washingtion 

RB- I like alot of these players but not a need. If one of these guys falls to the 5th or later I would snatch then up.

R. Anderson- Oklahoma D. Montgomery- Iowa St. D. Henderson- Memphis

WR- I dont see value at 17 but I'll be keeping an eye out in the 2nd round for these guys. Alot of good not great prospects.

D. Samuel- South Carolina A. Brown- Ole Miss M. Brown- Oklahoma H. Butler- Iowa St. P. Campbell- Ohio St. K. Harmon- N.C. St. R. Ridley- Georgia

OL- I like K. McGary out Washington, but I need more time at this position. I hate watching OL tape.

DL- right now we have to go DT at 17

C. Wilkins- Clemson E. Oliver- Houston J. Tillery- Notre Dame M. Sweat- Mississippi St. J. Ferguson La. Tech L. Collier TCU

LB- we can upgrade all 3 spots but not a dire need.

G. Pratt N.C. St. K. Hodge Buffalo T. Edward's Wisconsin T. Watson Maryland

CB- 

J. Love- Notre Dame M. Jackson Miami T. Mullens- Clemson

S- I really like these 2 guys but we dont have a need. Gardner-Johnson is one of my favorite players in the draft because he can play both safety spots and corner at a really high level.

C. Gardner-Johnson- Florida J. Abrams- Mississippi St.

[ballpeen]

Thanks for the input Slugger.  I do keep seeing you talk about need.  To me the draft isn't all that much about need.  No doubt that plays a part, but in the end it is about stocking the roster with the best players possible.

[Louisville Slugger]

4 hours ago, ballpeen said:

Thanks for the input Slugger.  I do keep seeing you talk about need.  To me the draft isn't all that much about need.  No doubt that plays a part, but in the end it is about stocking the roster with the best players possible.

To an extent. Were not taking a RB at 17 even if Jim Brown Jr was there. I try to look for the sweet spot of value, talent, and need. 

[tiamat63]

I'll be watching Wilkins closely. 

[Louisville Slugger]

1 minute ago, tiamat63 said:

I'll be watching Wilkins closely. 

I've got a feeling he is going to shoot up the boards. That Simmons injury is making me nervous we won't land one of the potential impact DTs at 17.

[Mark O]

5 hours ago, ballpeen said:

Thanks for the input Slugger.  I do keep seeing you talk about need.  To me the draft isn't all that much about need.  No doubt that plays a part, but in the end it is about stocking the roster with the best players possible.

I think need has to play a big part.  We don't need a QB or RB so they aren't getting taken at #17.   I'd think you can cross TE off that list as well since Njoku is so young.   You don't draft K or P in the first round so they're out as well.   To me that leaves every other position on the field as a position of need on this team and should be considered in round 1.

[Canton Dawg]

9 minutes ago, Mark O said:

I think need has to play a big part.  We don't need a QB or RB so they aren't getting taken at #17.   I'd think you can cross TE off that list as well since Njoku is so young.   You don't draft K or P in the first round so they're out as well.   To me that leaves every other position on the field as a position of need on this team and should be considered in round 1.

I believe the Browns offense is in much better shape than the defense.

Dorsey should be looking at making the defense better.

[Mark O]

1 minute ago, Canton Dawg said:

I believe the Browns offense is in much better shape than the defense.

Dorsey should be looking at making the defense better.

Agreed...but if the best player available at #17 is a WR or an Offensive Lineman who can immediately start and make the team better, I think he's the guy you have to take. 

[CLEVELANDwantsPLAYOFFS]

There is certainly a balance to need vs best player on the board.

If the highest rated QB(for lack of a steadier position on the roster) fell to 17 and he was the BPA, of course we would pass.

However, another team may want to move up to 17 and give up some draft picks, I’m sure a lot of us would be ok with it.

Now if a high enough rated interior D lineman falls to 17, it’s unlikely that we would trade back due to a “need spot” being filled.

[Clevfan4life]

I agree that of a day 1 impact offensive talent is there at 17, thats better than reaching on a defensive project that would be a 2nd rounder in a normal year. All the best DT's save perhaps for the clemson kid who got ped'd out of the championship, will be gone by 17. 

[Louisville Slugger]

2 minutes ago, Clevfan4life said:

I agree that of a day 1 impact offensive talent is there at 17, thats better than reaching on a defensive project that would be a 2nd rounder in a normal year. All the best DT's save perhaps for the clemson kid who got ped'd out of the championship, will be gone by 17. 

That is my worry right now. Were sitting at 17 and Bosa, William's, Oliver, and Wilkins are all off the board, what do you do? I think Dorsey goes top rated Olineman, but I think the value in this draft is in the top 60 or so picks. I think this is an ideal draft to trade back. I know alot of people aren't a fan of that, but I seriously do not see a big gap in the players outside of the top 10 in the first round and the guys in the 2nd round.

 

[gumby73]

23 minutes ago, Clevfan4life said:

I agree that of a day 1 impact offensive talent is there at 17, thats better than reaching on a defensive project that would be a 2nd rounder in a normal year. All the best DT's save perhaps for the clemson kid who got ped'd out of the championship, will be gone by 17. 

Timmy Jernigan DT Philly just cut...nice work Berry..

[The Gipper]

20 minutes ago, Louisville Slugger said:

That is my worry right now. Were sitting at 17 and Bosa, William's, Oliver, and Wilkins are all off the board, what do you do? I think Dorsey goes top rated Olineman, but I think the value in this draft is in the top 60 or so picks. I think this is an ideal draft to trade back. I know alot of people aren't a fan of that, but I seriously do not see a big gap in the players outside of the top 10 in the first round and the guys in the 2nd round.

 

What about trading up? They have 10 picks in this draft:

1st round
17

2nd round
49

3rd round
80
95 (via Patriots)

4th round
119

5th round
144 (via Jaguars)
155
170 (via Patriots)

6th round
189

I don't know if giving up any of these could put the Browns in a higher slot....but it should be considered and investigated. Dorsey WILL do that...even if no move can be made.

7th round
221 (via Jaguars)

[Canton Dawg]

3 hours ago, Louisville Slugger said:

That is my worry right now. Were sitting at 17 and Bosa, William's, Oliver, and Wilkins are all off the board, what do you do? I think Dorsey goes top rated Olineman, but I think the value in this draft is in the top 60 or so picks. I think this is an ideal draft to trade back. I know alot of people aren't a fan of that, but I seriously do not see a big gap in the players outside of the top 10 in the first round and the guys in the 2nd round.

 

I’m not sold on Dorsey spending a #17 pick on an O-lineman.

The interior of the line is pretty solid, and the Browns just re-signed Greg Robinson today.

[gumby73]

5 hours ago, The Gipper said:

What about trading up? They have 10 picks in this draft:

1st round
17

2nd round
49

3rd round
80
95 

per draft value charts. Trading pick #80 gets us to pick #14 Atlanta. Trading #95 gets us to pick #15 Skins..the rebuilders looking for picks imo are #1Zona,#4Oak,#5TB,#8Det.#9Bills, #11Cinn, & #12Mia. so we have higher trade options if 2 of 3 still sit on board b-4 #17..QB's could go off board at #1 Zona(murray with Klingsberry?) #6 NYG & #7 Jags.     

5 hours ago, The Gipper said:

 

4th round
119

5th round
144 (via Jaguars)
155
170 (via Patriots)

6th round
189

I don't know if giving up any of these could put the Browns in a higher slot....but it should be considered and investigated. Dorsey WILL do that...even if no move can be made.

7th round
221 (via Jaguars)

different approach is selling Zona pick #95 & #119 could get us from #17 in 2nd round to picking 1st in RD 2..AlSo* Giving Oakland #144,155 & 189 gives us 2nd pick in 3rd round..we would still own picks #17,get top pick in 2nd(Zona) ,2nd pick in 3rd (Oak.).. 5th #170(gordon trade) & 7th #221(Kessler trade).. 5 picks..  

[jcam222]

I believe that linebacker is in fact a significant position of need. We need a couple much faster sure tackling guys. 

[ballpeen]

6 hours ago, Mark O said:

I think need has to play a big part.  We don't need a QB or RB so they aren't getting taken at #17.   I'd think you can cross TE off that list as well since Njoku is so young.   You don't draft K or P in the first round so they're out as well.   To me that leaves every other position on the field as a position of need on this team and should be considered in round 1.

Like I said, it plays a part.  Sure, we aren't going to draft a QB in round 1 just like we aren't going to draft a punter in round 1.  There comes a point where drafting a player at some position is just silly.  We don't need to discuss that

 

You also look at needs if you have 2-3 players you more or less rank the same.  I am sure players grade out in "ties" all the time, so you might rank them according to need.

 

You also have times there is a clear cut best player on the board.  IMO you are best served taking that player.

[ballpeen]

7 hours ago, Louisville Slugger said:

To an extent. Were not taking a RB at 17 even if Jim Brown Jr was there. I try to look for the sweet spot of value, talent, and need. 

Maybe we won't.  I contend that would be a big mistake.

[Mark O]

9 minutes ago, ballpeen said:

Like I said, it plays a part.  Sure, we aren't going to draft a QB in round 1 just like we aren't going to draft a punter in round 1.  There comes a point where drafting a player at some position is just silly.  We don't need to discuss that

 

You also look at needs if you have 2-3 players you more or less rank the same.  I am sure players grade out in "ties" all the time, so you might rank them according to need.

 

You also have times there is a clear cut best player on the board.  IMO you are best served taking that player.

I think even the clear cut best player also depends on what position he plays.  If the "clear cut best player" is a QB, RB or TE, there's really no point drafting him.  Better to trade back some to get something in return and then pick the best player available that is also at a position of need.    At RB, we already have Chubb and Hunt (pending suspension), there just aren't enough carries to go around for both of these guys to be effective long term so there would be no point adding a 3rd high draft pick RB to that mix.   We have bigger holes to fill than a RB. 

[ballpeen]

3 minutes ago, Mark O said:

I think even the clear cut best player also depends on what position he plays.  If the "clear cut best player" is a QB, RB or TE, there's really no point drafting him.  Better to trade back some to get something in return and then pick the best player available that is also at a position of need.    At RB, we already have Chubb and Hunt (pending suspension), there just aren't enough carries to go around for both of these guys to be effective long term so there would be no point adding a 3rd high draft pick RB to that mix.   We have bigger holes to fill than a RB. 

I only said RB because the other poster said even if Jim Brown was there.  No, I don't think we will draft a RB mostly because none are better than what we have.  If Jim Brown was there, you'd be stupid to not take him.  Trade the others.

 

My point is I would love a DT.  I think we need defensive players and want us to draft several, but if Metcalf is the best guy on the board, take him.  I'll leave that up to Dorsey to decide.

 

At no point do we not need great players.

[gumby73]

RB Football drafts for the old timers.(trade Jim Brown?).#1) The Houston Oilers once sat in our draft position back in 1978..The Oilers traded from #17 to #1 for Earl Campbell..Cost to Buccaneers? #17-Doug Williams. #44-Brett Moritz. a 1979 3rd(Reggie Lewis) & 1979 5th(Chuck Fusina)..#2) In 1977 the Cowboys traded up from #14 to #2 to choose? Tony Dorsett..Seahawks received #14 & 3 2nd rounders #30,41 & 54..#3) In 1999, the Saints trade up from #12 to #5 to grab?..Ricky Williams..The Skins received a 2000 1st & 3rd, 1999 picks 71,107,144,179 & 218(3rd thru 7th) man, that had to hurt