3 Offensive Guard Options for Browns on Day 3 of the NFL Draft
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The NFL Draft is quickly approaching and Cleveland would benefit from selecting an interior offensive lineman for multiple reasons. Not only do they need more depth at both guard spots, but there's a chance that they might be looking for a new starter in 2024.
Wyatt Teller is still one of the better guards in the league, but his contract becomes quite tradeable after the 2023 season. In 2024, his base salary drops to $11,000,000 and his post june-1st dead cap drops down from $15,426,300 to $2,926,300.
At this point, Cleveland would have the flexibility to move Teller in order to create more cap space. Due to Deshaun Watson's contract, the Browns will need to pursue different routes in order to sustain success in the future. They would have a much better chance of trading Teller with a base salary of $11,000,000, which is over $4,000,000 less than it is right now.
If Cleveland keeps Teller in 2024 and picks up Jed Wills' 5th-year option, they will have $64,652,230 tied up in their starting five offensive lineman. The team just re-signed Ethan Pocic and extended Jack Conklin as well. Joel Bitonio continues to play at an All-Pro level, and while Teller is still good, he's noticeably tailing off over the last two seasons. They most likely can't keep them all, and Wyatt Teller could be the odd man out.
This might seem worrisome, but Cleveland has the luxury of Bill Callahan. He's undoubtedly the best offensive line coach in the league. He's also developed and groomed both Wyatt Teller and Ethan Pocic into exceptional NFL offensive lineman. Callahan should have no problem continuing to do so with some of these later-round players.
Here are three players that fit Cleveland's offensive system, provide future starting potential, and should be available on the third day of the draft.
Nick Saldiveri, Old Dominion - 6'6", 318 Lbs.
RAS Score/Athletic Testing:
Pass Blocking: Saldiveri has a beautiful pass set and plays with a wide base that allows him to glide both laterally or vertically with ease in order to mirror defenders. He's also a very patient pass blocker and allows the opponent to come to him, which means that he rarely gets caught lunging at defenders and losing balance. He's as refined of an overall pass blocker as they come in this class.
Run Blocking: Saldiveri is a better overall pass blocker than run blocker, but he's still good enough to be effective in multiple schemes. He's excellent in space, and a permanent switch to guard at the next level might be beneficial to him. A great puller, Saldiveri shows good block progression as a lead blocker, and adjusts to moving targets really well. He gallops well in zone schemes and has enough short-area speed and quickness to stay in front of defenders.
Team Fit: Though he played mostly right tackle at ODU, his best position in the NFL is most likely at guard. He had a solid showing at guard during the senior bowl, and held his own while taking snaps at center as well. He's an obvious fit for the type of blocking schemes and gameplan that Cleveland currently utilizes, and should provide quality snaps early on in his NFL career at multiple positions.
Braeden Daniels, Utah - 6'4", 294 Lbs.
RAS Score/Athletic Testing:
Pass Blocking: Daniels displays good footwork, bend, and technique as a pass blocker. He times his punches well, and locks onto defenders upon initial contact with strong hands. He has great awareness when uncovered on the line of scrimmage, showing the ability to help slow down larger defensive tackles while keeping his eyes open for stunts or delayed blitzes.
Run Blocking: Daniels explodes out of his stance and moves like a tight end in space. He is constantly able to make reach blocks and overtake defenders in zone schemes with ease. Despite being known as more of an athletic lineman that wins with technique and leverage, he also possesses a good amount of power and functional strength. He's able to drive opponents off the ball and turn his opponent away from the hole in order to wall off defenders. Daniels sifts through traffic well at the line of scrimmage and takes good angles when attacking linebackers. He constantly adjusts his hand placement in order to maintain control of the defender throughout the entire play. He also shows good range as a lead blocker when pulling.
Team Fit: Daniels is a super athletic player that is perfectly suited for Cleveland's offensive scheme. He can initially provide depth at both guard and tackle, while giving the team a possible starting option for the future.
Asim Richards, UNC - 6'4", 309 Lbs.
RAS Score/Athletic Testing: Richards didn't participate in athletic testing while at the 2023 NFL Combine.
Pass Blocking: Richards has adequate overall footwork, stunt/twist awareness, and anchoring ability to handle bull rushers with ease. One of his best qualities as a pass blocker is his hand placement. Richards knows exactly where to punch and latch on to the defender in order to control what the opponent is able to do.
Run Blocking: He has a thickly built and strong lower body that allows him to overpower defenders and drive them backwards at the point of attack. He is a great zone blocker on both the front and back side of plays due to his strong post-arm that prevents defenders from running "underneath" his block. Richards also does a great job of taking good angles when getting to the second level, and then breaking down to ensure that he doesn't overrun the defender.
Richards is also known for his ability to sustain and finish blocks with authority. This usually leads to a good amount of cutback lanes on the backside of zone plays, which creates more opportunities for the ball carriers.
Team Fit: Richards is an excellent fit for the Cleveland offense overall. He's powerful and athletic enough to be effective when gap blocking on trap and counter plays, as well as in Stefanski staples like wide zone and "Duo". He should be able to play both guard and right tackle at the next level, which is also a big advantage because the Browns love versatility on the offensive line room.
