Browns Potential 2023 NFL Draft Sleeper Targets
Since the Cleveland Browns don't have picks early in the 2023 NFL Draft and may be trying to trade picks for future draft assets, they could use late round and especially undrafted free agents to try to fill out their 90-man roster.
There are some fair questions to ask about the talent of this draft class, but when the players aren't costing anything but cash, they become far more interested. How much of a difference is there between some of the safeties and linebackers that will be selected this year and some of the players signed after the draft?
Undoubtedly, there will be players the Browns are excited about and want to add to their team with some of their draft picks, but they could find some competition and potentially some players who could be in the running to make the practice squad or even push for a roster spot.
Of the 11 players included, the Browns have definitely talked to a few of them while others are attempts at projections based on what the team appears to want for this team in 2023 and beyond.
Malik Cunningham, QB Louisville
Cunningham is already 24 years old, he's short and he's light. He also needs to continue working on improving as a passer. And yet, Cunningham is electric with the ball in his hands and he looked better than some may have expected in both the Reese's Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine as a passer.
The Browns currently have three dual-threat quarterbacks in Deshaun Watson, Joshua Dobbs and Kellen Mond. They have visited with multiple quarterbacks and will likely add a camp arm. And Cunningham is the likeliest to be available.
In the event they cut either Mond or Dobbs to craft their 53-man roster, the one who doesn't make it could find a job with another team. In that event, Cunningham could become the third string option on the practice squad.
Cunningham could run some of the RPO stuff in the Browns offense, primarily winning with his legs, which could open up some opportunities to throw the ball and help the Browns win a game in a pinch. He may also be useful as a scout team player that helps prepare the Browns for dynamic passing threats.
Hassan Hall, RB Georgia Tech
Hall was the leading rushing for the Yellow Jackets this past season, but whether with Louisville or Georgia Tech, he's never really popped at the collegiate level. Nevertheless, Hall does project to be a decent fit in an offense that creates space in the middle of the field.
Hall is a track athlete in the backfield and has excellent speed. If he does nothing else but gets exactly what is blocked for him, he could be worth a look for the Browns. If opponents are preoccupied with defending the passing game and various receiving threats, Hall can eat up chunks of yardage.
He's also someone that has excelled on kick return and could be worthwhile with punts. The Browns still have Jakeem Grant Sr. on the roster and that could be his role this year. Hall could be someone who earns his way to the practice squad and takes that job over in a year while potentially contributing as a running back.
The Browns could also take a look at Youngstown State back Jaleel McLaughlin, but Khalan Laborn out of Marshall might offer more athletic upside. He's a tank that was a major reason the Herd upset Notre Dame.
Xavier Gipson, WR Stephen F. Austin
In a class with so many undersized speedsters, Gipson could find himself undrafted, but the Lumberjack slot receiver could be a great economical option. Gipson was prolific in four seasons in Nacogdoches, compiling 243 receptions for 4,311 yards and 37 touchdowns against 16 drops, a rate of 7.4 percent according to PFF. And he did it almost entirely from the slot.
Gipson is short, but he plays bigger than his size, willing to go up and get the ball. At nearly 190 pounds, he's got more strength than some might expect, which could help him create space down the field. Gipson is confident with the ball in his hands, able to create after the catch. He also chipped in four touchdowns as a punt returner and could be another option in that role.
Given the way the Browns appear to be evolving their offense, it could be a good selling point to attract a player like Gipson as the Browns continue to find ways to add speed and give Deshaun Watson more weapons.
Joel Wilson, TE Central Michigan
Wilson could go undrafted as a result of being in such a talented class, but he would be a great option as as a free agent. Wilson produced at a high level for the Chippewas. He was second on the team in receptions (44) and yards (445), but led the team in touchdowns with 6 despite missing the final three games with an injury.
Wilson also boasts excellent agility, which could be helpful in creating separation. He needs to get stronger and improve as a blocker as well as getting more consistent in the passing game. There's just a lot to like about Wilson's game and reason to believe he could make an NFL roster. If Wilson does go undrafted, it would not be surprising if there's plenty of competition for his services.
Jake Witt, OT Northern Michigan
Witt has prototypical size for the tackle position and his athletic testing was elite. Unfortunately, he possesses a narrow build and has little clue what he's doing.
Much depends on how coachable the Browns feel like Witt is, but they've gone this route before with Alex Taylor, a former basketball player who tried to transition to football. Taylor has had multiple stints with the Browns and is still in the NFL.
Witt is a former basketball player and tight end trying to make the switch to tackle. In addition to the amount of work he needs technically, Witt needs to continue to add weight to hold up in the NFL . The Browns had Witt in for a visit, so he is firmly on their radar. The combination of Bill Callahan and Scott Peters could be the ideal place to learn if he's going to make it in the NFL.
The other guy to keep an eye on is Trevor Reid out of Louisville. He tested as the best overall athlete at the tackle position. The problem for Reid is he's light on his feet to the point it's a negative. Needs substantial work but played higher level competition than Witt.
Matthew Trehern, G UAB
Trehern was a three-year starter for the Blazers. He has experience at both left and right guard, but is also being looked at for center. Trehern has excellent movement skills and while he didn't test with great explosion, he was able to power clean 385 pounds last July.
Trehern was part of an offensive line that helped power the Blazers to 5,401 rushing yards the past two seasons. He also had the opportunity to play against Georgia in 2021 and then LSU in 2022.
Levi Bell, DL Texas State
Listed as an edge player, Bell rarely played there. Most of the time, he ended up in the B gap, be it as a 4i or true 3-tech. He's short and stubby in terms of arm length. However, he is lightning quick, demonstrates excellent power and consistently plays with his hair on fire.
All of his athletic testing is outstanding, but if his 10-yard split of 1.53 is to be believed, the only player that was faster on the defensive line was Nolan Smith out of Georgia. His burst off the line of scrimmage on tape is impressive, so even if that's exaggerated, Bell can still get off the ball.
Bell offers a team like the Browns options. Based on his athleticism, they can see if he can hack it at the wide-9 end. They can also leave him inside and see if he can work as an undersized penetrator that can attack at various angles and stunt, something defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz likes to do. If he sticks inside, he should be able to add some weight to his frame without sacrificing athleticism, Either way, Bell is someone that could be an intriguing flyer.
Derek Parish, EDGE Houston
Parish is an undersized pass rusher who looks pretty maxed out in terms of his body. He's already 24 years old and only played four games this past season due to a season-ending torn bicep. So why should anyone care about him? In those four games, Parish racked up 26 pressures and six sacks according to PFF.
Parish is a ridiculous athlete. He's not simply fast. Parish has notable power, reportedly power cleaning over 400 pounds and squatting over 600. It shows up on the field. So for a team that wants to utilize a wide-9 defensive end, they can put an edge rusher with elite speed who can convert to power. The only hang up the Browns might have is his short arms, but that's why they'd be grabbing him as an undrafted free agent.
And yet, Parish went to the East-West Shrine Game and participated as a fullback. He excelled in that role as well, showcasing the ability to get open and catch the football. Parish also has tons of reps on special teams and could be find his way onto the field there.
With everything Parish does, the New England Patriots and Bill Belichick may draft him in the first round, but should he go undrafted, he could be a great fit for the Browns, providing a number of avenues to find him a home.
Trevor Nowaske, LB Saginaw Valley State
A man amongst boys at the Division II level, Nowaske was consistently dominant. In a linebacker class where finding linebackers who can take on and defeat blocks is rare, he often made it look easy. He also excelled in zone coverage, able to intercept four passes in his final season.
Projecting to the NFL and that level of competition, his best path forward may be similar to Sione Takitaki. Start him as a SAM linebacker and let him find a home on special teams. With time, he could train to play in the middle of the defense. Level of competition is a major factor, but Nowaske is an elite athlete with ideal size for the position.
The Browns reportedly attended Nowaske's pro day.
Charlie Thomas, LB Georgia Tech
At 216 pounds, Thomas is not going to play linebacker in the NFL. However, he played safety in high school, has excellent athleticism and is always around the football. Rather than focus on what he can't do, focus on what he can do and find a spot where he can excel. That may be the slot. Thomas has shown good coverage skills and has racked up production behind the line of scrimmage.
The angles and coverage responsibilities change, but he has the mindset to play that role and 321 reps of experience in that role over the past two seasons. Additionally, he has been a consistent contributor on special teams, something that will be necessary if he hopes to make the active roster.
Thomas could compete with D'Anthony Bell for that particular roster spot. The loser still may end up on the practice squad, being called up often to contribute on special teams.
Kahlef Haillasie, CB Western Kentucky
The well traveled Haillasie stated his career at Oregon before a two-year stint at Independence Community College in Kansas, finishing with two seasons for the Hilltoppers.
Haillasie possesses elite quickness for the position and is extremely competitive, always looking to try to make plays on the ball. Needs to continue adding strength, but offers some potential versatility. Has played on the outside, but might be someone who can convert to the slot. And like most players who could be vying for a roster spot that go undrafted, Haillasie has plenty of experience on special teams.
Anthony Kendall, DB Baldwin Wallace
Almost within throwing distance of the Browns facility, Kendall was a D3 All-American at free safety. He could also get a look in the slot. He tested well in multiple Pro Days including Toledo.
The Browns have found success with undrafted defensive backs since Andrew Berry became the general manager. A.J. Green and D'Anthony Bell were both undrafted free agents who were able to make contributions on the team. Bell made the team out of North Florida last year and Green just signed his tender.
