Browns 7-Round Mock Draft, Ver. 2: Bigger, Faster, Stronger
Save for a handful of individual players hosting their own pro days as a result of injury, there isn't much more information for teams to collect ahead of the NFL Draft. Teams including the Cleveland Browns are hosting private visits and starting to put together their draft boards.
Since the Browns are giving the rest of the league a 73 pick head start, the organization is trying to address as many issues as possible before the draft, so they have the freedom to focus on adding as much talent as possible. While rookies may earn their way onto the field this year, the Browns aren't expecting nearly as much from their rookies as they have in years past.
Even last year when the Browns first selection didn't occur until pick 68, it was clear they needed some impact from the group. After all, they took kicker Cade York in the fourth round. That expanded to Emerson earning a large role on defense and then necessity demanded Alex Wright play a ton of reps with some contributions from David Bell, Perrion Winfrey and Isaiah Thomas mixed in.
There are positions like slot corner that could allow a faster path to the field if the player they were to select proves themselves able to contribute early. Overall, the Browns are starting to select players that are depth now that will hopefully head off some needs in the future.
And while there were no trades here, it still appears likely the Browns will make trades this year, likely trying to add future draft assets in the process.
74. D.J. Turner II, CB Michigan
Turner is a lightweight corner who possesses elite speed and he is not afraid. His supreme confidence in his ability to match and run with opponents allows him to keep his eyes forward longer than most corners and allows him to break on the ball on quick hitting routes like slants and hitches.
Often tasked with covering the opponent's top threat, Turner doesn't back down or change his playing style. Marvin Harrison Jr. of Ohio State, arguably the best receiver in the country was able to make some plays against Turner, but he had to work for them, a common theme with his games.
Turner is clearly at his best playing man coverage. He does have experience in zone and can do it, but he doesn't look as comfortable employing a shuffle technique. Versatile enough to play inside or outside, Turner's quickest path to the field will be to play in the slot.
And while Turner's lack of density does present some concerns, he's feisty as a tackler. It doesn't take much for him to gain a head of steam and he will wrap up and get the opponent on the ground. However, if he's flat footed and effectively trying to catch an opposing ball carrier, he's going for a ride.
The hope is that Turner can gain at least a little more weight as he transitions to the NFL, but he may be like Denzel Ward, someone who is always going to be playing in the 170 range.
For Jim Schwartz, who wants to run a significant amount of man coverage, Turner gives them another corner option that can turn and run with just about anyone. Combined with Ward, Greg Newsome and Martin Emerson Jr., the defense could utilize a daunting dime package.
By virtue of Turner's lack of size, it would be prudent to pair him with a safety that function as a big nickel that can be deployed against teams with heavier personnel or want to run more. Should the Browns consistently put opponents into obvious passing situations, Turner's ability to get to the ball might yield more turnovers in the NFL.
98. Isaiah McGuire, DE Missouri
As the Browns continue to evolve their defensive line to a unit Jim Schwartz can be proud of, Isaiah McGuire is a power end with versatility to potentially kick inside. McGuire has two good years of production for the Missouri Tigers. He also boasts well rounded athletic profile, but there is one notable hole in his resume.
McGuire is a stout run defender, able to hold the point of attack and avoid getting reached. His long arms can enable him to keep opposing blockers out of his body, separate and make a play on the ball carrier.
McGuire shows good awareness avoiding getting beat on cutback runs, occasionally punishing ball carriers who try it. Likewise, he does a nice job chasing down the line and tracking down the ball carrier.
Rushing the passer, he's able to cause problems for opponents with power, able to uproot some of the more sturdy opponents he faced this season. That enables him to then shed and attack the quarterback or potentially slip the block, swatting the blocker's hands out of the way as he gains a head of steam attacking the quarterback. As long as McGuire's hips are pointed where he wants to go, he's in good shape.
When he pinches, it can be to devastating effect, splitting the guard and tackle or isolating the guard and driving them into the backfield, bubbling a run or getting immediate pressure on the quarterback. McGuire will attempt to run the arc at points, but he struggles to turn the corner. He doesn't have great hips and his short area quickness as a whole is rather underwhelming at this point.
The larger problem for McGuire is his get off. Both on tape and at least suggested by his 10-yard split, his ability to fire off the ball quickly is inconsistent. He needs to work to get better to put opponents at a disadvantage. Too often, McGuire is playing catch up. This could prove to be a fatal flaw, but if he can improve it, it could enable him to take a leap forward at the next level.
Nevertheless, McGuire has been able to generate pressure and make plays in the backfield. His ability to slant could be helpful for a Schwartz-led defense that wants to stunt. McGuire is threatening in his own right when he slants, putting stress on the opponent, but he can also clear out an opposing blocker for a twisting teammate to get home to the quarterback.
Whether he has his hand on the ground or is operating from a two-point stance, McGuire has operated almost exclusively on the right side of the defense. He will need to get comfortable working from from the left as well. Additionally, he looks like someone who could kick inside and he might still have room to add weight to his frame.
McGuire has tools and the makings of effective moves that could translate to the NFL, but needs significant refinement. Against the University of Georgia, he looked like he had the strength to hang with Broderick Jones, a projected first round left tackle. He was able to challenge him throughout the matchup, but lacked the ability to finish plays.
If McGuire can continue to improve his starts off the line of scrimmage and get a better feel for how to attack opposing blockers, he could become a full service base end.
111. Jonathan Mingo, WR Ole Miss
The Browns want to keep adding speed to the offense and particularly wide receiver. Jonathan Mingo is pound for pound one of the fastest receivers in this class. No, he's not running in the 4.3's, but he's also got between 25 and 45 pounds on any receiver in this class who is.
Unfortunately, Mingo's production has never been elite, which is often an important indicator of success in the NFL. That's also why Mingo is potentially available here as opposed to the first or second round.
Mingo has done most of his work out of the slot and if that's all he is in the NFL, he can be a valuable weapon. However, his work at the Senior Bowl and athletic testing keep providing reason to believe he can contribute on the outside, even if it's only in situations where they want to isolate him on a smaller corner to the boundary with three receivers to the field. Mingo has also done some work as a wing, something Jarvis Landry did in his time with the Browns. He could be a good weapon to use out of condensed formations, something Kevin Stefanski has often utilized in his time as head coach.
The mere fact he's able to line up and function in so many spots suggests he's a smart football player who is motivated to know as much as possible to help the team. Mingo can certainly catch passes, but he's an effectively blocker as well. He may be able to contribute in some of the roles the Browns typically reserve for their F.
The Browns have been a fan of Lane Kiffin's offenses both at Ole Miss and Florida Atlantic. They took the most productive player in his FAU offense in tight end Harrison Bryant and then traded for the most prolific wide receiver at Ole Miss, Elijah Moore. Evaluators and coaches aren't forced to use their imagination of what players might be able to do, because Kiffin has done it at some point and there's tape of it. Mingo has been no different.
Mingo excels on in breaking routes. He uses his size and strength well and he's got long arms to go out and pluck the ball out of the air. He has more trouble with routes that ask him to make dramatic cuts like comebacks. Mingo has flashed the ability to execute these concepts, but needs to continue to improve. That could enable him to become a more complete receiver at the next level.
Mingo is deceptively fast and if he's operating from the slot, a safety might be surprised at how quickly he can get on top of them, allowing him to take the top off of the defense. He's also effective after the catch because of his size and speed.
126. Nick Saldiveri, OL Old Dominion
Saldiveri has mostly played right tackle for the Monarchs, but he does have a game's worth of reps at right guard. It shouldn't be entirely out of the question that Saldiveri could be an effective pass protecting right tackle in the NFL, his arm length will likely land him inside at guard.
An excellent pass protector, Saldiveri mirrors effectively. He's patient when it comes to engaging the opponent, rarely caught lunging in the process. When opponents try to go around him, he rarely looks stressed. Power, on the other hand, can give him some trouble. This was particularly on display at the Senior Bowl. Operating at guard, he had some difficulties anchoring against some of the competition even as he was able to improve throughout the week.
Saldiveri is aggressive, but his run blocking is clunky. He plays too high, which can be problematic adjusting to moving targets, settling for cutting opponents off as opposed to beating them.
What stood out at the Senior Bowl more than anything else was how much lower he played. At Old Dominion, Saldiveri often stood out and he played every bit of 6'6". In Mobile, he played with lower hips, a wider base and everything just looked easier for him.
With his physical tools, the Browns may view him as a player that offensive line coaches Bill Callahan and Scott Peters can mold for the future. Playing in less space could allow Saldiveri to show off his power in addition to his movement skills.
140. Israel Abanikanda, RB Pittsburgh
Israel Abanikanda has gotten a ton of buzz due to his athletic testing at his Pro Day, but he was likely on the Browns radar dating back as far as September. When the owner of the team is a huge Tennessee fan and Pitt takes them to overtime in large part because Abanikanda produces a combined 175 yards on 26 touches, it would be surprising if he didn't mention it to the team's front office with some questions.
Yes, Abanikanda's athleticism is excellent, but he's also still 20 years old and was responsible for 29.9 percent of the team's offensive yardage this past season. He also returned kicks.
Abanikanda is still developing as a back and has some areas he can improve, but his production alone at his age suggests he can be a great back in the NFL.
The other element that stands out is Abanikanda's running style and how he operated within the Pitt offense. The Panthers are a heavy zone scheme and run a ton of condensed formations. Often with an attached tight end or wings as part of the blocking scheme, everyone is trying to create a seam for Abanikanda to slip through and gain yardage. With the tight quarters, he has been a north and south runner, often keeping his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage, making small adjustments as he's trying to keep himself going forward. Abanikanda has also become effective at getting behind his pads and finishing runs, even if it's at the cost at perhaps trying to make an opponent miss and try for a bigger play.
Most of Abanikanda's explosive runs are between the tackles and he stays between the hashes. With the Browns hoping to spread teams out with their receiving threats, Abanikanda is going to get what's there, punish the remaining defenders in the middle and if they hesitate, he can blow by them and potentially score. Abanikanda's size becomes valuable in this case and given his age and there's every reason to believe he's only going to keep adding muscle. Abanikanda is a workhorse and a closer.
More experience and coaching could help him continue to improve his vision. He has had some opportunities to contribute as a receiver, able to get out and catch screens and check down type passes. Abanikanda needs to get more consistent in pass protection as well.
142. Keondre Coburn, DT Texas
It certainly appears as though defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz loves big men who can put pressure on the quarterback and if they don't sign a free agent behind Dalvin Tomlinson like Al Woods or A'Shawn Robinson, Keondre Coburn might be right up their alley.
Coburn is not someone a center wants to see lined up in front of him. He can play with good leverage, generates power and has the capability to drive a single blocker into the quarterback's lap. Coburn is quick enough off the ball that when opponents are expecting power and bracing for impact, he can slip by them with a swim move.
And while his raw production is pretty poor, PFF charted with him 31 pressures and four sacks on 253 pass rushes this past season. Coburn can threaten the quarterback himself, but he's even better when it comes to creating sack opportunities for teammates. When he's able to collapse the pocket, he takes up a ton of space and the quarterback has nowhere to go, enabling teammates to come around the edge and make the play.
That is one of the major reasons the Browns signed Dalvin Tomlinson to the contract they did. Coburn also has understated athleticism. His speed really stands out in pursuit when he cuts loose, able to help corral opponents going to the sideline. That speed can catch quarterbacks by surprise when he's able to disengage from a blocker with a line to the quarterback.
Defending the run, Coburn is not easy to move and when he drops his pads and makes a pile, he's not going anywhere. He doesn't have much length, which could be a challenge for him at the next level. Coburn just isn't a major threat to split or defeat the double and make the play himself. That helps to explain why he has so few tackles. For the Browns, they may be perfectly happy for him to clog up lanes and allowing teammates to make plays. It could limit his ceiling, but would allow him to find a role on this team as part of a rotation.
190. Trevor Nowaske, LB Saginaw Valley State
In a desert of a linebacker class when it comes to getting a player who can take on and shed blocks, Trevor Nowaske is an oasis. The division II stand out was a dominant force for the Cardinals the past two seasons.
Nowaske was a man amongst boys against the opponents he played, which included the eventual national champion Ferris State Bulldogs. Nowaske has excellent speed, but he's dominant at the point of attack, able to destroy blocks and still make the play on the ball carrier.
Saginaw Valley State used Nowaske to do a little bit of everything in their defense. An overhang defender on the open side of formations, lining up over tight ends, blitzing up the middle and just operating as a run and chase player. Nowaske was an effective zone defender and was able to bait quarterbacks into interceptions. He possessed both the strength and athleticism to do just about anything.
He may project to take a similar path as Sione Takitaki did coming out of BYU. SAM linebacker that could evolve into a full-time MIKE. Given his skill set, Nowaske has the traits a team would love to have in the middle of the defense. Speed and range to track down ball carriers and contribute in coverage, Nowaske ability to play downhill, take on and defeat blocks, still able to make plays on the ball carrier.
Nowaske was also able to stand out at the Tropical Bowl. At his pro day, 16 teams showed up and reportedly one of them was the Browns.
The level of competition will be the biggest issue for Nowaske as he transitions from D-II to the NFL. That might be the only thing that keeps Nowaske from being drafted much higher and even that may not be enough simply because there are virtually no other linebackers built like Nowaske. He's more athletic than many of the smaller ones.
229. Chamarri Conner, S Virginia Tech
Perhaps the Browns feel good enough about D'Anthony Bell to grow into a slot safety and he could fill out the role along with D.J. Turner. But if they want another option or competition, no one has more experience in that spot than Chamarri Conner of Virginia Tech, playing a combined 1,830 snaps according to PFF.
Conner has a pretty good sense of underneath zone and the limits of his range. He can do a nice job of being able to get back to defend passes. Conner is able to break them up, but he struggles when it comes to creating turnovers. More comfortable playing downhill or with his eyes on the quarterback or the ball, Conner has had some trouble when he is forced to turn his back to the play.
When he's confident in what he sees and attacks, he flashes the athleticism he showcased in his testing, able to find his way through trash in order to make the play. The challenge for both Conner and the coaching staff will be to expand the situations he is confident so he can play faster. Otherwise, there are too many situations where he looks ordinary, even out of place on the field.
Conner is a two-time captain for the Hokies, which should be appealing to the Browns. He also has a ton of experience on special teams. This is another opportunity to get the most out of his athleticism on kick and punt coverage.
The hope for someone like Conner is that because he has played so much football at this position, he'll be able to acclimate quickly and it becomes a matter of adjusting to the level of competition. With more talent around him, it may allow him a more specific role in which he can excel.
