CLEVELAND, Ohio – Last week, I highlighted five linebackers who should target the Browns in the upcoming draft. Hopefully that piece served as an appetizer for the 2021 backcourt. Next in what I call a ‘priming sampler’ before the April draft, I will describe five defensive goals that fans should get to know.
Like a linebacker, this position features several interesting prospects whose promising length, athleticism and resume exactly match what the Browns are looking for. In 26th place, Cleveland has no chance of beating Michigan’s Kwity Paye. He projects as a top 10 pick.
After Paye, however, it is unclear how many pass-rushers are chosen between him and the Browns’ choice. It can be nothing. To give Cleveland a satisfying tray. Or maybe go two or three ends, and let the Browns reach themselves or look elsewhere.
With so much unknown turmoil surrounding the 2021 concept, I doubt a consensus is emerging after Payne. This is because there are many options. Let’s start there and then close with three options the Browns can choose to help Myles Garrett.
Gregory Rousseau, 6 feet 6, 260 pounds, sophomore, Miami – (1st round choice, possible dissertation)
Miami defensive line Gregory Rousseau celebrates a turnover and carries the turnover chain September 21, 2019 against Central Michigan in Miami Gardens, Fla.(Brynn Anderson, Associated Press)
While researching NFL draft prospects, I occasionally flip through random corners of Twitter dedicated to college football. Recently I found this tweet. It really made me take a second and third look at the Greg Rousseau, Miami.
At +1800, Rousseau had no chance of getting number 1 buzz. Eventually, he opted out of the 2020 season and killed the bet. But the tweet went out in May, naming Rousseau as the fourth best college football player. This is impressive.
So I included the suggestion that the Browns might have to trade for him. If he is not yet considered a top-20 pick, I am confident he will be soon. At his foot 6 and 260 pounds, someone of his size usually lives on basketball courts. His athletics matches also match.
He can separate under the offensive lineout or use his speed to turn it. His 16 bags in 2019 as a first-year student prove it. He lied to guards and swallowed quarterbacks, who were more lethal against domestic lines.
Carlos Basham Jr., 6 feet 5, 285 pounds, senior, Wake First (1st round choice, possible dissertation)
Like Rousseau, Wake Forest’s Carlos Basham Jr. could also be a top-20 pick. As the draft day approaches, I would not be surprised if both Rousseau and Basham are ahead of no. 26 are not selected. That is, should GM Andrew Berry and his scouts fall sharply over one of these two points, the Browns should seriously consider trading to secure them.
Cleveland has nine choices in the 2021 draft, including extra third and fourth rounds. If Berry considers it, the Browns have enough ammunition to jump multiple places. From what I read and hear, Basham sounds worthwhile.
Weighing in at almost 300, Basham moves like a point carrying 40 pounds less. There are some reports that he could have been a little too heavy this season. He did not look as explosive as she herself in 2019. But a pro team will identify its ideal playing weight.
He also does not play with as much power as someone of his size. Because he can shake like a much lighter player, he sometimes competes that way too. Although it sounds negative, I expect an NFL staff member to emphasize his strong strengths and demand that he focus on them rather than “getting cute” as one report reads.
He is more proven against tackles than Rousseau and equally effective inside, as shown below.
Jordan Smith, 6 feet 6, 255 pounds, junior, UAB – (Choice of day 2)
American team linebacker Jordan Smith of UAB (22) chases national team fullback Ian Book of Notre Dame (12) in the second half of the Reese’s Senior Bowl on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile , Ala. (Mike Kittrell / AL.com)
Jordan Smith took a few detours before finally playing college football in 2019. His results were overwhelming. By relying on his long arms and fast hands, Smith earned a 93 degree of defense from PFF. Having played more than 21 games in two seasons, he scored 89 tackles, including 23.5 for a loss, 12.5 sacks and three fumbles.
His mix of size and speed makes him an interesting prospect. If he projects better than an outside linebacker in a traditional 3-4 defense, the Browns will not pick him. His size makes him an intermediary who may be more inclined towards outside backs because he has not gained much weight over the past two seasons.
However, if an office thinks they can enlarge the 23-year-old project, he could become a traditional defensive point and a compliment to Garrett. Check out the rep below at the Senior Bowl. He plays a real defensive end. His disruptive style and dazzling length are both displayed.
Patrick Jones, 6 feet 5, 264 pounds, senior, Pittsburgh – (3rd or 4th round choice)
Next ends some talented Pittsburgh defense. First, senior Patrick Jones. There are quite a few favorable entries on Jones and his game band shows a steady ruser and clever defender. In 22 games, he yielded 24 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks. Again, he is steady.
Pro Football Focus rated him a 77 overall against the pass. Physically, its average length does not impress, but its production must compensate for it. He has the opportunity to immediately contribute as an even front, which needs exactly the browns.
One of the funniest parts of searching for movies about these prospects is finding things you do not expect. This is what happened to me after watching the clip below. Jones was drafted against a Division III prospect. Since I played college football against Wisconsin Whitewater, I thought this clip would be a good Jones highlight. Wow, I was wrong.
It’s ridiculous to judge a player from one rep, but it’s a very impressive effort by Quinn Meinerz against a Power 5 stud.
Rashad Weaver, 6 feet, 4,265 pounds, senior, Pittsburgh – (Choose 3rd or 4th round)
On the other hand, Rashad Weaver has not yet lost a representative. From the same exercise as Jones, Weaver dominates this one-on-one with a beautiful double move. He attacks the opponent with a speed-to-power rush from outside, forcing the attack to strike.
As soon as Weaver notices an over-extension, he utilizes it by leaning heavily on the outer shoulder of the tackle and turning inward for a pocket. Dwight Freeney fans, be happy.
There is a lot to like about Weaver. He is dense but still has room to add bulk. He lacks a bit of speed, but makes up for it with his power rush and combinations. He will immediately be able to take a lead and defend the run.
Weaver is one of five names that caught my early attention. There are many more edge rushers to research as we set up the concept. Later this week, I will highlight five defensive backs who should target the Browns. Once we work through the needs of Browns, we will begin to study these prospects more closely.
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