The Cleveland Browns have this reputation of making big splashes in the offseason, only to flop like a fish when it matters. This time though things are different. The Browns just made the playoffs for the first time since 2002 and are set to do so again next season.
Cleveland made smart moves in free agency and so far, looks like one of the offseason winners. Easily the biggest need for the Browns in the upcoming draft was edge defender, but the signing of Jadeveon Clowney will push this need down a bit.
Below are three choices for Cleveland in the draft.
1. Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State
The Browns added veteran cornerback Troy Hill to fortify their secondary and have a promising, young duo in Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams. The caveats to these players are that Hill is best suited to play inside the slot, while Ward and Williams have problems staying on the field due to injuries. Ward has yet to play in more than 13 games in his three-year career, while Williams missed all of last season, due to a nerve injury.
If Samuel comes close to the production his father had as a two-time All-Pro with a pair of rings, then this pick would be a home run. Samuel is a bit undersized at 5'10, 184 pounds, but makes up for it with his agility and ability to easily change direction. Despite his small frame, he is a willing tackler in the run game and does not project to be a weak point at the professional level.
He does his best work in man coverage and will need to improve his play when the team plays zone. There are concerns over his ball skills, but playing in a defense with many talents should help him make more plays on the ball.
2. Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
The arrival of safety John Johnson III will bolster the Cleveland pass defense, but the team could use more depth and upside at the position. Hopefully, Grant Delpit returns to his old self at LSU after suffering an Achilles' tendon injury last season.
Similar to other teams, the Browns are embracing the use of more defensive backs in their formations. As such, it is important not to give up too much size, especially when the opposing team runs the ball. This is where Moehrig comes in, who ironically has a similar physical profile to Delpit at 6'2 and 202 pounds.
Safety is not one of the best positions in this draft class, but Moehrig is the best safety prospect available. He regularly makes plays and has very good ball skills. Moehrig has the versatility to lineup at the slot when needed and plays with the right amount of physicality, so he should not be giving up penalties. He is a smooth athlete, although he is not exceptionally fast.
3. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
The front office acquired Anthony Walker to provide some help to the linebacker corps, but as a unit, they could still use some improvement. Owusu-Koramoah is widely regarded as the second-best linebacker prospect and Cleveland may have to trade up to get him.
At 6'1, 220 pounds, Owusu-Koramoah is built closer to a safety than a linebacker. He can play a hybrid role for the Browns. He is a fantastic athlete with good length. Owusu-Koramoah has excellent coverage skills and can be put on tight ends and shiftier wide receivers.
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