Top 3 for the Top 10
Here is a look at five guys who should be on the Browns radar with their second first round pick, likely to be anywhere from 6-15 in the first round.
1. Reuben Foster - MLB - Alabama
He might be the most naturally gifted MLB to come through Bama in the last decade, in a group that includes McClain, Mosely, Hightower and Ragland.
He understands pursuit angles incredibly well and is adept at shedding blockers to fill gaps in the run game. First step is excellent, though I've seen him get fooled in the read-option game a bit at times.
So athletic for his size, glides to the ball with authority and lays the wood.
Some off-the-field concerns surrounding him, but nothing debilitating from any reports out there.
Why He Fits:
Christian Kirksey and Jaime Collins are already in the fold, and Danny Shelton has emerged to make life easier for the linebacker unit on this team. With those three Pro Bowl caliber players, Foster is a great fit to establish a consistent rush defense. Additionally, Ray Horton is the perfect coach to get the most out of his talent.
Film Study:
2016 - vs. Tennessee
2016 - vs. Texas A&M
2. Jamal Adams - S - LSU
Will be a team leader the minute he steps onto an NFL football field. Son of a former NFL guy and makes a habit of film study with former NFL coaches who are close to the LSU program. Dedicated guy and a superstar on the field.
Honey Badger 2.0, but is bigger and a natural safety with range who can play the run and the pass at a high level.
He's more Eric Berry than anyone I've seen in the last few years.
Why He Fits:
The Browns secondary is devoid of playmakers at the safety position, and devoid of leadership as a unit. Adams fills both needs and is a future Pro Bowler at his position. An ideal fit in the 8-12 range of the first round.
Film Study:
2016 vs. Auburn
2016 vs. Miss. St.
3 - Malik McDowell - DL - Michigan State
Long arms and the ability to keep offensive lineman off his body in the run game has been a major advantage for him since he was a freshman. He gets horizontal in the run game and stretches plays out before using his lower body to get to the ball carrier.
Too often turns his hips off center and can fall victim to the cutback, and too often freelances outside the scheme to take himself out of the play.
At 6'5+, 280+, he presents a versatile option who lines up in just about any gap across the line and has been effective at causing havoc.
Good swim and good hands, any NFL defensive line coach worth their weight can turn him into an above average performer with time and his effort.
Why He Fits:
Danny Shelton has emerged as a Pro Bowl caliber player. But next to him remains nothing but question marks and while there are some promising rookies like Ogbah and Nassib, neither have the ceiling against the run McDowell does. These three players would give Horton the freedom to be creative and move them around, playing to their strengths and helping a linebacker unit.
Film Study:
2016 vs. Indiana
2016 vs. ND
Who is making a significant impact from the rookie class? I don't ask that to be facetious, I am genuinely interested if the metrics are saying these players are actually really good, or what. And no, I'm not passing final judgment on anyone in their first year.
