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2024 NFL Combine | 5 Cleveland Browns potential draft targets in Indianapolis
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- 2024 NFL Combine | 5 Cleveland Browns potential draft targets in Indianapolis
The Browns have been in draft mode for some time over the last month . However, they will ramp it up significantly next week when they attend the NFL Combine in Indianapolis .
With no first-round pick for the third consecutive year thanks to the 2022 Deshaun Watson trade, it may take a little bit of the glitz off of the draft process. After all, it's those prospects who draw the most attention during the run-up to the draft, which is April 26-29 in Detroit .
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However, the Browns still have seven picks in this year's draft, the first of which falls at No. 54 overall, the 22nd pick in the second round. They are also slated to have picks in the third round (No. 85), fifth round (Nos. 135, 155), sixth round (Nos. 205, 208) and seventh round (No. 228).
Plenty of talented players and future NFL stars will be on the board for pick No. 54. Here's a look at five players, in alphabetical order, who should have the attention of the Browns in Indianapolis.
Junior Colson , linebacker, Michigan
Michigan linebacker Junior Colson tackles Washington running back Will Nixon during the second half of the College Football Playoff national championship game in Houston, Jan. 8, 2024.
This could turn into wishful thinking since Colson could sees his stock jump in the Combine setting. Also, in Jim Schwartz's defensive scheme, linebacker is a relatively low priority. Still, Colson, the Wolverines' leading tackler, would be the ideal player to pair with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah , himself a former second-round pick. With both Anthony Walker Jr. and Sione Takitaki slated to be free agents — although at least one could be back —the 6-foot-3, 247-pound tackling machine could be the perfect replacement. Colson has been incredibly instinctual in his play while also being sound fundamentally to the point where missed tackles have not been a major issue.
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Malachi Corley, receiver, Western Kentucky
The first of two receivers on this list, Corley is an intriguing prospect starting with his frame. The former Hilltopper stands 5-10, 215 pounds, which is more what you would see in a running back, That provides Corley with a solid foundation that he uses to his advantage both as a pass-catcher and as a perimeter blocker. Where he's excelled is getting yards after the catch, averaging more than 9 yards after catch over the past two seasons. That burst is what the Browns need after only two wide receivers — Amari Cooper (271 yards after catch) and Elijah Moore (191) ― had more than 88 total yards after catch for the season. It also could make him a potential threat in the run game, something Moore never really became last season.
Michael Hall Jr., defensive tackle, Ohio State
Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. (51) takes the field for warm-ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
The Streetsboro High School product only had 1.5 sacks this past season for the Buckeyes. However, according to The Athletic's Dane Brugler, Hall had an 18.3% pass-rush win rate, which was second among all defensive tackles in FBS college football. That makes the 6-2, 280-pound Hall the ideal defensive tackle for Schwartz's aggressive scheme. With the Browns facing the possibility of some significant turnover at defensive tackle because of free agency, Hall would be the ideal player to drop in to add more young talent. He boasts a quick first step and good upper-body strength, but the size may allow Hall to still be around when the Browns finally get on the clock.
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Ruke Orhorhoro , defensive tackle, Clemson
Clemson defensive end Ruke Orhorhoro (33) reacts after a play against Florida Atlantic, Sept. 16, 2023.
Another potential defensive tackle replacement for the Browns. The former Tiger has been a better run stopper than pass rusher through his time in college. That's not to say Orhorhoro is incapable of developing into another interior pass rusher if he ends up in Cleveland . It's just that the 6-4, 288-pound Orhorhoro's base will start with his ability to plug up the run — a reminder, the Browns still play in the AFC North — as he steadily develops a consistent pass-rush. He comes into the Combine with a quickness and a balance in his game that provides a solid floor.
Malik Washington, receiver, Virginia
Washington is the second receiver on this list and one who's become the darling of the early draft season. Coming off a strong final season with the Cavaliers, the 5-8, 181-pound receiver took off once he got to Texas last month for the East-West Shrine Bowl. Washington showed off the quick burst and acceleration against other prospects that could help him rise up draft boards if he builds off of that at the Combine and Virginia's pro day. Washington would be able to give the Browns a presence in the slot to create mismatches.
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Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 5 Browns potential 2024 NFL draft targets at the NFL Combine
