Dante Fowler: Browns Draft Profile

The Cleveland Browns season is over. We will spend a good amount of time reviewing the season but we will spend even more time preparing for the off-season. Browns 2015 NFL Draft seems ready to be a very interesting one for the team. With 10 picks, including two in the first round, the Browns are ready to make noise again for the second year in a row.

Instead the 2014 started off strong and ended with a thud. Last year the Browns draft included a big trade down and the drafting of Johnny Manziel. While the first round hasn’t panned out yet, the rest of the draft seems to be great. It is likely that GM Ray Farmer and Head Coach Mike Pettine see a greater need for more veteran talent on a very young roster and we expect them to be aggressive in seeking to bring in that talent during Browns free agency.

After free agency we wouldn’t be surprised if the Browns tried to trade their picks to move up, to get another veteran or went with best player available instead of drafting for need. Farmer did this last year when he drafted Joel Bitonio, Terrance West, Christian Kirksey and others instead of drafting a wide receiver. We could see that again.

In preparation for such we will be taking a look at certain players that we think the Browns could target. Keep in mind we are not saying that these are players they are targeting, although some rumors may start to leak of the Browns having interest in them, instead these are players that we think the Browns could or should have interest in. Our profile will try to include as much information as possible to prepare you for the NFL Draft.

Name

Dante Fowler Jr.

Position

Defensive End/Outside Linebacker

Height/Weight (Combine)

6’3″, 261 lbs

School

Florida Gators

Stats (link)

2014 – 12 games; 29 Solo tackles; 31 Assisted tackles; 15 tackles for loss; 8.5 sacks; 1 Pass broken Up; 2 Forced Fumble; 17 QB Hurry-Up

2014 NFL Draft Comparison

Khalil Mack – 5th overall (Oakland Raiders) – Mack was a great prospect that came out during the 2014 NFL Draft, some view him as the top overall outside linebacker while others sided with Anthony Barr; who ultimately was drafted 9th overall. Mack plays fast in pursuit with very good closing burst. Smooth lateral movements with good range, surging with his hips. Uses his length well to engage, swim and swat and uses a wide array of moves to keep blockers guessing.

2015 NFL Draft Range

Top 10 – 1st Round – Fowler is physical with offensive blockers and has shown the ability to be a heavy hitter to quarterback and running backs alike. Fowler can effectively get the job done against the run, displaying the ability to get into the back field and be effect in pursuit. Fowler values lies with his versatility, and he will draw interest from 4-3 teams as a defensive end as well as remaining as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Fowler looks likely to be a top-five pick.

"Dante Fowler took the kind of jump in 2014 that I had hoped for, and his improvement this year is an encouraging sign that he’s still getting better. At only 20-years-old, Fowler still has room to grow into his frame while maintaining a VG level of athletic ability and quickness. Once he gets to the NFL, he’ll need to be coached up in an effort to enhance his play recognition, but he has the ability to be a high-energy edge rusher that is capable of double-digit sacks in the NFL – Bryan Perez (@FirstRoundGrade)"

Fit with the Browns

The Browns are thin at the outside linebacker position, besides Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo the only other outside linebacker on the roster heading into next season is Keith Pough, a little known 2nd year player out of Harvard. At 6-foot-3, 261 pounds, Fowler has the overall size and frame that makes him a perfect match for teams that play a 4-3 defense (defensive end) and teams that play a 3-4 (outside linebacker). Fowler had an ideal NFL combine with a 4.6-second 40 yard dash, 32.5-inch vertical leap, and an 9’4″ broad jump. Fowler is raw but does have the necessary skills to compete at the next level, and he took a major step forward from his sophomore to junior season. In his junior season for the Gators Fowler played in 12 games and accumulated 60 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks. Fowler production was up from 3.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss in 2013.

Pass Rushing – Fowler has flashed a good swim move and was an effective speed guy on the edge while also winning at times by converting his speed to power. Fowler’s sack numbers in 2014 could have been better (8.5 sacks) if Fowler finished on a more consistent basis. Fowler’s downside is when he fails on his first move he gets locked up and is nullified on the play.

Run Stopping – Fowler has the ability to disrupt a play in the backfield and frustrate an offense’s game plan. He uses his hands well and is very active when slapping and chopping at the offensive tackle’s arms. He possesses the long stride and coordination needed to get to the running back from the backside and bring him to the ground.

Browns Player Selection Could Impact

N/A – The Browns have an obvious lack of depth at the outside linebacker position after the loss of Jabaal Sheard in free agency to the New England Patriots. While Fowler will likely not be there for the Browns at No. 12, if he were to slide into the 8-10 range, Farmer could be tempted to move up to select Fowler.

How the Selection Could Impacted by Free Agency

N/A – The Browns look like they have identified the need for solid veteran leadership across the board and they went out and got a veteran in Randy Starks to help in the middle against the run. The Browns’ have addressed key needs along the defensive line and wide receiver thus far in free agency, but now they need depth at the outside linebacker position.

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Priority

High – The Browns defense has shown potential, but the front seven needs depth and an infusion of talent is needed. The Browns only addressing the needs thus far by signing Hughes to an extension and signing veteran Randy Starks they will need to add depth via the draft. Dante Fowler would be a great fit for the Browns who need someone to help rush the passer along with Mingo and Kruger.

What do you think about targeting Dante Fowler in the 2015 NFL Draft?

Next: Full Browns NFL Draft Profiles List

The video clips were provided courtesy of DraftBreakdown.com

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