Eddie Goldman: Browns Draft Profile
By Paul Noel
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 free agency.
Name
Position
Defensive tackle
Height/Weight
6’4″, 320 lbs
School
Florida State Seminoles
Stats (Link)
2014 – 14 Games; 19 Solo tackles; 16 Assisted tackles; 8 tackles for loss; 4 sacks; 1 Pass broken Up; 1 Forced Fumble; 1 QB Hurry-Up
2014 NFL Draft Comparison
Ego Ferguson– 51st Overall (Bears) – Ferguson uses his great get-off and explosion to cause disruption off the snap. He is strong for his size and holds his ground in run defense. Ferguson has good speed to close and does a nice job of pushing the pocket. Considered by many to still be very raw at the position when he came out in the draft.
2015 NFL Draft Range
Early 2nd round – The 2015 NFL Draft has great depth along the Offensive and Defensive lines. Eddie Goldman is definitely in the discussion of being among the top 10 defensive interior players in this draft class. Hie is still very raw so his draft stock will hinge on how well he performs at the NFL Combine.
Fit with the Browns
Eddie Goldman is a junior out of Florida State that passes all the eye tests; he is a big and strong interior defensive lineman who possesses the raw talent at the position that has created a buzz among scouts. Goldman has great movement skills, range and redirection skills to make plays away from the line of scrimmage. Goldman has powerful legs to drive and bull rush interior linemen deep into the pocket. Goldman in college played nose tackle, 3 technique, and 5 technique so he would be an ideal option for the Browns because he has the versatility to stay on the field for all situations.
Browns Player Selection Could Impact
John Hughes seems to be on the outside looking in if the Browns decide to draft or sign any defensive lineman. Hughes has been a productive player for the Browns but has been out performed and outworked by both Billy Winn and Armonty Bryant. The other player who stands to be impacted by any drafting or signing along the defensive front is free agent DT Ahtyba Rubin. The Browns had lackluster stats against the run all season and it stands that he may be free to walk in free agency if the Browns look to bolster the defensive line.
How Selection Could Be Impacted By Free Agency
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The Browns have a number of needs to address in free agency, but defensive line and wide receiver seem to be at the top of the list. Signing a free agent wide receiver would address one of those needs and allow the Browns to concentrate on finding a run stopper along the defensive line in the first round or early 2nd round. If the Browns choose to sign a veteran defensive lineman in free agency then the Browns might be in a scenario taking a “best player available” approach or focus on finding a young wide receiver.
Priority
High – The Browns defense has shown potential, but the front seven needs depth and an infusion of talent whether it is through the draft or the signing of a veteran free agent. Eddie Goldman would be a great fit for the Browns who need someone to help stop the run.
What do you think about targeting Eddie Goldman in the 2015 NFL Draft?