Brandon Scherff: 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

Brandon Scherff

Position

Offensive Tackle

Height/Weight (Combine)

6’5″, 319 lbs

School

University of Iowa

Stats

N/A

2014 NFL Draft Comparison

Zack Martin– 16th overall (Dallas Cowboys) – Martin Started in all 52 games played at Notre Dame, the most in school history. 2011 and 2012 FBC All-Independent Team pick. Two-time captain (18th two-time captain in Notre Dame history). 2013: Started all 13 games at left tackle. 2012: Started all 13 games at left tackle. 2011: Started all 13 games at left tackle. 2010: Started all 13 games, with 11 starts at left tackle and two at right tackle. 2009: Did not see any game action. In martins rookie season he was named the starter at right guard from the first day of Organized Team Activities in the preseason, replacing Mackenzy Bernadeau, who had been the starter in the previous two years. His addition contributed to the offensive line becoming arguably the best in the league and helped DeMarco Murray lead the NFL in rushing. On December 23, Martin became one of three rookies selected to the 2015 Pro Bowl.On January 2, 2015, he was voted to the AP 2014 All-Pro Team, the only rookie to make the team, and was the first Cowboys rookie since running back Calvin Hill was named to the team in 1969. Also, he was the first rookie offensive lineman to be named first-team AP All-Pro since Dick Huffman in 1947.

2015 NFL Draft Range

5-20 Range 1st Round – The 2015 NFL Draft has great depth along the Offensive line, and Brandon Scherff is among the top in this draft class. Scherff has started at left tackle for the Hawkeyes the past three seasons, replaced Riley Reiff as starting left tackle during his sophomore season. Despite being regarded one of the best offensive lineman prospects after his junior year at Iowa, Scherff decided to return for his senior year. Scherff was named consensus All-American and earned the Outland Trophy last season as the best college lineman.

Fit with the Browns

The only thing scouts agree about on Scherff is that he is the most NFL-ready offensive lineman in the draft. The debate is whether he should use his broad-shoulders and toughness at guard, where he played as a freshman, or show his excellent technique at tackle, where he lined up on the left side the rest of his college career and was named consensus All-American and earned the Outland Trophy last season as the best college lineman. Those who believe he belongs inside are probably concerned that he doesn’t have quick footwork required against the NFL’s outside pass rushers, an issue not helped a broken fibula and dislocated ankle as a sophomore. Scherff is an ideal fit for the Browns, but it ultimately will boil down to where the front office believes he can play. If they think he can play tackle then he would be an ideal candidate to draft and bring in to compete on the right side of the line. If they plan for him to play guard then there are other pressing needs and the Browns should only look to Scherff if he tumbles down the draft-board and the Browns are able to get him in a trade down scenario.

Run Blocking (#68) – Scherff is a strong and athletic run blocker that is consistently able to over power defenders and drive them off the ball. Outstanding drive blocker with the punch to jolt and drive his man where he wants with above average hand use to attack rushers, keeping separation between him and his target. He possesses the necessary size, strength, and quickness to get to the second level when performing run blocking, and shows great range and agility to protect the edge.

Pass Protection(#68) – Scherff possesses good, strong hands and is able to stun the oncoming rusher with a powerful punch almost immediately out of his stance. He always maintains control over the action and often times drives the pass rusher into the ground.

Browns Player Selection Could Impact

Mitchell Schwartz – Mitchell Schwartz is a reoccurring name that is on the tongue of every Browns fan and it’s for good reason. Schwartz did a lackluster job in 2014 giving up 7 sacks, 3 QB hits, and 12 QB hurries on the right side of the offensive line. Schwartz is a serviceable player and the Browns would be wise to allow him to compete for the starting position if the Browns select Scherff. Schwartz is heading into his contract season and some competition for the right tackle is going to take place this offseason with or without Scherff. The ideal scenario would be to take the Scherff and put him at the right guard position and that would free up veteran John Greco to be used as a role player along the line and fill in as a depth player. In 2014 the Browns offensive line suffered some major injuries to key players and exposed their lack of depth, Greco would be ideal as a role player because he can play multiple positions on the offensive line.

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Priority

Medium-High – The Browns are a running team and need to continue to upgrade their offensive line, not to mention the Browns once again have question marks at Quarterback and solidifying the line can help them develop a passer. Drafting an upgrade at the right tackle spot would be an ideal move for the Browns, but it ultimately depends where the front office believes he can play. If he can play tackle at the next level he could be an ideal upgrade, if not he ranks lower based on other higher priorities like an outside pass rusher, defensive tackle or wide receiver.

What do you think about targeting Brandon Scherff 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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