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Cleveland Browns reportedly to meet with Akron LB Jatavis Brown

By Thomas Moore

Sep 5, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is tackled by Akron Zips linebacker Jatavis Brown (1) and Zips defensive back Larry Hope (2) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is tackled by Akron Zips linebacker Jatavis Brown (1) and Zips defensive back Larry Hope (2) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns will reportedly meet with Akron linebacker Jatavis Brown, the 2015 MAC Defensive Player of the Year.

The Cleveland Browns will be looking to upgrade their defense come the 2016 NFL Draft and, as part of that effort, will reportedly meet with linebacker Jatavis Brown from the University of Akron.

The 5-foot-11, 222-pound Brown was the 2015 MAC Defensive Player of the Year after finishing with 116 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and four forced fumbles. He was also a three-time first team All-MAC selection. His size is not ideal to play linebacker at the NFL level – he would easily be the smallest linebacker if added to the Browns’ current group of linebackers – but his 4.47 time in the 40-yard dash at last month’s NFL Regional Combine may make him attractive as a safety or special teams player.

“Honestly, I’d like to see a team create a position for me,” Brown said after his workout. “Not quite a linebacker, not quite a safety but use me and be creative.”

According to his draft profile at CBS Sports, Brown is:

"Athletic and effortless mover with explosive traits. Above average closing speed and chase range, covering a lot of green. Quickly narrows the gap in his hunt and goes from A-to-B in a flash. Heavy striker and makes his presence known at the contact point. Tackles behind his pads, driving through his target with timing."

"Initial quickness and natural body bend to dip around blocks as a blitzer. Loose hips to redirect well in space. Versatile experience and was asked to cover every inch of the field in college – “loves” playing special teams. Quiet, unassuming demeanor with the competitive drive required in the NFL (Akron head coach Terry Bowden: “Some people are highly motivated, highly driven. He is one of them.”)."

"Puts in the effort off the field and calls film work a “major” part of his preparation. Productive and durable resume with the school record for tackles for loss (41.5) and sacks (18.0), breaking Jason Taylor’s long-time record."

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“I love proving people wrong when people doubt me,” Brown told dallasnews.com. “That just adds to that big chip on my shoulder, hearing all that stuff about my size. I’ve been playing at this height for a long time now, and it doesn’t look like I’m going to get any taller. Time and time again, players from the MAC keep proving them wrong. I look to be one of those guys.”

With the Browns needing a replacement for special teams ace Johnson Bademosi, who left for the Detroit Lions in free agency, Brown could be a player that Cleveland looks at late in the draft, especially with the team holding five draft picks between rounds five and seven.

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