Cleveland Browns: 5 options to replace Donte Whitner

Jayron Kearse began his Clemson career with just three starts as a freshman, but still managed to tie for the Tigers’ lead with four interceptions. He moved into the starter’s role as a sophomore and developed into a first-team All-ACC selection and a second-team All-American during Clemson’s run to the national title game in 2015.

At 6-foot-6 and 220-pounds, Kearse also has the kind of size that would prove useful in the AFC North Division. That size may work against him, however, as CBS Sports points out that, “there aren’t many safeties in the NFL with Kearse’s size and skill-set, so his NFL projection will require a leap of faith for evaluators.”

There are also questions about Kearse’s desire to give his all on every play, according to his draft profile at NFL.com:

"Odds are that Kearse will test well and with his length and ability, he very well may go much higher than (his) grade. To play safety, there needs to be a sense of urgency and consistency because that position is the last line of defense and Kearse doesn’t show those traits nearly enough at this time. If the light comes on and he gets more dog in him, then we are talking about a substantially better NFL player."

Kearse still have some developing to do, but if the Browns are interested they may be able to use one of their three fifth-round draft picks on him.

Next: Middle Tennessee's Kevin Byard