Cleveland Browns: Loaded safety class can help improve the secondary

Second Round Prospects

1. Budda Baker- Free Safety, Washington

Baker is a consensus first-team All-American after leading the Huskies in tackles this season with 71. He is slightly undersized, but Baker has shown elite coverage skills and speed that make up for his lean frame.

With his speed, Baker has the range to cover the entire field and quickly locate the ball. He has the ability to be a solid open field tackler and plays bigger than his actual size. Baker is easily a top-40 talent in the 2017 draft class. However, the only knock on him is his size, which could prevent him from being drafted in the first round.

Despite his size, his speed, range and playmaking ability have made scouts and experts fall in love with his play. Baker has drawn comparisons to other smaller defensive backs in the NFL. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah gave Baker a solid comparison.

If the Browns decide to go in another direction in the first round and elect not to draft a safety, Baker will be a top option for them in round two. Baker has elite skills coveted for the safety position and will be an immediate starter. Baker plays bigger than his given size and has shown his size doesn’t cause any noticeable limitations to his game. Baker would make a great value pick for the Browns if he is on the board come round two. Simply put, Baker has first-round traits and will likely be a second-round pick.

2. Marcus Williams, Free Safety, Utah

Like Budda Baker, Williams is slightly undersized for the position at 6-feet tall, 195 pounds. Williams has solid cover skills and instincts to transition easily to the next level. He recorded five interceptions this season and with solid testing at the combine will continue to climb up draft boards.

3. Eddie Jackson, Strong Safety, Alabama

Jackson suffered a fractured leg on October 22 vs. Texas A&M and has been sidelined the rest of the season. If it wasn’t for his injury, Jackson would be in the first-round conversation. In his time at Alabama, Jackson showed elite instincts coming up against the run and showed the ability to play in coverage. If his medical issues check out, Jackson would be another great value pick in the second or third round with the ceiling of a first round player.

Shane Alexander from Inside the Pylon remains high on Jackson’s potential,

Since the Browns have parted ways with safeties of the past such as Tashaun Gipson, Donte Whitner and T.J. Ward, the team has failed to add adequate replacements. The safety class contains top prospects projected to go in the first and second round giving the Browns many options on draft day.

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Whichever way the Browns shape their draft board it is almost certain these safety prospects will be targeted on their draft board. It will be a main priority for the Browns to draft at least one of these prospects if not two, to rebuild the secondary giving support to their developing front seven.