Cleveland Browns NFL Draft 2017 Profile: Jordan Leggett
By Joel W. Cade
The Browns brought Jordan Leggett in for a visit very early in the process. They have shown interest in Leggett and for very good reason. Drafting Leggett would be an upgrade in the H-back role as his developed skill set and size make him a viable option for 2017.
#Clemson TE Jordan Leggett had a private workout with #Browns. Also worked out for #49ers with Deshaun Watson, Artavis Scott, Germone Hopper
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) March 24, 2017
His longterm role with the Browns would depend on the development of DeValve as a blocker and receiver. One of the reasons for this claim is the Browns use of SPARQ ratings when evaluating players.
Leggett’s Sparq score is 117.8, which is consistent with the average tight end in the NFL. But DeValve’s Sparq score was a whopping 140.2, which would give him the highest SPARQ score in the current draft class (over David Njoku, OJ Howard and Evan Engram) and put him in the 95th percentile for current NFL tight ends. Vitale’s SPARQ score was 134.7 which would put him in the 96th percentile for current NFL running backs.
Vitale and DeValve have the athleticism to play the H-back position in the NFL once they are ready. They problem is they are not ready, while Leggett could come in with the skill set ready to play in the NFL. He could push both Vitale and DeValve to improve their game to get on the field.
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Drafting Legget as a day three late round pick is a no-brainer for the Browns. He would add stability to a position that could help transform the Browns offensive attack with his hybrid blocking and receiving abilities. Worst case for Leggett is that he pushes DeValve’s development and never sees the field (but this could be the best case scenario for the Browns). Best case scenario is that Leggett takes over the H-back role and never looks back.
Either way, the Browns get better and the offense improves.