Cleveland Browns: The UDFAs most likely to make the team in 2017

B.J. Bello, LB, Illinois State

After a scheme switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3, the team is going to need linebackers who can play in the system. This need gives players like Bello hope.

However, given his dismal production in college (13 career tackles, one pass deflected) and that he was primarily a special teams player, he will have one of the highest ladders to climb. He has the ideal size at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, but seems to be more of a player who has “potential” rather than a player who coaches are excited to see.

Roster Chance: 1/10

Josh Boutte, OL, LSU

Isn’t it amazing what an offseason can do? The Browns went from having one of the worst offensive lines in the league (excluding Joe Thomas) to having what looks to be one of the most improved and potentially better offensive lines in the league. Given that, not only does Boutte have an uphill climb, but he doesn’t have the track record that suggests he will have much of a shot at all.

At LSU, he played in 44 games but only started 12 of them and not all in one season. Scouts suggested that he’s a decent run blocker but his pass blocking is terrible. At 6-foot-4, 350 pounds, he’ll most likely play guard, which means he’s going against Joel Bitonio, Kevin Zeitler, Spencer Drango and John Greco. I don’t see the Browns keeping more than four guards on the roster. Good luck.

Roster Chance: 1/10

Ladell Fleming, LB, Northern Illinois

Fleming comes in having played outside linebacker, a position the team needs help with, but is more of a pass rush specialist. Having seven career sacks and 11 career tackles for loss isn’t outstanding  but it shows he did enough for the Browns to give him a look.

He would probably play the WILL linebacker and come in to rush situations, and is definitely no threat to Christian Kirksey‘s starting spot, but if he can show enough burst, and some production in preseason, Fleming could end up being one of the surprises to make the 53.

Roster Chance: 3/10

J.D. Harmon, DB, Kentucky

A cornerback from the SEC who totaled seven career interceptions and three forced fumbles has a degree of impressiveness that may make some open their eye a bit. I loved the fourth-round selection of Howard Wilson, not only because of his coverage ability, but because the team NEEDS playmakers in the secondary. Joe Haden and Jamar Taylor can only do so much.

Harmon, and the other defensive backs, have a realistic shot at making the roster because of the team’s lack of viable depth at the position. However, Harmon’s best bet is to make swats or grabs at the ball should they come his way and create turnovers as he did in college.

Roster Chance: 3/10