Cleveland Browns: What to expect from the 2017 draft picks
By Shane Carter
Caleb Brantley
Let’s be clear, if Caleb Brantley doesn’t get accused of hitting a woman, there’s no way that Cleveland gets him in the sixth round. Initially, Brantley was projected to go anywhere from the late-first to early-second round. However, the charges were dismissed and, in terms of draft position, the Browns may have the biggest steal.
We can expect Brantley to be able to play both the 1-tech and the 3-tech, in the event Ogunjobi or Shelton get hurt or can’t perform. He’s got the size and skill to play both tackle positions but I expect a heavy rotation with Brantley and the starters. Eventually, however, if Shelton doesn’t finally live up to his first-round status, we could see a changing of the guard.
Zane Gonzalez
96 for 116 field goals in his career. Lou Groza winner. NCAA D-1 record for career field goals made with a career long of 59 yards. 7 of 9 career field goals from 50+ yards. I know he’s a kicker, but wow. Cody Parkey was solid last season (20-25), but Cleveland wants the next Justin Tucker or Dan Bailey. They may have it.
The writing is on the wall for Cody Parkey and I seriously doubt that any team, even the Browns, would seriously keep two kickers on their roster. I know he’s a kicker, but he looks like he will be a very good one.
Matt Dayes
Short, but quick. Light, but scary. The Browns used their last pick on a running back who is equally effective as a receiver as he is a runner. He probably isn’t ever going to be an every-down back, but he can be this team’s Darren Sproles if used properly. He’s not the fastest back (4.66 40 yard dash) but his game speed and quickness would say otherwise.
I’m not 100 percent sure Dayes will be on the 53-man roster, but he should certainly at least earn a spot on the practice squad.
Next: The UDFAs most likely to make the team in 2017
Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson Jr. are the only locks to make the team, so there is an opportunity here for Dayes to beat out players like George Atkinson or Darius Jackson for that third spot. If not, it may be another year until Dayes could make his regular season debut.