Cleveland Browns: Top 5 cornerback targets in the 2018 NFL Draft

5. Mike Hughes, UCF

Mike Hughes is an interesting choice for Cleveland, and he would likely come in the second round. Coming off of an undefeated season at the University of Central Florida, Hughes was the number one pass defense option for the Knights, during their best season ever.

Scouts have cited Hughes’s instincts and incredible ball skills as his best traits, and he jumps off the tape when watching UCF’s 2017 film. As a threat in both man and zone coverage, Hughes is almost always a threat to get a takeaway.

Related Story: 5 Wide receiver free agents targets in 2018

As a physical prospect, Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com’s scouting report describes Hughes as follows:

"“Hughes is a natural cover corner with speed, quick feet, and agility.”"

What makes Hughes most enticing to the Browns is that he provides exactly what they need: a defensive playmaker. Not only does he cover receivers well and prevent the pass, but he can also take away the ball to set up the offense.

The Browns lacked a true turnover producer in 2017, which led to their major defensive downfall in the secondary. The Browns only took away the ball 13 times in 2017, which is unacceptable for any team. When you factor in that the Browns had 41 total giveaways, it only makes it worse.

Hughes could start to remedy that problem with his fantastic ballhawk skills. The only real problem with Hughes is that he could use a little more height and weight.

Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 185, Hughes is just a tad undersized. If he were about an inch taller and a few pounds heavier, he would probably be higher up on this list. As it stands, though, he takes the number five spot.