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Browns: Top 5 defensive line targets in the 2018 NFL Draft

By Martin McConnell

CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack leaves the field with a piece of the Kenan Stadium hedges between his teeth following a win against the North Carolina Tar Heels on November 25, 2016 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 28-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack leaves the field with a piece of the Kenan Stadium hedges between his teeth following a win against the North Carolina Tar Heels on November 25, 2016 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 28-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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4. Marcus Davenport, UTSA

Marcus Davenport is what the NFL prospect defensive end is supposed to be. If an NFL scout were to dream up the perfect upside-based defensive lineman, it would probably be almost exactly built as Davenport.

At an impressive 6-foot-6 and 255 pounds of muscle, Davenport is a physical specimen like no other defender in this class. He possesses incredible quickness for his size, and stays aggressive as a tackler and enforcer at the line.

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During his time with the UTSA Roadrunners, Davenport totally dominated the competition. In 2017 alone, he collected 8.5 sacks, along with 17.5 tackles for loss (55 total tackles), three forced fumbles, and four batted down passes.

Perhaps the best part about Davenport’s game is that he still has plenty of room to improve. Although he has plenty of talent already, Davenport is not a finished product by any means.

He still has plenty of space to put weight on his frame, which will be a great help to him at the next level.  Davenport gained 30 pounds during his time in college, and there is still potential for more muscle on him.

Moving to his weaknesses, Davenport is strikingly raw. Especially when considering just how NFL-ready many consider him to be, it can be hard to believe that Davenport is mostly potential. But with the talent that the Browns already have on the line, they can take a chance on him.

Right now, most scouts see Davenport as a mid-first round pick. If he slips to later in the first round, the Browns could always trade up to snag a talent full of so much upside.

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