2018 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns select Genard Avery No. 150 overall

After selecting known “problem child” Antonio Callaway at No. 105, the Cleveland Browns had another pick at No. 150. In the early goings of the fifth round, they selected Genard Avery at No. 150 overall. 

Memphis linebacker Genard Avery is an interesting pick, but certainly one that the Cleveland Browns needed on their roster. Before this pick came through, many were hoping that the Browns would take a linebacker who could cover at this spot.

As a 6-foot-1 and 248-pounds, this thickly built linebacker is actually a champion powerlifter. But now, he turns his attention to football, specifically the Dawg Pound, as he dons the orange and brown.

Looking at his legs, one might guess that Avery is a defensive tackle. Avery’s tree trunk legs allow his power game to flourish, even with a slight lack of technique. Avery truly excels in bully ball, and his production shows.

Scrappier than most at the position, Avery never gives up on the play. He might not be a supreme coverage guy, with a 4.6-second 40-yard dash, but he should still be able to give tight ends some problems.

Avery is a bit smaller than one might hope, but he is a prototypical inside linebacker. Alongside tackle machine Christian Kirksey and defensive anchor Jamie Collins, Avery can play the role of bruiser in the Browns’ front seven.

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Make no mistake, this pick is not glamourous. But hey, neither are the best defenses. The Browns have fully bolstered their front seven now with this pick, and Miami’s Chad Thomas. Genard Avery is a tried and true inside linebacker, and should translate as just that for the NFL level.