Defensive Draft Steal of the Year
Moving on to the fifth round, the Browns were at the point of taking fliers and taking chances on uber-athletes and interesting players. They may have struck gold with fifth-round linebacker Genard Avery, out of Memphis.
As a high school state champion powerlifter, Avery screams “hard-hitting potential.” One look at the guy, and it’s abundantly clear that Avery was built to play linebacker. 6-foot-1 and 248 pounds, Avery’s 4.59-second 40 yard dash could play him as a tight end-covering linebacker or edge rusher.
During the NFL Scouting Combine, Avery’s drills were off the charts. To go along with his 4.59 40 yard dash time, Avery posted a 36-inch vertical jump, as well 26 reps on the bench press.
Avery is stout and thickly built, and his crazy strength and athleticism makes him an eyebrow-raising prospect. He has a chance to be more than just a special teamer and specialty guy, and he could fit in with Christian Kirksey and Jamie Collins.
Overall, the Browns took a chance on a freaky player here. Built like a tank, Avery will be a solid special teams tackler, if nothing else. With Avery’s rough and tumble defensive style, he should be very, very interesting to watch come training camp and preseason.