With nine total picks in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns made major moves to their roster. Considering the fact that they had four picks on day three of the draft alone, there are plenty of candidates for “draft steal” in Cleveland.
The Cleveland Browns are no stranger to a bad draft pick. From Johnny Manziel to Cameron Erving, the Browns have been known for their drafting ineptitude ever since Tim Couch was the first overall pick in 1999, over both Donovan McNabb (No. 2) and Daunte Culpepper (No. 10).
But, that’s enough of the past. For the first time since taking Couch in 1999, the Browns selected a quarterback with the first overall pick. Newly-drafted No. 1 pick Baker Mayfield will, hopefully, mark a new era for this “New Browns” franchise.
Moving further down the draft, the Browns had seven picks on days two and three of the draft. After selecting Mayfield first overall and Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward at No. 4, the Browns attempted to flesh out their team in rounds two through seven.
So, who’s got the potential to be a steal for this Browns team? Let’s take a look at two candidates from this draft, and give out some way-too-early draft awards.
Offensive Draft Steal of the Year
There are a few players that this award could go to, considering the Browns took five offensive players during this year’s draft. This year’s Offensive Draft Steal of the Year award, ever so cautiously, goes to fourth-round pick Antonio Callaway.
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This seems to be John Dorsey’s annual “forget his past, look at that talent” draft pick. In a class that includes Los Angeles Rams cornerback Marcus Peters and Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill, Callaway seems to be in good company.
Nevertheless, this pick is very cautious. Out of every prospect in this class, Callaway’s rap sheet is the longest by far. From drug busts, to sexual assault cases, to straight-up credit card fraud, Callaway has been there and done that on just about everything.
But, many have said that Callaway is a first-round talent, when he’s on the field. At just under 6-foot, Callaway should be a great target for Baker Mayfield, if he can stay out of his own way.
John Dorsey has taken many chances like this before, and they seem to work out a good amount of the time. Hopefully, Callaway can stay out of trouble and stay on the field. If he can keep his life together, Callaway could be a total steal for the Browns in the fourth round.
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.