Cleveland Browns: 3 Undrafted rookies to watch at training camp
By Randy Gurzi
3. Wyatt Ray, Defensive End
General manager John Dorsey was clearly not thrilled with the amount of pressure the Cleveland Browns delivered off the edge last season. While Myles Garrett had a breakout season with 13.5 sacks, his counterpart, Emmanuel Ogbah, had just three sacks. Genard Avery outperformed him as the rookie linebacker picked up four sacks during his first season.
Wanting to address this problem, Dorsey traded away right guard Kevin Zeitler in exchange for defensive end Olivier Vernon. Formerly of the New York Giants, Vernon is coming off his first Pro Bowl and gives Cleveland a potent attack off the edge.
As true as that is, the depth is still a concern. Ogbah is now in Kansas City and the primary reserves are Chris Smith and Anthony Zettel. Avery could find himself in the conversation but we don’t know for sure how new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks plans to use him. As for Smith and Zettel, neither really stuck out as difference-makers which could open the door for someone like Wyatt Ray to make the roster.
Ray spent most of his collegiate career behind Harold Landry but did record nine sacks for Boston College last season. After not being drafted, he finds himself in a great position to try and steal a spot — we just need to watch and see if he can get that done.