Retooling the Cleveland Browns 3.0: Pre-Combine mock draft

The Browns dip into Division II football to find their future strong/box safety in Kyle Dugger. Dugger’s draft stock has been steadily rising this offseason, especially after his strong performance at the senior bowl. Listed as 6-foot-2 and 220-lbs on Lenoir-Rhyne University’s website, he should certainly have the size to be an elite athletic box safety in the Browns defense.

When making this pick, I was imagining the Browns defense having a 4-2-5 personnel with Denzel and Greedy at outside corner, T.J. Carrie at slot corner, Dugger coming into the box to play a box safety, and Winfield Jr playing as the one high deep safety. I think that would be a deadly personnel grouping for the Browns to have on the field at once, especially if the defensive line is fully healthy and on the field.

Dugger also can provide value as a punt returner for the Browns. He returned two punts for touchdowns at Lenoir-Rhyne this season, and it would be interesting to see how the Browns could use his athleticism to their advantage. Having him adjust to the large talent difference will be an interesting thing to watch, and it could take him a bit to develop.

The Browns still have veteran safety Morgan Burnett under contract who could start in the meantime and help Dugger develop by teaching him a few tricks, since Burnett has had a very successful career around the NFL and is likely reaching the end of his time playing.

Like teams do with rookie quarterbacks who need to develop, Burnett could be the bridge box safety for the Browns until Dugger is ready.