Cleveland Browns: Top 5 prospects to watch during Scouting Combine

When you look at the names on the Browns defensive line, it seems as though this should have been the biggest strength on their team. Their two defensive ends were Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon with Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi in the middle. Despite all the big names, this was one of the weaknesses on the team, especially against the run.

According to Pro Football Reference, the Browns were 30th in the league against the run and that can’t be explained away by the missed time between Vernon (six games missed due to injury) and Garrett (six missed due to suspension). Instead, the problem was they just didn’t have that big space-eater in the middle of the defense that could shut down the run.

Both Richardson and Ogunjobi are strong players but they’re better at going after the passer than clogging up the running lanes. Because of that, the Browns should be paying attention to several players during the Combine that can come in and play nose tackle. One name to watch is Davon Hamilton out of Ohio State — a 327-pounder who can be a nightmare to block. There’s also Benito Jones from Ole Miss who can also be a factor in the middle of the line.

While both those players are worth watching, the most intriguing player has to be Leki Fotu out of Utah. An absolute mountain of a man at 6-foot-5 and 337-pounds, Fotu is a prototypical nose tackle. He won’t be a factor on passing downs but that could be a good thing for Cleveland since it just means he won’t be picked too early in the draft, and they can fill a massive need with a day two pick.