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Cleveland Browns: Looming draft day and Free Agency decisions

By Greg Newland

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 02: Offensive tackle Jack Conklin #78 of the Tennessee Titans plays against the New York Jets at Nissan Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 02: Offensive tackle Jack Conklin #78 of the Tennessee Titans plays against the New York Jets at Nissan Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Offensive lineman Andrew Thomas of Georgia runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Offensive lineman Andrew Thomas of Georgia runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Jack Conklin, OT, Free Agent (FA)

Jack Conklin is the rumored name Andrew Berry may have his sights on in FA to fill the void at OT. Conklin who was taken 8th in 2016 (A draft pick acquired from the Browns) is a well-established pass blocker that would certainly be welcomed by Mayfield. The Michigan State grad would also be well equipped to handle NW Ohio weather playing High School and College football in Michigan.

Two concerns with Conklin right now. One — he will want a payday, likely asking over $12 million per year.  Two — he is a true right tackle.  While both tackles are of concern, it is tough to pay big money to a FA, with the backup Hubbard due $7 million as well.

Andrew Thomas – OT, Georgia

Andrew Thomas has been the top tackle on the board all off-season before the explosion from two names below at the combine. Thomas performed well against top SEC talent in 3 years of starting experience with the Dawgs.

The scouting report on Thomas has always been solid pass and run blocker but has struggled at times with the speedy ends.  That is alarming with the huge impact from speed rushers in the NFL the last 5 years.

Tristan Wirfs – OT, Iowa

Likely no one at the draft upgraded their stock as much as Wirfs did, running a 4.85, 40-yard dash and throwing up 225 an impressive 24 times. Not to mention he broke the offensive linemen record with a vertical jump of 36.5 inches. Wirfs saw most of his college snaps at RT but showed flexibility to switch to LT when needed.

While Wirfs performed off the charts at the combine, remember the tape doesn’t lie. It must be mentioned that Wirfs did struggle this year vs. one of their toughest opponents of the year, Michigan. The off the chart athleticism is much to be desired, and difficult to not think Callahan couldn’t mold Wirfs to a pro-bowler.

Mekhi Becton – OT, Louisville

Mekhi Becton, like Wirfs, drew a lot of buzz this week from Indianapolis. However, Becton already had eyes on him because of his massive size. The 6-foot-7 LT weighed in at 364 pounds, the heaviest at the NFL combine this year. Not only is Becton a massive human to get around, but his arms are also 35.63 inches long and he has a wingspan of 83.25 inches.

Becton flashed signs of great athleticism running the 40 in 5.10 seconds with a 10-yard split of 1.8 and 1.77 seconds (which would be considered average for a “normal” sized lineman). The biggest fear with Becton is competing against below-average talent for most of his collegiate career. I know I’m knit-picking here, but it is something to think about.

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