5 under the radar Big Ten draft prospects to watch for Cleveland Browns
General manager Andrew Berry and the Cleveland Browns are preparing for its first draft as a new front office. Here are five under the radar Big Ten prospects to look out for.
The Cleveland Browns are making final preparations for the 2020 NFL Draft. This draft will be like nothing we have ever seen before as it will happen remotely and with no stage. As new general manager Andrew Berry and his front office finish the prep work for these prospective players, here are five Big Ten Conference players whom need to be considered.
No. 5: Kenny Willekes – EDGE, Michigan State
As a fifth year senior, Kenny Willekes had a very productive season for the Spartans. In 13 games the hybrid linebacker/defensive end had 78 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.
Willekes’ best role in the NFL may just be as a situational pass rusher and the Cleveland Browns could use some help in that area to go along with Myles Garrett. With 23 career sacks and 49 career tackles for loss, Willekes has a knack for being disruptive in the backfield.
Look for him to go anywhere from the third to sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
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No. 4: Antoine Brooks Jr. – Safety, Maryland
Antoine Brooks is a thumper and a tone setter on the field of play. Making big hits on a regular basis, Brooks would add tenacity as a punishing physical force to the Browns defense. Brooks led the Big Ten in solo tackles last season with 69 and has the ability to make plays in the backfield, as he has had 27 tackles for loss in 40 career games while at Maryland.
Look for Brooks to be a day two or early day three draft pick as safety is a major position of need for Cleveland. Brooks is most certainly one to keep an eye on when the Browns are on the clock.
No. 3: Josiah Scott – CB, Michigan State
Another former Michigan State Spartan defender makes the list here, Josiah Scott had a great year as a junior last season. Scott was No. 2 in the Big Ten last season with three interceptions and had 52 tackles with a forced fumble in 12 games.
Scott fits the mold as a slot cover corner in the NFL. With excellent speed and good hips, as he can change direction on a dime, look for Scott to be a day two or day three sleeper at another position of need for Cleveland.
No. 2: Tyler Johnson – WR, Minnesota
Tyler Johnson put up some incredible stats from a season ago. With 86 receptions, 1,318 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns, Johnson flat-out made plays for the Golden Gophers. Scouts and front office executives will knock him on his lack of speed, but he proved last season with his route running abilities and sure hands that he can create some space on defenders and make tough catches.
Matt Miller of Bleacher Report had him as a sixth round draft pick in his latest mock draft. If that’s the case, then Cleveland surely can take a flyer on someone with this much production.
No. 1: Cameron Brown – LB, Penn State
Starting for the Nittany Lions the past two seasons, Cameron Brown showed flashes of being an excellent player. He started all 13 games in 2019, recording 72 tackles, 5.5 for loss, two sacks, and four pass breakups to earn third-team All-Big Ten honors.
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A former four-star recruit from Potomac, Maryland, Brown has the frame, speed and agility to excel at the next level. Adding some muscle mass will be key as he currently is a little lanky according to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, but the potential is there for him to be an above-average NFL linebacker.