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Cleveland Browns NFL Draft prospects: Third round, pick No. 97

By Greg Newland

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text 'THE PICK IS IN' for the Cleveland Browns during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text 'THE PICK IS IN' for the Cleveland Browns during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 29: Defensive lineman Bradlee Anae of Utah runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 29: Defensive lineman Bradlee Anae of Utah runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Bradlee Anae. 1. player. 843. . Defensive End. Utes

The Browns saw their pass rush come to a screeching halt after the suspension of Myles Garrett and injury to Olivier Vernon in 2019. With Vernon healthy and Garrett back in 2020, there isn’t a need for an instant starter at defensive end, but the Browns certainly need to add depth.

Bradlee Anae, the defensive end from Utah won’t be ready to be a three-down player as a rookie in the NFL, but the pass-rushing specialist could certainly give Garrett and Vernon breaks when needed next season. Anae was first-team All-Pac-12 as a junior and senior and earned third-team Associated Press All-American honors in 2019.

At 6-foot-3 and 257 pounds, Anae ran a competitive 4.93 40-yard dash and bench pressed 225 pounds 25 times, giving him the flexibility to be a hand in the ground defensive end or standing edge rusher. Anae plays with fire and passion each play, which can be contagious, but is still inconsistent at stopping the run. Anae needs coaching to help with finesse rush skills, but power and speed will certainly be enough to be effective at the next level.

Anae’s motor is perfect for the Browns’ needs next season. He can come in on second or third-down and long to get after opposing quarterbacks. After 7.5 sacks as a junior, Anae finished 2019 with 14 tackles for loss, which included 13 sacks. Not forcing Anae on the field for three downs as a rookie could help his development and set him up for a very successful NFL career.

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