Cleveland Browns: 3 UDFAs with chance to make the final roster
By Randy Gurzi
1. A.J. Green, CB, Oklahoma State
One player who had some solid name-recognition entering the draft was A.J. Green from Oklahoma State. A talented cornerback, he shares the same name as the Cincinnati Bengals star receiver, and he could end up covering the elder A.J. Green twice a seasons should he make the Browns final roster.
And if his salary is any indication, he’s got a pretty good shot at making the team. Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle reported that Cleveland wanted Green so much that they were willing to guarantee him $145,000.
Cleveland Browns wanted Oklahoma State corner A.J. Green badly. They signed him to a free agent deal that includes $145,000 guaranteed, with $130,000 base salary guarantee and $15,000 signing bonus, according to a league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 26, 2020
That’s not just a high number, but according to Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Browns Wire, that is “the highest figure ever reported for an undrafted player fresh after the draft.” This is a pretty significant sign that Green is in the plans for Cleveland.
As for his play, Green is a press corner with legit size for the boundary. He came into the Scouting Combine and measured in at 6-foot-1 and 202 pounds but hurt his stick some when he ran a 4.62 in the 40-yard dash.
That lack of deep speed has caused concerns but as long as he’s not left on an island, that shouldn’t be a major issue. He knows how to use his hands and keep receivers in front of him. His ball skills are also strong, evidenced by his six picks in the final three seasons with the Cowboys.
Next. Way too early 2021 NFL Mock Draft. dark
Of course, it’s a long road for any undrafted player to make the NFL but these three guys have a shot to do exactly that with the Browns.