3 remaining free agents the Cleveland Browns could consider pursuing
By Greg Newland
Darron Lee – Linebacker/Safety
If you aren’t an Ohio State fan, you may call me a homer for this one, but former Buckeye linebacker Darron Lee could be a perfect fit for the Browns. After a tremendous career at Ohio State, Lee has struggled to find his fit in the NFL after being taken 20th overall in the 2016 draft.
At 6-foot-1 and 232 pounds, Lee is undersized to play linebacker, but is slightly too big to play safety. Thus far in his NFL career, he has attempted to play linebacker slightly undersized. His speed and coverage skills are a major asset, but he still has issues shedding blockers and has become a liability in the running game.
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At this point, Lee would be a low risk/big reward signing. The Browns would want a one- or a two-year contract with extremely low guarantees. In the Joe Woods nickel scheme, Lee could fit nicely as the fifth corner who has the flexibility to move into the box.
Rookie Grant Delpit can play that role, but truthfully, he is a better fit as a true ball-hawking safety. Lee would have the ability to tackle in the open field and cover athletic tight ends, which has never been more important in the NFL.
Lee seems to be a guy who just needs a fresh start, and what better place than Cleveland where fans would welcome the Buckeye alumni. Let’s not forget, Lee did have a few productive years with the New York Jets before being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. In three years with the Jets Lee averaged over 80 tackles and even proved to be an effective blitzer with four total sacks.