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4 under the radar Cleveland Browns 2021 NFL draft targets

By Matthew McFatridge

WINSTON SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 13: Carlos Basham Jr. #9 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons reacts after a defensive play against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at BB&T Field on September 13, 2019 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
WINSTON SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 13: Carlos Basham Jr. #9 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons reacts after a defensive play against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at BB&T Field on September 13, 2019 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns, NFL Draft
Oct 19, 2019; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive lineman Carlos Basham Jr. (9) pressures Florida State Seminoles quarterback James Blackman (1) during the third quarter at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

889. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. EDGE. 2. player. Wake Forest. CarlosBasham Jr.

2. Carlos Basham, Jr., EDGE, Wake Forest

Another defensive player makes this list because if Andrew Berry has made anything clear this offseason, it’s that he is dedicated to improving this defensive unit. The Cleveland Browns were a few plays away from playing in the AFC Championship game in 2020, and it is evident they feel an improved defense is what it will take to get them there, and even to the Super Bowl, in 2021 and beyond.

Carlos Basham, Jr. dominated anyone and everyone he faced in his time at Wake Forest, totaling 19.5 sacks and 33.5 tackles for loss in three years. While he primarily played on the left side of the defensive line, the same side as Browns star rusher Myles Garrett, he can still be utilized and find a way to provide a spark to a defensive line that will be rotated heavily all year.

Basham truly lives up to his name, as he bashes offensive linemen with power and a tireless motor, utilizing proper angles to get home on quarterbacks in pass-rush situations and stop ball carriers in the backfield.

He also has the ability to slide inside on the defensive line on occasion because of his size and quickness. With versatility being something both Berry and defensive coordinator Joe Woods value, Basham Jr. could be someone high on their board, and someone’s name you hear called this weekend when the Browns are on the clock.

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