3 Defensive prospects for the Cleveland Browns to consider on Day 3

These three prospects could be solid additions for the Cleveland Browns on day three of the 2021 NFL Draft

So far this offseason Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry has overhauled the defensive side of the football. During free agency, Berry added safety John Johnson III, slot cornerback Troy Hill, defensive ends Takk McKinley and Jadeveon Clowney, defensive tackle Malik Jackson, and linebacker Anthony Walker.

Through three rounds of the 2021 NFL draft, Berry has also added cornerback Greg Newsome II and linebacker/hybrid Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.

It’s become very evident that improving the defense was the top priority for Berry and this front office this offseason. With six picks remaining over the final four rounds of the draft, it’s extremely likely that Berry will continue to add to the defense, and he’ll have plenty of solid late-round options to consider.

Here’s a look at three prospects Berry and the Cleveland Browns might draft over the final four rounds:

3. Tommy Togiai, DT, Ohio State

After the selections of Newsome II and Owusu-Koramoah, defensive tackle is arguably the biggest need for the Cleveland Browns. One of the prospects many Browns fans are already familiar with is defensive tackle Tommy Togiai out of The Ohio State University.

Togiai wasn’t a productive part of the defense until the 2020 season and really started to showcase his talents toward the end of the year. During the seven-game season, Togiai totaled 23 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and a forced fumble.

He measured in at 6-foot and 1/2-inch and 296 pounds during his pro day and also put up 40 bench reps. He has been solid against the run, but could improve his pass rush. His strength in the trenches and his burst make him an interesting prospect at 3-technique for the Browns.

2. Hamsah Nasirildeen, S, FSU

Hamsah Nasirildeen is a strong safety prospect from Florida State University. Hamsah is a bigger safety in the mold of Kam Chancellor. He measured in at 6’3 and 215 lbs. His wingspan is a whopping 82 and three-quarters of an inch and his arm length is just over 34 inches.

He totaled over 200 tackles his Sophomore and Junior year, but unfortunately tore his ACL in that season. He fought to come back and played in the final two games in 2020 for the Seminoles. Battling back from injury shows his high character and leadership traits that his coaches have raved about.

His tackling ability is his greatest trait, but he also has great range on the back end and could be used in multiple different positions on a defense. Hamsah is a raw prospect who would benefit from sitting behind a veteran and learning the game. Adding him to the secondary would give Joe Woods yet another chess piece for this defense.

1. Jabril Cox, LB, LSU

Considering the Browns already selected Owusu-Koramoah, selecting a linebacker might confuse some fans. While JOK is listed as a linebacker, it’s likely Joe Woods will use him in many different roles. Jabril Cox, linebacker out of LSU, is more of a traditional linebacker and wouldn’t be used in the same way as JOK.

The transfer from North Dakota State, Jabril Cox was considered by most to be selected on day 2 of the draft. During his pro day, he measured in at 6-foot-2 and 233 pounds, while running a 4.54 forty and posting a 34-inch vertical.

Cox is a linebacker who combines great size and speed with great instincts for the game. He is solid in coverage, which helped contribute to his nine career interceptions, but excels when he attacks the line of scrimmage.

He’s an all-around linebacker who has the versatility Joe Woods covets.