Cleveland Browns: 3 Day three picks that could help in 2021

The Cleveland Browns made waves with their early picks in the 2021 NFL Draft but these three picks on the final day could also contribute this season

There were hardly any draft pundits who didn’t weigh in with the excitement when discussing the Cleveland Browns first two draft picks in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Greg Newsome, the cornerback from Northwestern, was a solid choice in Round 1 and fills a huge need for them. Then in the second, they somehow landed Notre Dame linebacker Jeremia Owusu-Koramoah, who is a perfect fit for their defensive scheme.

However, the Browns remaining draft picks were also impressive. Here, we look at three players taken during day three that could end up being contributors as early as their first season in the league.

3. Tony Fields II, LB

The first of two picks in the fifth round for Cleveland, Tony Fields II comes into the NFL after winning the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year. A transfer from Arizona, Fields had 88 tackles and a pick for the Mountaineers and like JOK, he’s a great scheme fit for Joe Woods’ defense.

Fields is listed at 6-foot-0 and 220-pounds, making him undersized for most defenses but with Cleveland employing a hybrid safety/linebacker often, he could fit in nicely. He’s not as stout in pass coverage as Owusu-Koramoah, but he does offer a lot of intelligence when it comes to run defense.

He’s been called an inconsistent tackler but still has racked up 375 in his career and can be effective on the blitz — evidenced by his 9.5 career sacks.

Cleveland struggled to keep linebackers healthy in 2020 and if that continues, Fields will get his chance to prove what he can do.