5 small school studs Cleveland Browns should target in 2022 NFL Draft
By John Suchan
Cleveland Browns should target this small school stud No. 5: Eric Johnson, DL, Missouri St.
Eric Johnson didn’t go to the NFL Combine but had an outstanding performance at the Senior Bowl and has moved up the rankings of defensive lineman. He had a solid career at Missouri St. He finished last season with 43 tackles including 6.5 for losses and 1.5 sacks. He blocked three field goals as well with his size standing at 6-4 and weighing in at 300 pounds. During the Senior Bowl, he had a sack on the quarterback as well.
He’s being projected as a middle-round pick and other teams around the league have been pushing Johnson up their boards. There’s a lot to work on but he has an excellent understanding of game situations and reading opponents’ tendencies during games. He’s a big presence on the line and while the NFL game might be quicker at first, Johnson looks to adapt well.
Cleveland Browns should target this small school stud No. 4: Cameron Thomas, DE, San Diego St.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 270-pounds, Cameron Thomas had a great career as a defensive end for San Diego State. He tallied 155 tackles, including 71 a year ago. He also had 20.5 tackles for losses a year ago.
In addition, he sacked the quarterback 10.5 times last season. He has tremendous quickness for his position despite the extra weight and could look really nice playing opposite Browns current defensive end Myles Garrett.
Right now in the college game, Thomas has looked more like a man amongst boys when he’s on the line of scrimmage as he can easily beat players with his physicality or quickness. His powerful hands against his offensive counterparts are usually no help as Thomas can get through the line and into the backfield a lot or he can get off the linemen’s blocks and get into the gaps to take away the runs.
Thomas has been projected to go as high as the first round, but he might be there on day two and the Browns would be smart to take a real good look at a player that will be in this league for a long time.