Cleveland Browns draft grade: DL room gets pass rush specialist at pick 108

The third day of the NFL draft opened with the Browns having the third pick of the day. With pick 108, the Cleveland Browns took Oklahoma’s Perrion Winfrey. 

The Cleveland Browns added some drama to the NFL draft. When it came to their pick, the guest announcer was late coming on stage stalling the production.

But when she finally arrived, the Browns took a player they hope will stall their opponent’s rushing production.

The Browns had some needs to address in the draft. They had needs at wide receiver, defensive edge defender and defensive tackle. They addressed wide receiver and edge in round three. They then used their first pick in round four to take the best defensive tackle left in the draft.

Winfrey’s skill set is best suited for a 3 technique as a gap defender. He greatest asset is his quick first step off the ball and penetrating into the backfield. This has helped him to excel as a pass rusher.

However, he’s not ideal as a run stopper. He is undisciplined in run defense and is able to be double-teamed. He will need to develop a strong lower body to compete in the NFL.

He is a great fit for the Browns scheme as a 3 technique. However, he played nose tackle in Oklahoma. He is not the space-eating, block-eating run defender the Browns need up the middle.

This is the fourth round. All these players are potential depth pieces that will need to grow into their roles. In Winfrey’s case, he will need to add muscle and develop a strong base. In the meantime, he will contribute right away as a third-down pass-rush specialist.

Grade: B+