3 Michigan Wolverines Cleveland Browns could draft
The Cleveland Browns will be looking for some hidden gems in the 2023 NFL draft. The Michigan Wolverines might have a few players the Browns could take.
The Cleveland Browns and GM Andrew Berry are pretty familiar with drafting Michigan Wolverine players. Berry helped draft former Wolverine Jabril Peppers in the first round back in 2017 and also drafted receiver Donavan Peoples-Jones in the sixth round during to 2020 Draft. Could the Browns look at drafting a Wolverine in this upcoming draft?
Michigan does have a number of players at positions of need that could be available to them. Say what you want about Jim Harbaugh, but the man does know how to develop talent. Here are three Michigan players who the Browns could select in the 2023 NFL Draft.
3 Michigan Wolverines the Cleveland Browns could draft
No. 3: Mazi Smith, DT
Mazi Smith is an intriguing prospect for Cleveland. He certainly is a talented player and fits a huge position of need for the Browns. Smith has excellent size and strength for a defensive tackle, standing at 6’3, 330 pounds and while watching his tape he’s constantly knocking his opponent back off the line of scrimmage.
But aside from his strength, it’s his freakish athleticism that sets him apart from other defensive linemen in this draft class. He has a great ability to move laterally and often is able to beat his blocker with quickness and technique. Smith completely dominated Ohio State in Columbus and was a major factor in why the Buckeyes couldn’t get anything going offensively that day.
Now the big concern with Smith comes off the field as he was charged with having a concealed weapon in his truck during the 2023 football season while not having a concealed-carry permit. He was later put on probation for this charge. The first-team All-Big Ten member also didn’t get home to the quarterback much as he only had one career sack.
But Smith is a very disruptive player, and his skill set is exactly what the Cleveland Browns need on defense. He could be an option for them in either the second or third rounds of the draft.