Now that the end of February is here, that means the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine is set to take place. The Cleveland Browns will join every other franchise in Indianapolis to watch as the incoming class of players put their athletic talents on display.
Cleveland is without a first round pick due to the Deshaun Watson trade (thankfully for the last time) but they've found some success despite this over the past two years. What makes that even more impressive is knowing they also haven't used their second-round pick.
In 2022, they traded back and made their first selection at No. 68 overall — which is where they landed Martin Emerson. This past season, they used their second-round pick to land Elijah Moore, then used their first selection, No. 74 overall, on Cedric Tillman. Hopefully, this year we will finally see them take a pick in Round 2. If so, these four defenders could be on their radar so they should be watched closely at the combine.
4. Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is the only starting linebacker still under contract for Cleveland. They have several hitting free agency, including Anthony Walker, Jr. who has been their primary MIKE when healthy. The problem is that he's struggled to stay healthy.
The Browns are expected to move on from Walker and that could lead to them making a move in the draft. One player who could be worth using a second-round pick on is Edgerrin Cooper from Texas A&M. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Cooper has been a menace against the run and is praised for his communication in coverage.
He can play all three downs and there are limited concerns about his play at the next level. Often teams don't want to draft linebackers too early, which could play in Cleveland's favor, leaving a sure starter on the board for them.
3. Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
Again, free agency could play a major role in the Browns decision-making in Round 2. If they don't keep any or their linebackers such as Anthony Walker, or Sione Takitaki, they could lean toward a linebacker with their first pick. The same could be said for defensive tackle.
Cleveland has several players hitting free agency at the defense of tackle position, including Maurice Hurst, Shelby Harris, and Jordan Elliot. They might want to try to bring some of the back, but there are no guarantees there. Elliott did well in 2023 but was inconsistent for much of his tenure. Hurst was a great addition but has a long injury history. Harris was also a solid signing but is approaching his mid-30s and could command more than Cleveland wants to pay.
For that reason, the Browns should be paying attention to defensive tackles in the 2024 NFL scouting combine. One prospect they need to monitor closely is Braden Fiske from Florida State. Fiske has the desired size for a three-tech, standing 6-foot-5 and 297 pounds. He's capable of splitting double-teams, holds his own in run defense, and can push the pocket when it comes to rushing the passer.
As good as he's been, Fiske had only one season at a power conference program — starting his career at Western Michigan. He can use these workouts to shed any doubts about his ability and perhaps ensure he's selected on Day 2.
2. Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
For as long as Myles Garrett has been on the Cleveland Browns, there seems to be one constant — they simply can't get anybody to play across from him long-term. Year after year, the Browns are going out and either adding somebody in free agency or via trade to play across from Garrett. This past season, it was Za'Darius Smith, who recorded 5.5 sacks but could be leaving in free agency.
If Smith does end up signing elsewhere, the Browns can turn to Ogbo Okoronkwo, or Alex Wright, who both did well when given opportunities in 2024. Depth could become an issue if one of them were to start. They do have 2023 fourth-round pick Isaiah McGuire but he was only used sparingly as a rookie.
Even if they won't tell us, Cleveland's coaching staff knows whether or not they're comfortable with these younger players taking on a larger role. If they're not, then they may want to use their Round 2 pick on a defense end. Bralen Trice out of Washington is someone to watch if that's the case.
The 6-foot-4, 260 pound Trice could be the long-term starter across from Garrett and would give the Browns another stellar pass rusher. Trice needs to improve against the run but he has the frame to take on the ball carrier and could improve with solid coaching. What matters most is the fact that he has the tools to succeed and a non-stop motor.
1. Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
There are a whole lot of Ohio State fans who are also Cleveland Browns fans, and sometimes they're not too happy when Michigan players are added to their favorite NFL team. But they should make an exception for Kris Jenkins.
We've already noted Cleveland's potential needs at defensive tackle and Jenkins would be the perfect answer. He stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 305 pounds making him an ideal fit as a 3-tech next to Dalvin Tomlinson. Jenkins finished his career with the Wolverines with 113 tackles, 8.5 for a loss, and 4.5 sacks.
He's not known for getting after the quarterback and while it helps when your 3-tech can do this, the Browns do have several players who can bring the heat in the passing game. What they need to do is ensure they continue to hold their own against the run and Jenkins can do exactly that.
While at Michigan, he proved to have incredibly strong hands and he knew how to use them to get away from blockers. He could shut down the rushing attack and often had his best games in the biggest moments — and Michigan had some huge moments over the past two years. Jenkins is a player to watch during the Combine as he could raise his stock if he shows some excellent agility in drills, since we already know he should show out when it comes to power testing.