4 players the Cleveland Browns must avoid at all costs in the 2023 NFL Draft

With eight picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns have a lot of options. They can package their selections to move up or they can stay put and take more shots at the dart board.

Whatever they decide, they need to make sure they hit on as many of their selections as possible. With no first or second-round pick this season as well as no first-rounder in 2024, they need to make sure they get the picks they do have right.

That's why it would be best for them to avoid these four players who wouldn't be ideal fits for their roster.

Browns player to avoid No. 4: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon

When the 2022 season began, Noah Sewell was a name to watch. The Oregon linebacker had a famous name thanks to his older brother, Penei Sewell, who has been a solid offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions.

He also had 114 tackles in 2021 to go with four sacks — which led to the expectation that he would be one of the few linebackers with a first-round grade.

That's not the case now as he fell off a bit during his final season at Oregon. He was also decent, but not mind-blowing, at the Combine. In the end, he's a 246-pound throwback player who would be better served as a 3-4 inside linebacker that can focus on attacking the run.

In Cleveland, he likely wouldn't see the field much, especially if Anthony Walker stays healthy. And even then, Sione Takitaki was able to take over as the MIKE, leaving someone such as Sewell too far down the depth chart.

Browns player to avoid No. 3: Trey Dean III, S, Florida

With John Johnson III and Ronnie Harrison out, the Browns added just Juan Thornhill in free agency. Thornhill is an upgrade as a deep safety but there's still a need for depth. Because of that, Cleveland is expected to be looking at several safeties during the 2023 NFL Draft.

A few names stand out as potential fits including Jordan Battle, Christopher Smith II, Brandon Joseph, and Jammie Robinson. However, there's one player that seemed as though he could be in play but probably shouldn't be after his showing at the Scouting Combine.

Trey Dean III had quite a career with the Florida Gators, playing for five seasons. He ended up with 255 tackles, four picks, and 18 pass deflections. He's spent time not only at safety but could play in the slot as well, which is why he seemed like someone the Browns could be interested in.

The main issue in his testing was the speed and athleticism portions. He was last with a 4.75 in the 40-yard dash and second to last in the 10-yard split. He was first with 25 bench reps but that lack of speed and explosion could be a major issue for him at the next level.

Cleveland has had its share of slower safeties and if they're going to add one in the draft, they need to target one that can cover a lot of ground in a hurry.

Browns player to avoid No. 2: Tank Dell, WR, Houston

Just search the name Nathaniel "Tank" Dell and you will see a lot of impressive highlights. The Houston receiver was a big play waiting to happen for the Cougars and finished his career with 3,155 yards on 228 receptions with 32 touchdowns.

He's even been called one of the best route runners in this class, which is why he was often seen running wide-open after juking a cornerback out of his shoes.

But those highlights aren't enough to look past some of the concerns about his viability at the next level.

Dell, for as talented as he is, came into the Scouting Combine at just 5-foot-8 after being listed two inches taller by Houston. He did weigh 165 pounds, a full 10 pounds above his listed weight but the truth is, he probably played closer to that 155 mark.

That was seen in the fact that he ran a 4.49 in the 40-yard dash — which was well below expectations. Then again, adding some mass will do that.

Another reason for concern is his age. Dell had to go the Community College route and will be 24 during his rookie season. General manager Andrew Berry has never been fond of drafting older rookies and wide receivers with a little age on them are notorious for not developing.

Cleveland would be best served looking elsewhere in this draft.

Browns player to avoid No. 1: Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State

Cleveland fans love Ohio State players so there might be a desire to see Zach Harrison in the orange and brown. Sure, he plays a position of need and looks the part of an NFL defensive end at 6-5 and 274 pounds. He also has incredibly long arms at just over 36 inches.

Having said that, he's just never been able to put it all together. In four seasons, he has 97 tackles but just 11 sacks with a high of 3.5 in his freshman and senior seasons. He might be able to hold up against the run but he doesn't play with urgency and might be nothing more than a rotational end — as stated by Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.

"Harrison is big and long with the ability to neutralize base blocks as a 4-3 base end, but his gradual movement and lack of playmaking urgency limited his overall production. Harrison has the physical tools to create occasional advantages early in the rush but needs to get better at capitalizing on them. His size and length will always be appealing, but a more fiery demeanor on the field might be needed to raise his status beyond rotational end."

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Cleveland has developmental players in Alex Wright and Isaiah Thomas. If they're going to add more defensive end help, they need players they would feel comfortable turning to right away — since it's likely they will be needed.

There are other players that could be available in Round 3 and maybe early in Round 4 that could offer more than Harrison.