The Cleveland Browns continue to remain active on the defensive side of the ball during Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
With the 169th pick in the 5th round, the team selected Richard LeCounte from Georgia.
LeCounte is a safety who will compete with John Johnson III, Sheldrick Redwine, Ronnie Harrison, Grant Delpit (among others) for a role in the Cleveland secondary.
Welcome to Cleveland, Richard LeCounte III!#BrownsDraft pic.twitter.com/cqTja2Flvw
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 1, 2021
LeCounte played high school ball at Liberty County High School in Georgia.
He was named Male Athlete of the Year and Football Defensive Player of the Yea’ by the Savannah Morning News in 2016.
In 2017, LeCounte played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
As a five-star recruit, he committed to Georgia as a senior.
LeCounte played right away for head coach Kirby Smart in 2017.
That season he posted 15 total tackles in ten games.
In 2018, LeCounte started 13 games and racked up 74 total tackles (which led the team), one pick, three passes broken up, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
LeCounte raised his game even more in 2019 when he led the Bulldogs in interceptions with four and also collected 61 total tackles, three passes broken up, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.
Richard LeCounte is a ball hawk recording 8 INTs in his career at Georgia to go along with 4 FF #Browns. pic.twitter.com/XpJBDZFaRY
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) May 1, 2021
During the 2020 season, LeCounte was having another stellar year through the first five games of the season.
During the first third of 2020, he had 26 total tackles, three picks, four passes defended, and one fumble recovery.
While riding a dirt bike in November, LeCounte was hit by multiple cars.
Thankfully, his injuries were not severe enough to require surgery.
In a feel good moment, he suited up for the Bulldogs bowl game against Cincinnati and played the final snap.
Before his injury, LeCounte was one of the best safeties in the SEC.
Scouts like LeCounte, but they do question the effects of the injuries sustained in his accident as well as his speed.
Additionally, some team personnel note his size (5’10” and 196 pounds) as a slight detriment to his game.
Analysis from NFL scouting personnel of LeCounte’s game skills include the following:
Strengths:
- Good understanding of the game
- Recognizes over routes and jumps down on top of them
- More than willing to deliver a blow over the middle
- High-point leaper with hands to take it away
- Had seven interceptions over his last 14 games
- Above-average play recognition in 2019
- Quick to flip his field attention based on quarterback’s actions
- Rushes downhill to challenge RPO throws
- Willing combatant in run support
Weaknesses:
- High-cut, slender frame
- Average open-field athlete
- Hiccups when transitioning hips
- Below-average long speed and shows fear of getting burned
- Played so deep he was a non-factor against Alabama in 2020
- Spotty angles to the ball lead to occasional big plays
- Takes the brunt of blow against bigger backs as tackler
- Below-average man-cover talent
- Hasn’t played much special teams
Count on LeCounte to be a strong backup and part-time contributor for the Browns in 2021.
NEXT: Browns Draft West Virginia LB Tony Fields II In Round 5Richard LeCounte III meets with the media live: https://t.co/yg4PN6qm2t
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 1, 2021
