The Cleveland Browns are expected to spend some early-round picks in the 2020 NFL draft to help solidify the offensive line.
With having the 10th pick in the draft, the Browns will more than likely get a chance to draft one of the elite offensive line prospects.
However, it’s also important not to discount some later round OL prospects that could turn into solid NFL starters.
Regarded as a day 3 talent, one player to keep an eye on is Kansas OT Hakeem Adeniji.
Adeniji started every game for Kansas since 2016, primarily at left tackle.
He has good overall mobility and length for a lineman.
However, some of his weaknesses are his functional strength and technique.
Some scouts are projecting him to move to guard or even center in the NFL.
Hakeem Adeniji OL #78
Adeniji is a 4 year starter w/ OT or OG potential in the NFL. Smart player that was a candidate for the Senior CLASS Award.
– Stout frame w/ good length
– + Footwork in sets and climbing
– Nastiness to finish blocks
– ++ Grip strength
– + Lateral quickness pic.twitter.com/X2f5zPF5s9— Matt Lane (@ChiefinCarolina) March 6, 2020
Adeniji received an invite to the combine and he did not disappoint.
Kansas OL Hakeem Adeniji had an excellent Combine workout:
– 34” vertical jump
– 115” broad jump
– 5.17 40-yard dash
– 26 bench press repsCan play almost every position on the offensive line. Versatile + athletic = great value.
— Jonah Tuls (@JonahTulsNFL) February 29, 2020
The Browns were one of over 20 teams that made the trip to Lawrence for the Kansas Jayhawks prospect pro day.
The Browns also met with Adeniji during Senior Bowl week.
Looks like virtually same group of NFL scouts at K-State’s Pro Day yesterday made the short trip to Lawrence to take in Kansas’ Pro Day this Thursday. #Jayhawks OL Hakeem Adeniji and LB Azur Kamara are the headliners. Both were in Indy last week for the NFL Scouting Combine. pic.twitter.com/vRrEHB0Pe8
— Herbie Teope (@HerbieTeope) March 5, 2020
The 6-foot-4 prospect from Garland, Texas, admitted feeling fatigued after the NFL combine but said he was so “hyped up” for the chance to prove himself.
That’s one reason he decided to participate in the pro day, even though he had a great combine and could have sat it out.
“They said they liked my movement, and what I was doing in the drills and looked pretty explosive as far as the jumps and (40-yard dash),” Adeniji shared. “And they said I’m coming up, as far as my draft stock, so that’s definitely good to hear.”
Adeniji went through O-line drills and also participated in the L-cone drill, finishing the change-of-direction foot race in 8.08.
“I wanted to do a little bit better, kind of tripped up on the turf a little bit, but it was all good,” the upbeat Adeniji said.
“This is what I’ve worked for my whole life, and I’m trying to make every moment the best moment and enjoy things and obviously do as good as possible as a competitor.”
Reportedly, Adenji has 4 pre-draft workouts scheduled with one of those teams being the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kansas OL Hakeem Adeniji tells me he has a predraft workout scheduled with the #Chiefs. Adeniji said he has a total of four predraft workouts scheduled. He can play inside and outside. pic.twitter.com/u4FEMemdcp
— Herbie Teope (@HerbieTeope) March 5, 2020
Some teams have told Adeniji and his representatives that he could possibly be drafted in the 2nd day of the 3-day draft.
If that does happen, Adeniji would be the highest Jayhawk drafted since Aquib Talib was drafted in the first round of the 2008 draft.
“I know I’d make that projection right,” Adeniji said. “But wherever I get picked, it’s going to be great. This has always been my dream, to play in the NFL.”
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