As we head closer to the draft, the Cleveland Browns continue to gauge interest in potential draft picks.
According to the Walter Football 2020 Tracker, the following players have been looked at by the Browns.
The Browns have the following draft selections for the 2020 NFL Draft, set for the weekend of April 23rd to April 25th.
- First round: No. 10
- Second round: No. 41
- Third round: No. 74
- Third round: No. 97
- Fourth round: No. 115
- Fifth round: none
- Sixth round: No. 187
- Seventh round: No. 244
For any of the players listed below, the Browns have had some sort of contact.
Those contacts will be provided for each player.
Mehki Becton-Offensive Line (Louisville)
- NFL Combine meeting
There’s no denying that the Browns are in need of a left tackle.
Becton was one of the first names rumored to be a potential replacement.
According to Scott Petsko of cleveland.com, Becton was interviewed by the Browns and spent 18 minutes watching game film.
“We were watching my technique and they were telling me what I was doing wrong,” he said. “They showed my good plays, showed my bad plays, so they’ll tell me what I did wrong on the bad plays and what I did good on the good plays.”
Becton is rated as a potential selection by the Browns at No. 10.
BIG MAN CAN MOVE! @UofLFootball’s Mehki Becton is 6’7”, 364lbs and still ran a 5.1 40-yd dash 🤯
(via @nfl)pic.twitter.com/FyhPjrtDcv
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) February 28, 2020
Dre Brown-Running Back (Illinois)
- Pro Day or campus meeting/workout
Brown is considered a late-round pick if selected at all.
Brown was used in a rotation of running backs in three seasons at Illinois.
In 2017 and 2018, Brown did not rush for more than 180 yards.
In 2019, Brown rushed for 584 yards on 113 attempts and five touchdowns and hauled in 10 passes for 82 yards receiving.
Brown relied heavily on great blocking but found ways to gain yardage when it happened.
He could be looked at as an undrafted free agent if he is not taken by another team or the Browns.
This blocking is GORGEOUS on all three levels with a great run by Dre Brown. pic.twitter.com/iEt9TEjMPz
— Martin O’Donnell (@MartinOD64) October 27, 2019
Cameron Clark-Offensive Tackle (Charlotte)
- NFL Combine meeting
Clark’s resume is thorough when you take a look.
In 2018 and 2019, Clark was a captain for the Charlotte football team and a three-year starter.
He holds the school record for career games played with 49.
Clark was named First-Team All-Conference USA in 2018 and 2018, as well as Second-Team All-Conference USA by Pro Football Focus in 2019.
PFF graded Clark as the highest-graded run blocker in 2018.
He was durable when playing as well, which included 31 consecutive starts to end his career.
Clark is 6-foot-5 and 294 pounds and another candidate to fill the Browns’ open left tackle position.
An underrated prospect to keep an eye today against Buffalo (2 p.m. EST) is Charlotte LT Cameron Clark (6-4, 289).
He had his best game of the year against Clemson. Strong/physical at the POA and a bruising run blocker. pic.twitter.com/Jcw85lDJrP
— Jordan Reid (@JReidNFL) December 20, 2019
Ezra Cleveland-Offensive Tackle (Boise State)
- Private visit.
- Private workout
- NFL Combine meeting
It’s already been reported that the Browns have interest in Cleveland.
Cleveland is 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds out of Boise State, who plays in the Mountain West Conference.
At Boise State, Cleveland redshirted his freshman season in 2016.
In 2017, Cleveland started 14 games and named All-Mountain West Honorable Mention.
He was an integral part of the line that led Boise State to the Mountain West’s No.2 scoring offense.
That season, running back Alexander Mattison rushed for 1,086 yards.
Cleveland was named All-Mountain West First Team his sophomore and junior campaign.
In 2018, he protected Mountain West Player of the Year Brett Rypien as the Broncos finished 18th in the country for yards per game.
In 2019, Cleveland helped open holes for George Holani, who extended the program’s streak of 1,000-yard rushers to 12 seasons.
I came out really impressed with Boise State OT Ezra Cleveland (#76). I believe he is going to be a Combine winner and garner top-50 consideration.
Look at the man get out in space and demolish the defensive back. pic.twitter.com/G9eOgu5pGA
— Gavino Borquez (@GavinoBorquez) February 5, 2020
Austin Edwards-Defensive End (Ferris State)
- East-West Shrine Meeting
Edwards is 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds and helped Ferris State reach the NCAA Division II National Championship Game.
In 2018, Edwards was honored as one of the nation’s top defensive ends, earning All-American honors.
He was also a nominee for the Cliff Harris National Small College Defensive Player of the Year Award.
His stats included 97 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks in 2018.
In 2019, his production slipped to 64 tackles, but 10.5 sacks.
Meet 2020 NFL Draft Prospect: Austin Edwards, DE, Ferris State. Great article on @AustinEdwards80 https://t.co/C4ufosVrEM
— CoachEscobar🇺🇸🏈 (@CoachEscobar45) February 8, 2020
Jason Huntley-Running Back (New Mexico State)
- Pro Day or campus meeting/workout
Huntley had a breakout season in 2019.
After being used sparingly his first three seasons, Huntley rushed for 1,090 yards and nine touchdowns.
Huntley did not receive an invite to the NFL Combine, but at New Mexico State’s Pro Day, he showed he should have received one.
His time of 4.37 in the 40-yard dash was the fastest time among running backs at the NFL Combine.
Huntley also recorded a broad jump of 10 feet 11 inches, a vertical jump of 39.5 inches, a time of 4.25 in the 20-yard shuttle, and a time of 7.19 in the three-cone drill.
All of his marks would have been in the top-10 among running backs.
A RB getting no buzz on here just pulled off the best run I have seen by a RB all draft season thus far.
Meet New Mexico State RB Jason Huntley. He apparently had a standout week at the NFLPA game this week. Guy breaks tackles at will. Has good hands. Really like his game. pic.twitter.com/kL7tClfvuf
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) January 17, 2020
Austin Jackson-Offensive Tackle (USC)
- NFL Combine meeting
Jackson already has analysts calling him a perfect fit in Cleveland.
A Phoenix native, Jackson is 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds.
He was a two-year starter at left tackle for the Trojans, which is where his grandfather, Melvin, was apart of the 1974 national championship team.
According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, Jackson is best compared to Arizona Cardinal’s tackle D.J. Humphries.
Humphries was once considered a free agent target by the Browns before he signed a lucrative extension with the Cardinals.
Zierlein calls Jackson “raw but gifted” and sees him as someone that could be an immediate starter.
USC OT Austin Jackson (@ChocoDro) pushed himself to the limit on the bench press, racking up 27 reps at the #NFLCombine. #USCtotheNFL pic.twitter.com/it7xax8Qwq
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) February 27, 2020
Josh Jones-Offensive Tackle (Houston)
- NFL Combine meeting
Jones continues the trend of the Browns’ interest in tackles.
Jones is 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds and is any offensive line coach’s dream according to The Draft Network.
Some of his skills include his ability to be “a dominant pass blocker” and a “weapon in the run game.”
Analysts credit Jones has “raw” talent and can be “weaned into a starting role.”
Ranked as the 201st overall prospect, he would be a later round choice if selected.
#Houston OT Josh Jones is the type of tackle that has tremendous upside because of the little subtle things that he already does.
Watch the quick allusion with his left hand to force the DE to reveal his plan of attack prematurely: pic.twitter.com/8d1yuUM4Is
— Jordan Reid (@JReidNFL) January 23, 2020
Carter O’Donnell-Offensive Tackle (Alberta)
- East-West Shrine Meeting
Haven’t heard of O’Donnell?
That’s because O’Donnell played at Alberta for his collegiate career, which is based out of Canada.
At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds. O’Donnell is a physical specimen.
In December, O’Donnell’s ranking grew to fourth overall on the CFL Scouting Bureau’s list of top-20 prospects.
In recent years, Alberta has produced NFL-quality lineman.
Matt Korte, a 2018 grad, was scouted by the Washington Redskins before being drafted by the CFL 4th overall.
“Carter is a special athlete that has all the tools a team looks for: He’s a big, athletic body that moves well,” via Gerry Moddejone of the Edmonton Sun. “He’s an overwhelmingly physical player,” Korte said. “Off the field, he’s a smart guy that can handle the playbook and fits in well with a group of O-linemen. Carter isn’t the type to get wrapped up in everything surrounding football, he’s an all-business type of guy that really does love the game.”
Jeff Okudah-Cornerback (Ohio State)
- NFL Combine meeting
The Browns have Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams as the starting cornerbacks; however, the team still met Okudah.
Okudah was one of the nation’s top cornerbacks in 2019 and has put together a solid career.
In 35 career games, he owns 64 combined tackles, and 18 passes defended.
The Browns might just be doing their due diligence here.
How did CB @jeffokudah prepare for the NFL?
He went up against guys like @TheTerry_25 his freshman year at @OhioStateFB. 💪 (via @ColleenWolfe + @nflnetwork) pic.twitter.com/q9EVZeTdpp
— NFL (@NFL) March 7, 2020
Michael Pinckney-Linebacker (Miami)
- East-West Shrine meeting
A four-year linebacker at Miami, Pinckney recorded an accolade each season.
As a freshman in 2016, Pinckney was named to the Freshman All-American team.
In 2017 and 2017, Pinckney was named All-ACC Honorable Mention.
His senior season featured 11 starts, 64 combined tackles, a career-high in tackles for loss (12.5), and five sacks to net All-Acc Second-Team honors.
With linebacker Joe Schobert expected to walk in free agency, and the release of Christian Kirksey, the Browns will be in need of a linebacker.
NFL Draft prospect Michael Pinckney (@56_nightmares) explains why he deserves to be in the NFL.
WATCH his full journey in preparing for the NFL Combine: https://t.co/HnMHBQULDd#NFLCombine #MichaelPinckney #MiamiHurricanes #NFLDraft @Day1SportsEnt @CanesFootball pic.twitter.com/A5axqJOT2o
— Time2Football (@Time2Football) February 28, 2020
Giovanni Ricci-Tight End (Western Michigan)
- East-West Shrine meeting
If the Browns needed tight end depth in case David Njoku can’t finish a season again, Ricci appears to have their interest.
Ricci lettered four seasons at Western Michigan and was one of eight semifinalists for the John Mackey Award in 2020, which is presented to the nation’s top tight end.
In 45 career games, Ricci caught 98 passes for 1,114 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Ricci transitioned from wide receiver to tight end in 2018, which resulted in 35 receptions for 392 yards and Third-Team All-Mid American Conference honors.
In 2019, Ricci finished with 51 receptions for 642 yards and First-Team All-Mid American Conference honors.
At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, Ricci was labeled as “the most potential” before the East-West Shrine Game.
Game Note (in case you didn’t know)
Giovanni Ricci -> hard to tackle.#LetsRide
CBS Sports Network | https://t.co/hRnnTHBQF9 pic.twitter.com/2P4kdlLPRz— WMU Football (@WMU_Football) September 28, 2019
Andrew Thomas-Offensive Tackle (Georgia)
- NFL Combine meeting
Thomas gained national attention after ESPN’s Mel Kiper commented on his stock.
Around the league, Thomas was being credited as the “fourth-best tackle” but the college football draft analyst believes that Thomas is one of the best tackles available.
“Andrew Thomas, to me, is a daggon’ good player,” Kiper said. “People are down on him saying he’s the fourth-best tackle. If he’s the fourth tackle taken, I’ll take him in a second.”
For now, ESPN has Thomas ranked as the No. 4 offensive tackle and the No. 18 player overall.
At 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, Thomas started all 15 games at right tackle in 2017 as a true freshman when the Bulldogs made the College Football National Championship Game.
In 2017, Thomas was ranked as a top-50 prospect according to 247Sports Composite, but chose to return to school.
At No. 10, Thomas could be a serious contender at being drafted by the Browns.
#Browns Saturday ponderings. You can pick one player from each group below in the 2020 NFL Draft. Who do you pick?
• Tristan Wirfs, Andrew Thomas, Mekhi Becton
• Antoine Winfield, Ashtyn Davis, Grant Delpit
• Willie Gay, Jr., Akeem Davis-Gaither, Logan Wilson
— Cody Suek (@WFNYCody) March 14, 2020
Casey Toohill-Linebacker (Stanford)
- East-West Shrine Game
Potentially the smartest prospect out of the group.
The 6-foot-4, 247-pound prospect was named on the Pac-12 Fall Academic Honor Roll in 2019 as he finished his Political Science degree.
That also included First-Team Pac-12 All-Academic First-Team in 2016 and 2018, as well as Second-Team in 2017.
Toohill was named a 2019 William V. Campbell Trophy finalist as well.
The trophy is a combination of academics, community service, and on-field performance.
On the field, Toohil was third on the team in tackles with 60, and team-highs of 11.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks.
He also added 10 quarterback hurries, one forced fumble, one pass defended, and one blocked kick.
Casey Toohill (@CaseyToohill) with the hesi/jab/double swipe. Finishes w/ a rip.
Starts his rush w/ the hesi, jab steps at the TE to draw out his hands/freeze his feet, maintains ½ man leverage as he swipes & rips to clear any resetting hands! #Stanford #PassRush pic.twitter.com/dWKMQW6VSY
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) September 22, 2019
Curtis Weaver-Defensive End (Boise State)
- Some Type Of Meeting
Weaver was an All-American in 2019 and the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year.
He finished his career as the Mountain West’s all-time sacks leader and second in Boise State history with 34.
Weaver started all 14 games and finished fifth in the country with 13.5 sacks and 12th overall for tackles for loss with 18.5.
In some mock drafts, Weaver is available in the third round.
The Browns could look to add another pass rusher in the middle rounds and Weaver would be a solid pickup.
Boise State’s Curtis Weaver has an impressive first step/get-off for his size. He also brings heavy hands and wins with his hands constantly.
Really impressive tape early in the season before his ankle injury. pic.twitter.com/ZqtKx8jVuR
— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) February 14, 2020
Jedrick Wills-Offensive Tackle (Alabama)
- NFL Combine meeting
According to Ellis Williams of cleveland.com, Wills is already in the Browns’ radar.
Wills is 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds and finished his junior season at Alabama.
According to Pro Football Focus, Wills grades as a 90.5 overall run blocker and 75.0 in pass protection.
His future at left tackle is unclear for now, but his production improved from the 2018 season.
On the right side, Wills earned second-team All-American honors and All-SEC honors.
His ability to “create leverage using angle in the run game” is one of his greatest pros.
I Just Went Up In My Price*++🪐 pic.twitter.com/QZIiljLTzV
— Jedrick Wills Jr.® ➕🪐💕 (@JWills73) March 9, 2020
Wills is projected as a first-round pick even with some of the downside that comes along with him.
According to The Draft Network, Wills recorded many presnap penalties.
Also, at Alabama, Wills protected the blindside of Tua Tagovailo, who was a left-handed quarterback.
Williams cited the Browns drafting Wills at No. 10 overall as “risky.”
Tristan Wirfs-Offensive Tackle (Iowa)
- NFL Combine meeting
According to many mock drafts, Wirfs is a top-10 prospect.
The thought of trading down for Wirfs has even come across the minds of the Browns franchise.
Wirfs had such an outstanding NFL combine that some believe he will be gone before the Browns can pick at No. 10.
At 320 pounds, Wirfs had a vertical jump of 10 feet, 1 inch and a 36.5-inch vertical jump.
His vertical jump was higher than 20 wide receivers that weighed less than Wirfs.
His 40-yard dash time was also impressive, clocking in at 4.86 seconds.
Needless to say, Wirfs is the Browns’ first choice at No. 10 for a left tackle.
NEXT: 8 QB Prospects The Browns Could Draft In 2020 (Complete Profiles)Tristan Wirfs is an absolute beast:
✅Broke Combine record in vertical jump for OL
✅Tied Combine record in broad jump for OL
✅Broke Iowa record of 4 450 lb Hang Cleans@TristanWirfs74(Third video via @HawkeyeFootball) pic.twitter.com/wOuk6dy8tt
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) February 29, 2020
