Cleveland Browns: Five Players To Watch During 2023 NFL Combine

Jalin Hyatt - Wide Receiver, Tennessee

Analysis

NFL experts across the league believe Hyatt will run faster than a 4.3 in the combine which could massively increase his draft stock. On tape last season he has shown he can blow the top off of any defense, as his five touchdown performance against Alabama proves this.

There is, of course, worry his route running skills outside of double-move go routes need to develop. There is also concern he will struggle as a perimeter receiver as he’s yet to prove he can consistently win against press coverage. Cleveland could use his ability to stretch a defense as they were bottom of the league in both yards after catch and yards gained per pass attempt.

A.T Perry - Wide Receiver, Wake Forest

Analysis

Every year we see players with loads of talent have their initial draft stock hurt by the fact they play on a sub-par team in a small program, A.T. Perry is that type of player. He is a massive receiver 6’5 and 205 pounds with long strides.

He is more of a deep threat than some realize as he has had 14 games with a catch of 30 yards or more. He is more than just than a big physical receiver with speed, he also does the little things as well: footwork, tracking the ball, and attacking the blind spots of defenders in coverage. With his unofficial 40-yard time being a high 4.4 and vertical being 37 and half inches, if he just replicates these numbers he will get the attention of many scouts, let alone if he produces better results.

If he played at a bigger program with better quarterback play, he would undoubtedly be a first round selection. Giving Deshaun Watson a massive target who can excel downfield would only help this offense.

Mazi Smith - Defensive Tackle, Michigan

Analysis

Cleveland had a problem stopping the run last year and Mazi Smith could solve this with a pick at 42. While having his 6’3 337-pound frame, he moves very well. His base and ability to work down the line of scrimmage are great to see as well as his ability to push the pocket when rushing the passer.

More than 50 percent of his defense snaps last year were in pass situations so he has shown he can be on the field on 3rd down. The major concern is his get off on the line of scrimmage. Time and time again on tape he is late off the ball.

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Whether its reaction time or him reading the opposing lineman’s block, this could be a problem at the next level. If he tests well, he will put these concerns to bed.

Tuli Tuipulotu - Edge/Defensive Tackle, USC

Analysis

Tuipulotu is an interesting prospect to some teams as there are questions about what position he would play on an NFL roster. Being 6’4 and 290 pounds, he is traditionally too big to play a 4-3 defensive end and too small to play defensive tackle.

Some suggest his only fit would be as a 3-4 defensive end, but I encourage these people to look more into his tape when he plays the edge rusher position. He didn’t lead all of college football with 13 sacks just by chance.

Tuipulotu weight on paper may say 290, but his explosion off the line and high motor makes it seem like the scale is lying. He also has a good base and the strength to stand offensive lineman up with an extension of his hands. The Browns need help at both defensive end and tackle, so why not draft a guy that could play both.

Mike Morris - Edge, Michigan

Analysis

Mike Morris is another edge player in this draft class with a massive frame. Being 6’6 and 290 pounds makes him extremely hard to move in the run game.

A solid base mixed with a very long wingspan allows him to extend blockers and sit on the line of scrimmage to read where the ball is going. As a pass rusher he has shown he can rush from both the edge and inside. His size and power makes him hard to stop when he stunts inside, as his space-eating twists inside turn into making plays in the backfield.

Morris has also shown he has a bag of pass rush moves, setting himself up for counters on future pass rush plays. Experts are quick to label Morris as only a two down defender, citing that he will need to slim down and improve conditioning and that his burst off the line could use some work. If he can debunk this with a solid showing at the combine, he would be a solid choice to play opposite of All-Pro Myles Garrett.

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