Factory Of Sadness
FanSided

What Could Day Three Picks for the Browns Provide This Year?

By Ryan Rosko

facebooktwitterreddit

After two days of drafting talented players which filled needs for the team, the Cleveland Browns finished day three of the NFL Draft with seven picks and a total of twelve for the draft class.

Today’s day three picks for the Browns started with strong safety Ibraheim Campbell from Northwestern in the 4th round, pick 115. Washington State’s wide receiver Vince Mayle was the second pick in the fourth round, 123 overall.

More from Factory of Sadness

Cleveland had three picks in the 6th round. Coach Pettine loves the corners in his defense and they drafted one with their first sixth rounder, 189th overall in Charles Gaines of Louisiville. They followed that choice up with picks 195 and 198 with tight ends Malcolm Johnson of Mississippi State and Randall Telfer from USC.

The Browns went back to defense with their last two picks of the draft. Hayes Pullard, a linebacker was chosen in the 7th round, 219th overall from USC and Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, an Oregon duck, 241st.

More from Cleveland Sports

Due to a talented safety group led by Donte Whitner, Campbell is in a good position to learn from one of the best at the position. He immediately provides good depth and should do well in time. His playing style fits Pettine’s defensive creativity, so there is a chance he could contribute to an extent, but in the mean time special teams should be a focus.

Nov 1, 2014; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver Vince Mayle (1) is unable to make the catch against Southern California Trojans safety Leon McQuay (22) during the second half at Martin Stadium. Trojans beat Cougars 44-17. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Mayle will be playing on the outside and add size to the position. He can separate well and should put up respectable numbers as the fourth WR. Johnson is going to be listed as a fullback, but should be expected to be used in multiple roles. Telfer is not as athletic as Johnson but is a solid player. Between Johnson, Telfer, as well as the other TE’s on the roster, the team looks to use a group effort to get solid production from the position at least for the short term.

Coach Pettine needs CB’s to perform at a high level consistently to get the best success out of the defense. Gaines could push for playing time as the nickel back if everything goes well for him. He displays average ball skills, but what works in his favor is that he is a former wide receiver so he has a better feel than some at times defending players.

I am on the fence with Hayes Pullard. He made some plays while in college, but I just view him as a depth guy, solid special teams player early on. Pullard is around the ball a lot. That ability will help him certainly adjust to the NFL level but he seems to misread on plays late. One could tell what he is planning on doing, but reacting at times is questionable.

The one guy outside of the Browns first round picks that I am most excited to see is their last pick, Ekpre-Olomu. He is recovering from knee surgery, but prior to the injury and in fact heading into last season, I viewed him as an exciting potential late first round pick. His ball skills are very good, is a solid tackler, and on numerous occasions will come off the edge and make the play in backfield. He has the potential to be a very good corner in the league.

I have not heard anything yet as to Cleveland’s plan for Ekpre-Olomu, but I would start him slowly as needed as the sixth corner with hopes by the time the preseason and regular season he is a regular contributor in a solid role. By year two if all goes well and he plays like he did in college, I would hope he is at least the third CB. Tramon Williams, Justin Gilbert, Pierre Desir, and K’Waun Williams are good options the team has behind Joe Haden and Ekpre-Olomu’s presence should be successfully felt as well.

Looking back at the 2015 NFL Draft

Cleveland is loading up both sides of the ball, especially the defensive front seven; they are filling out a good roster and if the QB is on the roster now great, but if not in time he will be.

I wish the team went WR and TE, especially TE earlier in the draft. If the team is comfortable with the guys at QB and want to see what they have fine. However, they had quality players to help their offense at multiple positions available and instead they either traded out or went another direction on more than one occasion. Unless something positive changes this upcoming season, the team may have to look into getting a number one WR and/or QB again next year.

Cleveland has had success with UDFA signings recently. Isaiah Crowell was the most notable of the signings from last year. Who is that person going to be for this draft?

Overall, I like the team’s draft but I hope certain positions will further cement my opinion with their improved play.

What do you think? What do you believe the day three picks will provide Cleveland this season?

Next: VoF: For Better Or Worse, Browns' Draft Yields 12 New Rookies

Home/Cleveland Sports