Cleveland Browns: 3 potential surprise 1st-round picks to watch

1. Cleveland Browns surprise pick: Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky

Why it’s a surprise: Kentucky middle linebacker Jamin Davis plays linebacker and from what’s being reported, Cleveland is doing its darnedest to strengthen the defensive line and secondary, with an eye on playing just two linebackers.

With that being the case, why spend a first-round pick on position that’s been devalued, especially when drafted players like Sione Takitaki and Jacob Phillips look ready to play more snaps after breaking into the NFL as backups.

Why they might do it: When Daniel Jeremiah first mocked Davis to the Browns, it was like, “Huuuuuh?” After reading up on Davis, it became clear why he’s could be a contender. The Kentucky product is fast, like, really fast. Draft guru extraordinaire Mel Kiper wrote how Davis flies to the ball, noting that he “Covers like a safety.”

So the Browns could play with three safeties, and then also field a linebacker who covers like a safety to matchup with superstar tight ends such as Travis Kelce?

This offseason has seen the Browns get notably faster on defense, so with that in mind, Davis can’t be ruled out.