Grading the Cleveland Browns 2023 NFL Draft picks

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WACO, TX – SEPTEMBER 17: Siaki Ika #62 of the Baylor Bears and teammate Garmon Randolph #55 pressure Layne Hatcher #3 of the Texas State Bobcats in the first half at McLane Stadium on September 17, 2022 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

Pick #98 – DT Siaki Ika

With the next pick the Cleveland Browns had, they picked former Baylor Bear defensive tackle Siaki Ika. Ika will like play a more conventional nose tackle for the Browns, often lining up in the A-gap on the strong side of the line, also known as the one technique. This will allow recently signed defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson to play the three-technique, which will allow him more space to chase after the quarterback.

Ika is a massive man, standing at 6’3, 335 lbs, and being just a huge body for teams to move. He’s not fast, by any means. He’s not going to be able to chase anyone down, and concerns about his conditioning are fair, as he’s a massive frame and runs a 5.40 40-yard dash.

NFL Draft Buzz claims that a huge mark against Ika is his bad tackling on the inside, where he apparently missed a lot of chances while with Baylor. He’s also someone who plays too high and doesn’t have proper technique, allowing for stronger, more disciplined guards to knock him off his feet.

He has a low ceiling, but it appears he has a high floor as well. PFF gave him near-consistent grades across the board for the last three seasons, a strong sign that even when he struggles, he doesn’t struggle that much. He’s just not someone you can expect to be an All-Pro.

Pro Comparision: Shaun Rogers

Grade: B+

Thoughts: I think he’s someone that can provide what the Browns need and could be a long-time player for the team. He’s not a high-volume producer but he’s the kind of glue guy that makes teams better.

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