The NFL Scouting Combine has concluded, marking another step in the draft process for this season. Every player measured. Some tested. And there are plenty of reactions and overreactions to everything as it relates to the Cleveland Browns.
Predictably, there were people falling in love with prospects each day prospects took part in. It was a relief that the defensive prospects worked out first, so many could get that out of their system before the areas the Browns need the most help, had their opportunity to impress.
The conversations coming out of the combine will be further shaped by the decisions the Browns make in free agency, which begins in a little over a week. Still, there’s plenty to discuss.
Top defensive prospects shine
Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese testing well shouldn’t come as a surprise. The Browns have no business drafting either Buckeye. It would be great if teams picking in front of them do.
Styles is a terrific linebacker. But when the instinct to think of all the ways to use him that aren’t linebacker, that already sets up a disappointing return on what would be a massive investment. If Styles were to be every bit of Carson Schwesinger as a rookie, that would be a good result. But considering where the Browns, or any other team, would be taking him, that’s the expectation. Anything short of that would feel disappointing.
As for Reese, he could be a great player, but he does appear scheme dependent. The idea of playing him as a base linebacker and then potentially making him a situational edge rusher is an intriguing ideas. Big on base downs, then getting more athletic to rush the passer. He’s not the prospect Abdul Carter was this time last year and there were plenty of people who hated the idea of that exact scenario with Carter. Reese doesn’t have the snaps on the edge to prove himself in that capacity. It’s too much of a projection, a hope that he can be that dynamic rushing threat.