The draft process begins in just a couple of weeks with the Senior Bowl in Mobile Alabama. The Cleveland Browns will undoubtedly have their eyes on several players during practices and the game on February 4. The team needs to remake the defensive line outside of Myles Garrett and there will be plenty of players to study on the defensive line.
Mobile is another chance for players to showcase what they can do especially players from smaller schools going up against players from Power-Five schools. The Senior Bowl is the first major milestone toward the 2023 NFL Draft and no doubt will be intriguing to watch this year.
Here are some players that Browns fans should be watching in a couple of weeks.
1
Byron Young, DT, Alabama
Defensive tackle Byron Young immediately make the Browns’ defensive tackle room significantly better. Young can do all the dirty work that doesn’t show up in stat sheets taking on double teams and keeping his linebackers clean.
He has a great burst off the line of scrimmage and knows how to utilize his hands at a high level. Young has all of the physical tools to develop into a great three-down player and Jim Schwartz would be the perfect coach to utilize his strengths and help him grow as a player.
2
Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
Siaki Ika is a traditional nose tackle and is a massive player at 6-foot-4 and 357 pounds. The Browns weren’t able to stop the run up the middle but if they plugged Ika in the middle of the defensive line it would create a massive improvement against the run.
The most intriguing aspect of Ika’s game is that at his size he still displays good athleticism and speed for his size. He can make an impact in the passing game though to start his career he may be a rotational run-stopper. This is another player prospect that would benefit from Jim Schwartz’s coaching.
3
Ronnie Hickman, S, Ohio State
Ohio State’s Ronnie Hickman had a productive career with the Buckeyes and is a downhill safety that can impact the running game. Hickman is able to read and diagnose what is happening in front of him quickly and has the athleticism to react right away.
As a tackler, he is mostly reliable and is aggressive, and not afraid of contact against the run. Hickman can struggle as a single high safety but overall is good in coverage. Another plus is the versatility with the Buckeyes he often played in the box as an extra linebacker and has the physicality to perform well in the role.
4
Ivan Pace Jr., LB, Cincinnati
Cincinnati’s Ivan Pace Jr, originally at Miami (OH), is a hyper-productive linebacker with a great motor. In the last two seasons with Miami and Cincinnati Pace was a tackling machine with 125 tackles and 136 tackles in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
A quick processor with great instincts and the speed to cover ground from sideline to sideline. The Senior Bowl will be very important for Pace since the first three seasons were played at a mid-major program.
5
Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
The Senior Bowl is a huge event for players from smaller schools and Tyjae Spears is looking to build off a strong showing against USC. Two straight seasons with over 1,000 yards from scrimmage for the Tulane product. Spears has thrived in a zone-blocking system that is similar to Cleveland’s which could create an easier transition.
A very explosive runner that can break off a big one at any time with the ability to make people miss in the open field. Spears possesses good vision and patience to let blocks develop in front of him to get as many yards as he can on each run.
6
Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma
An intriguing offensive line prospect in this year’s draft is Oklahoma’s, Wanya Morris. Starting his career at Tennessee before transferring to Oklahoma Morris has experience starting at both tackle positions. He is a big and physical tackle that moves people in the running game but needs to work on consistency.
There will be a lot of really talented edge players at the Senior Bowl for Morris to test his skills against. His versatility and physical tools make him an intriguing prospect to watch closely.
7
Zach Harrison, Edge, Ohio State
The Browns like bigger, long, and strong edge players and that’s exactly what Zach Harrison is at 6-foot-6 and 272 pounds. He has a unique blend of speed and power that allows him to be downright dominant at times. The biggest issue is his lack of production with his physical tools and the Senior Bowl would be a good place to showcase what he does well.
At times he can struggle to recognize and diagnose but when he puts it all together it can be really impressive. Harrison is a player that could move up some boards with a strong and consistent week down in Mobile.
