It is an honor and a pleasure to get to cover the NFL combine live in Indianapolis. Getting to connect with teams, agents and fellow media members is a great way to gather information on the upcoming draft and free agency. More on that to come this weekend.
We shared a conversation with Alec Lindstrom Thursday where the interior offensive lineman talked about the details of the zone-blocking scheme and how it works for him. With the Cleveland Browns, and a lot of other teams, running that scheme, I asked questions around it for a reason.
With Nick Chubb leading the way, the Browns don’t have a big need for a running back but could be looking to add one later in the draft. D’Ernest Johnson could become a restricted free agent if Cleveland gives him a tender offer. Kareem Hunt is set to be a free agent after the 2022 season.
Demetric Felton was used more as a receiver than a running back but could be considered either depending on what the team wants to do.
Keaontay Ingram is a back that could fit that later-round pick for the Browns. Ingram has a history with the zone scheme and said he feels good about it:
From yesterday, Keaontay Ingram from USC feels good about his fit in zone schemes pic.twitter.com/ePaNG9e4SN
— Jared Mueller (@JaredKMueller) March 4, 2022
With pass-catching becoming more and more important in the NFL, Ingram noted that he was very focused on his route running in the ramp-up to the NFL draft:
Really enjoyed talking to @keaontay_ingram yesterday. He knows exactly what he is working on in the passing game for the next level pic.twitter.com/LA5NxeNhcH
— Jared Mueller (@JaredKMueller) March 4, 2022
As I noted in the question, Ingram caught almost 100 passes in college and probably would have eclipsed that but the COVID limited season kept his numbers down.
In three years at Texas, Ingram rushed for over 1,800 yards with a 5.3 yards per carry average and 11 touchdowns. His one season at USC was his best with 911 yards, 5.8 yards per carry average and five touchdowns.
Ingram has a chance to improve his stock but The Draft Network currently has him slated as a sixth-round pick.
