Browns: Projecting all 14 draft picks roles in 2016

The Cleveland Browns went big in the 2016 NFL draft adding fourteen players to the roster (fifteen if you count Jamar Taylor who they acquired through trade from the Dolphins). With so many rookies coming into the fold this season what should we expect from each member of this draft class?

Corey Coleman Wide Receiver 15th overall pick

Impact: Coleman will have some catching up to do once he gets into camp and will have to become a sponge when it comes to learning an NFL playbook and re-learning to run routes. Coleman appears up to the challenge and is likely to be the Browns number one receiver come game one. The Browns are willing to take some bumps and bruises this season so letting a high pick receiver like Coleman learn on the job would not be a big surprise.

Role: Number one receiver

2016 Projected Stats: 54 catches 625 yards 6 touchdowns

Emmanuel Ogbah Defensive End 32nd overall pick

Impact: Ogbah has already come under some criticism for not fitting the Browns system, but it appears the Browns will be running a hybrid defense in 2016 so it could work. Ogbah will not start for Cleveland right out of the gate like Coleman will, but will definitely see some reps early in his career. With Kruger, Orchard, Mingo all projected ahead of Ogbah this season he will have to earn all of his looks with a strong training camp. If the two of the three linebackers ahead of Ogbah struggle expect Ogbah to take over by mid season.

Role: Second string rush linebacker

2016 Projected Stats: 32 tackles 4.5 sacks

Carl Nassib Defensive End 65th overall pick

Impact: Nassib still has a lot to cover in terms of learning the game. With the defensive end position open for the taking opposite Desmond Bryant you would hope Nassib will seize the opportunity. Nassib could struggle to start the season as he tries to put it all together and it might be a couple of years before the Browns see what they really have in Nassib.

Role: Second string defensive end

2016 Projected Stats: 15 tackles 2 sacks

Shonn Coleman Tackle 76th overall pick

Impact: Hopefully Coleman is a quick study because the right tackle position is his to lose. Should he falter there is another rookie on this list that could come up and try and take this job before it falls to Mike Bowie and Alvin Bailey. Coleman has the size and nasty streak to be a solid right tackle he just needs some tweaks in his technique. The right tackle position is Coleman’s to lose. Should Coleman win the job, he will likely struggle early at times, but this season is nothing more than a learning process for these young players.

Role: Starting right tackle

Cody Kessler Quarterback 93rd overall pick.

Hue Jackson wants everyone to trust him on this pick so we will, for now. Kessler is an interesting pick and will likely be the next man in line should Robert Griffin III struggle. Cleveland will not be competing for playoffs this year so if the Browns have to replace Griffin III due to struggles or injury anytime after week eight Kessler will likely get the nod to see what they have in him. Kessler will likely start the season as the third string quarterback while he develops behind RGIII and Josh McCown.

Role: Third String

2016 Projected Stats: 450 yards 3 touchdowns 3 interceptions

Joe Schobert Linebacker 99th overall pick

Schobert has a lot of the tools to develop into a good linebacker for the Browns down the line. His versatility is what can allow him to have an impact his rookie season. Able to play edge in a 3-4 inside in a 3-4 or 4-3 and as a traditional 4-3 outside linebacker Ray Horton will have fun plugging in Schobert wherever he wants whenever he wants. Schobert will have to become a more consistent tackler but has great technique and solid coverage skills for a rookie linebacker.

Role: Linebacker depth

2016 Projected Stats: 22 tackles 0 sacks 1 interception.

Ricardo Louis Wide Receiver 114th overall pick

Louis was an interesting pick here as he was not highly touted but Louis’ physical tools were just too much for the Browns to pass on. Much like Coleman Louis is a big time playmaker who can stretch the field. With Coleman already set to be the number one deep threat, Louis might have to work as a situational receiver before he becomes a go to number two receiver.

Role: fourth or fifth receiver

2016 Projected Stats: 20 catches 225 yards 2 touchdowns

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Derrick Kindred Safety 129th overall pick

Kindred is a hard hitting safety that needs work with his coverage skills. As Ibraheim Campbell looks to take one of the safety positions this season that leaves the other spot wide open. Kindred is not ready to be a starter and due to his struggles in coverage he will likely be relegated to special teams this year. Kindred may get a chance should injury or poor performance plague the safety position this year.

Role: Special teams and second string safety

2016 Projected Stats: 30 tackles 0 interceptions

Seth DeValve Tight End 138th overall pick

What many consider a reach, Cleveland considers a great matchup player. DeValve used to play wide receiver at Princeton so he has the ability to stretch the field on slower linebackers. Being a fourth round pick, DeValve is unlikely to get cut, but do not expect big time playing time for the former Princeton grad his rookie season.

Role: 3rd tight end

2016 Projected Stats: 8 catches 56 yards 0 touchdowns.

Jordan Payton Wide Receiver 154th overall pick

Payton will have a chance to come in and win the job opposite of Corey Coleman in 2016. With Brian Hartline likely on the bubble, Payton will provide a similar skillset to Hartline’s. A strong underneath possession receiver like Payton could be the steak to Coleman’s sizzle in 2016. Payton will have to hold off Louis and another fellow draft pick for this number two spot.

Role: number two receiver

2016 Projected Stats: 30 catches 425 yards 3 touchdowns

Spencer Drango Tackle 168th overall pick

Probably best suited at guard Jackson claims Drango will play take this year. Once Coleman locks down the right tackle spot the odds of Drango sliding to guard will increase. It is unlikely Drango will start on the line this year unless injuries become a problem, but he will be much welcomed depth to a traditionally thin line.

Role: depth at guard

Rishard Higgins Wide Receiver 172nd overall pick

Higgins may be the biggest threat to Payton. He is the most ready to come in from day one and play out of all the receivers the Browns have taken. Higgins is a nice route runner with nice athletic ability. He needs to be a bit bigger if he wants to make an immediate impact in Cleveland, but should Cleveland opt for a little more quickness from their number two receiver, Higgins will get the shot to become the start opposite of Coleman. Focus drops could be Higgins undoing when trying to beat out Payton.

Role: fifth or sixth receiver

2016 Projected stats: 22 catches 275 yards 1 touchdown

Trey Caldwell Cornerback 173rd overall pick

Project cornerback who will need some seasoning before making any kind of impact with the Browns. Obviously has some talent that the Browns did not want to risk losing as an undrafted free agent. Caldwell could catch on as a special teamer his rookie season, but do not be shocked if he has to work his way out of the practice squad first.

Role: Practice Squad

2016 Projected Stats: N/A

Scooby Wright III Inside Linebacker 250th overall pick.

Scooby suffered a nasty draft day slide, but ultimately found himself a home with only a few selections left in the draft. Wright III has been doubted his whole life so why would making the NFL be any different. Some do not see Wright III making the team. Not only do I have Wright III making the team, but also making an impact. Compared to the great, not so athletic and undersized, Zach Thomas, Wright III could be a mainstay on this defense for years to come. For now he has solid impact for a seventh round pick in 2016.

Role: Second String Inside Linebacker

2016 Projected Stats: 42 tackles 1 sack 0 interceptions

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