Memphis’ Avery drafted by Cleveland Browns
At Memphis’ Pro Day, Genard Avery said he wanted an opportunity, no matter which NFL team selected him.
That opportunity came Saturday with Avery being selected in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns with the 150th overall pick. He became the second Tigers alum drafted this year after Anthony Miller was taken in the second round by the Chicago Bears.
Avery is the first Memphis linebacker drafted since 1997 when Richard Hogans was drafted by the Bears in the sixth round. The two-time All-AAC first-team selection set a single-season record with 22 tackles for loss last year and is second all-time in school history with 45.5 behind Tim Harris.
Avery, who also had 8.5 sacks last season, slid further than where several draft boards had projected him despite a stellar showing at the combine with his speed (4.59 seconds in the 40-yard dash) and strength (26 reps in the
bench press).
ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said in March during a teleconference with reports that Avery could potentially be a second- to third-round pick. USA Today’s Draft Wire had him pegged as a third-round selection.
Kiper Jr. extended his praise Saturday, saying on ESPN that Avery could be a steal, citing his high motor and productivity..
With Miller being selected Friday, it’s the second time in four years the Tigers have had two players drafted in the same year. In 2015, the Tigers saw Bobby McCain and Martin Ifedi drafted in the fifth and seventh round, respectively.
Avery is also the sixth Memphis player drafted by the Browns and the first since Brandon McDonald was taken in the fifth round in 2007.