Browns are scoping out under-the-radar rookies
The spotlight started shining on the Browns’ rookie class Friday with the team’s three-day rookie minicamp kicking off in Berea.
Cleveland’s six draft picks are being led by second-round selection Michael Hall Jr., a defensive tackle out of Ohio State and third rounder Zak Zinter, an offensive guard out of Michigan. Some of the attention, though, is on the group of undrafted free agents the Browns signed.
Here are three players who are drawing some extra scrutiny for one reason or another.
Nathaniel Watson, LB, Mississippi State, sixth-round pick
Watson is an intriguing rookie based on his incredibly productive final two seasons at Mississippi State. He also plays a position – linebacker – in which a pathway exists to some early playing time in a reserve role. There’s also the special-teams angle. Watson would appear to be an ideal candidate to get reps there. Of course, that’s just a projection at this point. This weekend is giving him a chance to put performance alongside projection.
Myles Harden, CB, South Dakota, seventh-round pick
Harden’s injury history and his FCS Division I college background make him a prospect who will be fascinating to watch adjust to the NFL level. The injuries may have prevented Harden from going a round or two earlier because they cost him valuable games to build on what was still an impressive four-year resume as a cornerback at South Dakota. Although he had solid performances against Fbs-level competition – most notably Kansas, Kansas State and Missouri – no doubt the jump to this level will be a big one.
Javion Cohen, OL, Miami (Fla.), undrafted free agent
Cohen is fascinating because he was widely considered one of the best players to go undrafted. He started his career at the University of Alabama and was even a starter. However, he transferred to Miami for his final collegiate season. Signing Cohen as an undrafted free agent provides the Browns an intriguing opportunity to, if nothing else, stash him on the practice squad and develop him.