Browns NFL draft prospects from Senior, Shrine bowls to know

On Feb 6, 2023

Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa is sacked by Northwestern defensive line Adetomiwa Adebawore during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

The unofficial opening of NFL Draft season happened last week, as two of the biggest college all-star games took place.

The East-West Shrine Bowl was held last Thursday in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, in Mobile, Ala., the Senior Bowl — the signature all-star game — was contested on Saturday.

While the Senior Bowl generates much of the buzz, both games had several prospects whom the Browns have already begun the process of analyzing to the point of over-analysis. That’s just getting going, with the Combine still to come at the end of this month and pro days on the various college campuses throughout March.

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The draft itself will be held April 27-29. The Browns, though, won’t have the first of their eight draft picks until the second round, No. 42 overall.

Here’s a look at a few prospects who emerged during the week leading into the two all-star games and who could fit what the Browns are looking for when they make their picks in late April. They’re listed alphabetically, although the first player on the list would certainly help fill the biggest need for the Browns.

Adetomiwa Adebawore, defensive tackle, Northwestern

You think it’s tough to spell or pronounce Adebawore’s name, you should try blocking the Wildcats standout, who was the National Team’s Defensive Line Practice Player of the Week at the Senior Bowl. Much like another defensive lineman who’ll appear on this list, the question isn’t so much about the size of the fight in this dog (or cat, in this instance), it’s just about the size. At 6-foot-2 and 284 pounds, Adebawore is a tad undersized, which may push him down on some boards. However, what he lacks in a big frame, he makes up for with big power in his game. Adebawore is a brute force at the line of scrimmage who also is able to use his slightly smaller size to gain leverage on opposing offensive linemen. An “undersized defensive tackle,” you say? The Browns have drafted their share of them under general manager Andrew Berry.

Brenton Cox Jr., edge rusher, Florida

This may be one of the bigger high-risk, high-reward players in the draft. But, hey, scared money don’t make money. The talent has never been questioned with Cox. When the 6-5, 231-pounder is locked in, he can be an offensive lineman’s nightmare, as he showed throughout the week leading up to the Shrine Bowl. The problem is that Cox comes with several red flags, the most recent one being that he was dismissed by Florida coach Billy Napier last season. However, New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, whose staff was one of the two coaching at the Shrine Bowl, seemed to take a particular attachment to Cox throughout the week in Las Vegas. If Belichick is high on a defensive player, one might want to take a second look at that player.

Mohamoud Diabate, linebacker, Utah

The Browns need help all around their front seven. The 6-3, 220-pound Diabate would provide them with another athletic and rangy linebacker. Diabate transferred to Utah for his final college season after spending three seasons at the University of Florida. He was among the linebackers who stood out during the week leading up to the Shrine Bowl. Diabate is a downhill run defender, but can also move sideline to sideline well. He had 111 tackles and four interceptions in his one season with the Utes, backing up that evaluation. For the Browns, he would fit the mold new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz wants in his linebackers, with a fast and physical style.

Will McDonald IV, edge rusher, Iowa State

This name being on the list shouldn’t come as a surprise. McDonald may have been one of the biggest standouts during the week leading up to the Senior Bowl, although he didn’t end up playing in the game. At 6-foot-4, 241 pounds, he may be a bit undersized, especially against the run. He started his college career in 2019 as a linebacker before moving to defensive end with the Cyclones. The questions about his bulk, though, are countered by the freakish athleticism he brings to the position. The Browns have already invested in last year’s draft on a couple of “project” ends in Alex Wright and Isaiah Thomas. That shouldn’t dissuade them depending on how McDonald tests at the Combine and at Iowa State’s pro day.