Karl Brooks, Kenny McIntosh among Browns’ fourth-round options

On Apr 11, 2023

Akron quarterback Zach Gibson (15) is sacked by Bowling Green defensive lineman Karl Brooks (44) during the first half at InfoCision Stadium, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Akron, Ohio.

If there’s one day of the draft during which the Browns have been extremely active over the previous three years, it’s been day three.

The Browns have made just two first-day picks since 2018 due to trades for Odell Beckham Jr. and Deshaun Watson. The second day, rounds two and three, have been a mixed bag, both in terms of quantity and quality.

However, some of the better picks of Andrew Berry’s tenure as general manager have come on the final day. Certainly, some of the picks that have generated a lot of conversation, such as Donovan Peoples-Jones and Cade York, have come on day three.

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This year, the Browns have six day-three picks. That starts with two in the fourth round, No. 111 and No. 126.

What follows is a continuation of a five-part look at the possibilities for the Browns at each of their eight picks in the draft, which will be April 27-29. Previously, it looked at their two third-round picks.

Now, the Browns’ fourth-round picks will go under the microscope. Currently, they’ll have the ninth pick of the fourth round and, thanks to a pick swap with the Minnesota Vikings last year, the 24th pick in the round.

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Note that players previously mentioned aren’t out of the question if they’re still around. However, these are other options assuming those players have been selected.

Pick 111: More defensive help on the board, including Bowling Green’s Karl Brooks

Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Karl Brooks, DL, Bowling Green
DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas
Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State
Byron Young, DE, Tennessee

Two years ago, there would’ve been many stunned to see Boutte still around in the fourth round considering the athletic gifts the former LSU standout possesses. However, his effort has been questioned, as is the spot where he would fit between outside or the slot. The Browns do seem to love them some Bayou Bengals, so keep a pin in his name. … Day three is often about projects, and Brooks may be the definition of project thanks to a lack of measurables and speed. At 6-foot-6, 296 pounds, the former 3-4 defensive end is big enough to play any defensive line position, but is lacking in the kind of burst that would make him effective off the edge. … Overshown fits the mold of a current Browns linebacker, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, at a shade under 6-3 and weighing in at 229 pounds. He’s a former safety who grew into a strong-side linebacker at Texas, possessing the speed and athleticism to play sideline to sideline as well as rush the quarterback, but lacking the size to be an everydown ‘backer. … Robinson had a strong Senior Bowl week. The safety boasts plenty of versatility that makes him attractive, capable of dropping down to the nickel spot. … The other Byron Young, the defensive tackle from Alabama, was previously mentioned as a possibility with the Browns’ last third-round pick. Why not corner the market on Byron Youngs by taking the other Young, the Tennessee standout who could blossom into an effective edge rusher?

Pick 126: Time to get offensive, including more running back depth

Yasir Abdullah, LB, Louisville
Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia
Moro Ojomo, DT, Texas
Chris Rodriguez, RB, Kentucky
Parker Washington, WR, Penn State

Abdullah spent four years being very productive for the Cardinals. Where he projects at the next level is as an off-ball linebacker and, specifically, one who could be utilized in pass-rush situations. … Remember the last Georgia running back the Browns took and how good he turned out to be? McIntosh isn’t Nick Chubb, but he boasts the kind of pass-catching skills that could make him the perfect complement to his fellow ex-Bulldog. … Ojomo could be the latest attempt to throw draft capital at fixing the defensive tackle position. The former Longhorn was a solid run defender, although he did have trouble at times shedding blocks. … If McIntosh is the back who’s best suited to complement Chubb because of his pass-catching ability, Rodriguez is the one who has shown a similar ability to the Browns star in terms of physical running style. The former Wildcat made a living in picking up extra yards where there appeared to be none, a trait that helped him extend drives often, especially when trying to milk the clock. … Washington has already done an interview with the Browns, a sign he’s at least one of the receivers they’re considering. A future in the slot is where the dependable pass catcher projects.