The NFL Scouting Combine is scheduled to begin on Feb. 27, and while much of the draft-related discussions will revolve around quarterbacks and the…
The NFL Scouting Combine is scheduled to begin on Feb. 27, and while much of the draft-related discussions will revolve around quarterbacks and the top picks in the first round, the Cleveland Browns, with their initial selection in the 2024 NFL Draft at No. 54 overall, may have their eye on front seven players, according to NFL Network Analyst Daniel Jeremiah.
Jeremiah highlighted the second-round possibilities for the Browns, pointing towards potential defensive tackle and linebacker options. He specifically named four players who could be considerations for Cleveland: Braden Fiske from Florida State, Maason Smith from LSU, Junior Colson from Michigan, and Payton Wilson from North Carolina State.
All four players are among those invited to the Combine, and their performances throughout the week in Indianapolis will be closely monitored. The live drills for defensive linemen and linebackers are scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 29, starting at 3 p.m. ET.
Jeremiah expressed a particular liking for Fiske, emphasizing his skills in the defensive tackle position. Fiske, a 6-foot-5, 297-pound senior, concluded his collegiate career at Florida State after four seasons at Western Michigan. His 2023 season at FSU saw him achieve a career-high of six sacks, along with 43 tackles and nine tackles for loss. Jeremiah praised Fiske’s versatility, quickness, gap-shooting ability, and noted his excellent performance at the Senior Bowl.
Another defensive tackle option mentioned by Jeremiah was LSU’s Maason Smith, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 315 pounds. Smith recorded 27 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two passes defended in the 2023 season. He missed his sophomore season due to a knee injury sustained in the 2022 season opener against Florida State, but his freshman year in 2021 showcased promise with 19 total tackles and four sacks.
