Cleveland Browns: First-guessing 5 2018 NFL Draft choices

By Peter Smith | May 3, 2018

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 11: A Cleveland Browns helmet rests on the field prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Browns 29-10. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 7: Offensive lineman Jordan Agasiva #79 of the Utah Utes blocks defensive tackle Harrison Phillips #66 of the Stanford Cardinal during the first half of an college football game on October 7, 2017 at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images) /

2. The Cleveland Browns selected Chad Thomas, DE from Miami 67th overall.

Alternative: They could have selected Harrison Phillips, Defensive Tackle from Stanford, who went 96th overall to the Buffalo Bills.

Chad Thomas is a pretty underwhelming selection based on his athleticism, production and tape and maybe he’ll validate the selection, but seems more likely to be replaced in 18 months.

Harrison Phillips is a very good athlete, was incredibly productive at Stanford and could have saved the Browns a roster spot. Phillips played nose for Stanford, though could play some at the 3-tech as well. He led the team in tackles for loss and sacks while also tying for fourth on the team in solo tackles.

Phillips would give the Browns a really talented nose that offers some pass rush ability and could operate as a 3-tech when the Browns really wanted to take control of the line of scrimmage next to Larry Ogunjobi. And like Ogunjobi, Phillips is a double major who has remarkable drive and work ethic.

Phillips is so powerful in his upper body that he’s able to bench press opponents to locate the ball carrier, then find it and make tackles, giving him range, the ability to read and react be it against the run or the pass.

At the very least, he’d be an upgrade at backup nose behind Jamie Meder but Phillips is a player with Pro Bowl potential that likely could’ve saved them the need to carry an extra 3-tech defensive lineman, allowing them to increase their overall talent.

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