Cleveland Browns: Best and worst-case scenarios for 2018 NFL Draft picks
By Backwoods
Late Round Selections
Genard Avery
Having a pair of linebackers forced into playing every defensive snap last year allows Avery to strive for a role in relief and in pass-rushing situations. He could rise in the ranks as a pass-rushing nightmare.
Given the recent signing of Michael Kendricks, his opportunities may be extremely limited. I expect the lower side of the expectations to be most likely, that being a steady contributor solely on special teams.
Damion Ratley
Ratley is a wildcard at wide receiver. He will not likely surpass the top four receivers, being Gordon, Landry, Coleman and Callaway. The best-case for Ratley is likely to secure the fifth spot and contribute on special teams, perhaps even locking down the kick and/or punt returning jobs.
The free agent acquisition of Jeff Janis and the failure to secure a solid role by both Rashard Higgins and Ricardo Louis leave the door wide open to any number of outcomes.
As with most late-round selections, the worst-case situation puts him on the practice squad, or another team come September. I would expect the departure of either Higgins or Louis to be more likely as they both have had ample opportunity to excel, yet they have not.
The fact that they were selected by a prior regime does not bode well for both Higgins and Louis.
Next: NFL Draft 2018: Biggest steals for each team
Simeon Thomas
Simeon Thomas finds himself in a situation similar to that of Damion Ratley as a starting spot will not likely be obtained. He joins a secondary with Ward, Jabrill Peppers, Brienne Boddy-Calhoun, Derrick Kindred, Demarious Randall, T.J. Carrie and E.J. Gaines ahead of him.
Only time will tell if Thomas earns a place in the rotation and I would place his ceiling as that for the time-being. If he does not show enough to find a role on defense he may find a spot with special teams. Beyond that, his worst-case outcome would be not making the 53-man roster altogether.