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Cleveland Browns: 7-Round 2019 mock draft, Vol. 5

By Peter Smith

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 15: Running back Duke Johnson #29 of the Cleveland Browns gives a stiff arm to free safety Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 15, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 15: Running back Duke Johnson #29 of the Cleveland Browns gives a stiff arm to free safety Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 15, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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NFL Combine Day 1
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: General view during day one of interviews at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Round 3: Khalen Saunders, DT, Western Illinois – 6-0.375, 324 pounds

  • 41 solo tackles (8.2 percent), 13 tackles for loss (15.6 percent), 6.5 sacks (18 percent) in 2018.

Age: 22 (Born Aug. 9, 1996)

40-Yard Dash: 5.01s
Broad Jump: 101″
Vertical Jump: 30.5″
3-cone: 7.57s
Shuttle: 4.62s
Bench: 27 bench reps

Saunders is remarkably light on his feet given his carriage. Explosive and working laterally, he not only jumps off the tape but he will surprise opponents with quickness. Based entirely on numbers, the case can be made that Saunders warrants a late first round pick, but he is coming from the FCS and there are a few technical issues to be worked out. As a result, he may end up going at a substantial value not unlike Larry Ogunjobi did in 2017.

Saunders is at his best when he can rush the passer. He has a clear target, can just use his athleticism and fight his way to the quarterback. Much of this is because when he’s rushing the quarterback, he’s running his feet, which helps when it comes to his power. The agility is definitely a weapon when it comes to negotiating blockers as well as ensuring he secures the tackle. Western Illinois occasionally has him play a standup edge rusher and it’s pretty remarkable how effective he is.

As a run defender, Saunders is great when he’s got a power advantage. He can effectively bench press the opponent, find the ball and work toward it. Against opponents who can hold their own, he runs into issues and it starts with his feet.

When Saunders stops his feet, he puts himself at a disadvantage. At times, it’s because he’s ball watching and not really working to beat the opponent. Others, it’s because he simply gets beat at the point of attack and ends up getting knocked off balance, enabling him to be taken out of the play.

Saunders has a world of potential to improve as a run defender while being a nice option as a pass rusher. He’s just got to have a better plan. The other advantage Saunders provides is he can rush the passer from both the three or nose, which should enable the Browns to keep him and the other defensive tackles fresher as well as give them a number of options in changing up their personnel.

Best Option Not Taken: Zach Allen, DL Boston College

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