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

Round 7 (via JAX) : Cortez Broughton, DT, Cincinnati – 6-2, 293 pounds

• 30 solo tackles (6.8 percent), 16.5 tackles for loss (20.1 percent), 5.5 sacks (17.7 percent) in 2018.

Age: 22 (Born Nov. 13, 1996)

40-Yard Dash: 5.01s
Broad Jump: 113″
Vertical Jump: 33.5″
3-cone: 7.65s
Shuttle: 4.57s
Bench: 24 reps

Cortez Broughton is one of the more underrated prospects in this draft class and it seems like the reason is due to the fact he played at Cincinnati combined with the fact this was his one big year. That’s all true, but his one year was as productive as any defensive lineman in the country and he seems like he’s just really found his stride. Add in the athleticism and Broughton could be a really nice role player for a team like the Browns that outplays his draft slot.

Broughton has a terrific first step and good quickness with speed to run down plays. At times, he flashes explosive power and can really disrupt the offensive line. He has shown the ability to make plays both against the run and the passing game.

So much depends on his pad level and balance on a given play. At times, he comes out too high and can get driven off the ball or knocked off balance. When he fires out low, he flashes the ability to take on a double team, but he’s just really difficult to stop when he’s attacking forward. And against collegiate competition, at times he’d shoot into the backfield before the offensive line could block him.

That likely comes down to fatigue more than anything, but he certainly needs to continue to focus on his technique. The good news is the Browns need role players, so the fatigue part shouldn’t be an issue. Improving his stamina should be a goal but with players like Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi ahead of him, he’s working as a role player, so as long as he can give everything for the plays he is on the field, he can make a significant contribution.

Broughton has an interesting skill set. The Bearcats had him play up and down the line, but he really should be an interior player. He might be able to contribute as a nose, certainly in obvious pass rushing situations, but might be able to develop that anchor and give some run reps too. Broughton can certainly contribute at the three and work as a guy who shoots gaps and causes issues.

The best may yet be to come from Broughton but the player that showed up this past year could certainly help the Browns.