Cleveland Browns: 3 Prospects to avoid in the 2019 NFL Draft

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators puts a hit on Quarterback Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers as he loses the ball during the first quarter of the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

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Jachai Polite, EDGE, Florida

There are a few reasons that the Browns should be staying away from Florida defensive lineman Jachai Polite. First off, Polite has had a horrible pre-draft process leading up to the late April meeting. Let’s start out with the combine.

During the NFL Scouting Combine in March, Polite’s stock took a major turn for the worse. Before the annual Indianapolis spectacle, Polite was considered by most, if not all, to be a first-round pick. Despite 11 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss in his final college season, Polite’s stock plummeted due to his disastrous Combine.

Polite ran a 4.84-second 40-yard dash; not ideal, but not totally damning for a first-round prospect. However, it was his interview process that seemed to turn many teams off to the Florida product. Polite seemingly did not take well to criticism, save for the Los Angeles Rams, and noted that the NFL Combine would be a “tough learning experience.”

Although he may end up being a great value pick for one of 32 teams, it’s best that the Browns stay away from this edge rusher. Rather than trying to reach for an embarrassment of riches at the defensive end position, the Browns should avoid Polite to avoid breaking down the culture they have successfully built over the past year.

The Browns finally have a winning locker room, and they should be looking to keep it that way.

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