Cleveland Browns instill new hope in 7-round 2020 mock draft
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 203 pounds | Arms: 30.125 inches
40-Yard Dash: 4.45 seconds | Vertical Jump: 36 inches | Broad Jump: 10-foot-4
Among the issues with the Browns in 2019 that wasn’t as highly publicized as the issues on the offensive line, the issues with Baker Mayfield and the problems on the sidelines with Freddie Kitchens was the inconsistent play they endured at safety. After trading away Jabrill Peppers, who was developing and not a star in his own right, Cleveland struggled to find consistency at the position.
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Now with Damarious Randall, who was in and out of the lineup all last season, on his way out as a free agent, the Browns need more answers at the position because Sheldrick Redwine isn’t the future. Subsequently, they take Minnesota product Antoine Winfield Jr. in the second round and get a tremendous playmaker as a result. Here’s what Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network had to say about Winfield Jr.:
"He’s an instinctive player who illustrates a clear feel for the game on the back end. As a deep safety, Winfield Jr. is best in half field coverages but he brings man to man coverage skills against tight ends and is a viable fill defender in the box to step down against the run. He’s not an elite athlete but his instincts and discipline will net him splash plays."
Many pre-Combine reports noted Winfield Jr.’s lack of athleticism but he turned that narrative on its head in Indianapolis with a phenomenal showing with his testing numbers. That boosts his stock in a big way as that was one of the knocks on his game.
Though he doesn’t possess ideal size, his football IQ and athletic traits give him Tyrann Mathieu type upside at the NFL level. He’s the type of leader and versatile playmaker on the back end of a defense that could be incredibly valuable for a developing Cleveland defense.