2021 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns seven-round mock draft
By Ian Higgins
Round 4
College Stats. S. UCF. Richie Grant. 101. player. 53. Scouting Report
One dynamic of the Cleveland Browns defense that has been absent is the presence of a multi-tool safety who can both play centerfield in a cover one defense as well as slide down as a sub-package slot corner. Needing to add further versatility to their secondary, UCF safety Richie Grant is a day three candidate for the role.
Having shown impressive off-man coverage throughout the week of the senior bowl, Grant had multiple interceptions during practice showing off his range and instinctive break on the ball upon release. From both a high-safety and slot-corner alignment, Grant translates fluid explosiveness into his coverage ability.
In a young man-defense led by prodigy Denzel Ward, the Cleveland Browns could have a day one sub-package safety out of the 2021 NFL Draft who can fit their identity in coverage and still provide run-support from an alignment at the line of scrimmage.
Scouting Report. 123. IDL. USC. Marlon Tuipulotu. player. College Stats. 53
Having hopefully resolved their pass-rushing woes on the edge with their first-round selection, the Cleveland Browns shift their defensive focus back to the line of scrimmage with depth-development on the interior.
In their 4-3 defense, Cleveland will be seeking a defensive tackle who can both stand up to mauler’s in the run game as well as explode off of the snap to create interior penetration in an effort to wash out the quarterback to their edge-rushers.
A 300-plus pound defensive lineman out of USC, Marlon Tuipulotu is a surprisingly twitchy three-technique defensive tackle with the ability to disrupt pocket structure with his athleticism and manipulation of leverage.
Showing his motor and continuous effort with his arms and hands, Tuipulotu has proven his potential as a three-down pass-rusher on the inside who can still contribute to the defensive scheme on short-yardage downs.
Although his run-defense contribution may not be as power-based as many of his colleagues within the 2021 NFL draft, Tuipulto utilizes distinctly noticeable lateral agility to slide off of blockers and take advantage of open gaps in blocking assignments.