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3. Baron Browning, Ohio State
6-foot-3, 240 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Third round

Ohio State linebacker Baron Browning came to the Buckeyes as a highly regarded recruit, as he was rated as the ninth-best player in the nation by Rivals.com. Unfortunately, he never really developed into the player people were expecting him to become. His best season was in 2019 when he recorded 43 tackles, ten tackles for loss and five sacks. This past season he was only a part-time starter and registered 30 tackles and three tackles for loss.

Baron Browning has all the physical skills you want in a linebacker. He has ideal size coming in at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds and moves incredibly well for someone his size. He shows fluid hips in coverage and moves like a safety in this area. In the run game, he shows the strength to hold the point of attack and also has some force behind his tackles. Browning has played both inside and outside linebacker for Ohio State and has the versatility to play either in the NFL.

While Browning has the physical skills to be successful in the NFL, he has never been even a full-time starter at Ohio State. When he has been on the field he has not been a consistent performer either. One of the reasons for this is his lack of instincts as he has trouble reading what the offense is doing at times and seems to get himself out of position quite often. He needs to develop the killer instinct on the field as well and not be so hesitant when going to make the tackle.

It would not be a shock if Browning went before the third round, because of his natural athletic ability. However, if a team drafts him higher than the third round they will likely regret it since it will take time for him to develop into a starter and there is a good chance he will never earn a starting role in the NFL.