2021 NFL Draft grades: Cleveland Browns win the weekend
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Offensive Tackle. Cincinnati. James Hudson. 4. player. 53
Cleveland Browns draft grade: A-
Another pick that may be looking to be more impactful for the future than the now, the Cleveland Browns selected Cincinnati left tackle James Hudson in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
With one of the best and most well-rounded offensive lines in the NFL, the Cleveland Browns will likely use this fourth-round pick as a swing tackle and injury plug-and-play blocker early in his career. Down the line, the raw and talented player could develop into a bonafide starter.
James Hudson is an Ohio native. After growing up in Toledo and finishing his college career at Cincinnati, Cleveland fans will love the addition of an Ohio boy. They will just have to ignore his quick stop with That Team Up North to start his college career.
Once he settled in at left tackle for the Bearcats, Hudson showed a lot of flashes of quality NFL traits. With his big body and mean demeanor as a blocker, Hudson has shown to be an outstanding mover. He can get out in space and to the next level, mauling defenders in his way. He is also a people mover who can turn defenders with ease to open up holes in the run game, making him a great fit in Stefanski’s zone run scheme.
As a pass protector, Hudson has a ton of potential, he just needs to fine-tune his footwork and technique. He often relies on his impressive blend of athleticism and strength to stay in front of defenders, something he will not be able to do at the next level.
Whether Hudson is a swing tackle or bumps into guard at some point, he has the traits that the Browns look for in offensive linemen. While they could have addressed other, more glaring needs, offensive line depth is always important and Hudson is a great option now and in for the future.
Tommy Togiai. 4. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Defensive Tackle. Ohio State. 53
Cleveland Browns draft grade: A-
In what will be another very popular pick with most Ohio Cleveland Browns fans, the team selected Ohio State defensive tackle Tommy Togiai in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Togiai didn’t see a ton of playing time as part of a stacked defensive line at Ohio State. When he did see the field as part of the Buckeyes impressive rotation, it was clear that Togiai has some very valuable tools for the next level.
At 6-foot-2 and almost 300 pounds, Tommy Togiai is a very strong and powerful player. He has a very solid anchor, taking on multiple blocks to allow his teammates to make plays on the ball. He uses his strength to push the pocket and can effectively shed blocks to grab the ball carrier.
Although he shows flashes of athleticism for a big man, he needs to improve as a penetrator when rushing the passer. If he can develop better hand usage and keep his body clear from blocks, Togiai could become a very well-rounded player at the next level.
For a Cleveland Browns team that, at least for now, moved on from Sheldon Richardson this offseason, they need a big and dominant defensive tackle. Togiai will be a great run stuffer right away, likely seeing time on early downs until he can develop the rest of his game.