LAS VEGAS — With their first pick of the final day of the NFL draft, the Browns decided to get a much-needed piece for their defensive line.
Cleveland has selected Oklahoma defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey with the 108th overall pick in the fourth round. The position had been singled out as a particular need for the teem heading into the weekend, and some scouts see the Maywood, Illinois, native as a steal this late.
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Winfrey began his college career at Iowa Western Community College before transferring to Oklahoma in 2020, and in two seasons tallied six sacks and 16 1/2 tackles for loss while helping the Sooners win a conference title. He was twice a second-team All-Big 12 selection, and this past winter was named MVP of the Senior Bowl with a couple of sacks and three TFLs.
Defensive tackle was a bit of a weakness for the Browns in 2021 following the departure of Sheldon Richardson, and the arrest of Malik McDowell in Florida further complicates matters. With several relatively inexperienced players currently making up the unit, it's possible Winfrey could compete for a starting spot.
Here's what NFL Network analyst Lance Zierlein had to say about Winfrey:
"Winfrey looks the part and will impress with his body type at the NFL Scouting Combine. However, he's frequently late off the ball. A tight lower half and disappointing lateral agility make him a liability against move-blocking schemes. He does, however, have an explosive get-off and heavy hands. His flashes at the Senior Bowl improved his draft stock and made teams take notice. He has some hit-or-miss elements to his game but has good rotational value with a chance to become an eventual starter."
The Browns acquired the 108th pick Friday as part of a deal that saw them trade away their second-round selection to the Houston Texans. They are currently scheduled to pick twice more in the fourth round.
