LAS VEGAS — With their second pick in the third round, the Browns potentially got another edge rusher to help Myles Garrett.
Cleveland used its 78th overall selection on UAB linebacker/defensive end Alex Wright. It was just the club's second pick since the start of the 2022 NFL Draft after trading both its first and second-round choices to the Houston Texans.
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Wright hails from Elba, Alabama, and stands at an imposing 6-foot-7, 270 pounds. A second-team All-Conference USA selection in 2021, he finished his three-year college career with 19 tackles for loss, 11 1/2 sacks (including six last season), and three forced fumbles to help the Blazers make two CUSA Championship Games and win one of them.
Here's what NFL Network analyst Lance Zierlein had to say about Wright:
"Developmental defensive end who is still growing into his body and his position. Wright will likely look much different in pads within a couple of years. His current play lacks recognition, sophistication and technique. However, he's a young player who flashes and still posts good rush production, albeit versus lesser blockers. In a projection-based model where additional size, strength and technique improvements are likely, his athleticism becomes an even more impressive weapon as both a run defender and pass rusher. He will require a runway for development, but he's worth a middle-round selection as a potential three-down starter for odd- or even-front teams."
The Browns have the dominant Garrett on the line already, but Jadeveon Clowney is currently a free agent, although reports have indicated the two sides are at least talking about a reunion. Cleveland could also look to add more linemen with defensive tackle Malik McDowell currently facing criminal charges in Florida.