The Browns went with two high producing pass-rushers with their second and third round picks in Emmanuel Ogbah and Carl Nassib. Lets take a closer look at both using the same criteria that we used for Corey Coleman. Here's a refresher.
- Athleticism/Size- This not just how fast a player runs his 40 or how many times he bench presses 225 lbs. I will be using each player's RAS or Relative Athletic Score to determine where each player's athleticism ranks. Please follow the link to understand more on how the scores work. High RAS grades are proven to correlate to NFL success, but are not a prerequisite.
- Production- In my opinion PFF is the best place to go for production stats so that is what I will be using. You can look at their stats on ESPN if you want, but that doesn't take into account their competition or offense. PFF is also much more detailed than any other production stat you will find.
- Character- Pretty self-explanatory.
- Team Need/Scheme Fit- Again. Pretty self-explanatory.
- Age- This is not the biggest factor and is taken into account much more for free agents or trades, but nevertheless it is something to be considered.
32nd Overall- Emmanuel Ogbah DE/OLB Oklahoma State
- Athleticism/Size- Sticking with the trend the Browns started with Coleman, Ogbah is a super athlete. There are concerns about his bench presses (Sterling Shepard had just as many reps) but that is only one category and doesn't have the highest correlation to success for pass-rushers; speed is much more valuable. His SPARQ score was just as impressive at 131.8, putting him in the 82nd percentile of all NFL edge rushers. The only edge rusher drafted with a higher SPARQ score was Charles Tapper DE OKL. Lets take a look at his RAS score:
2. Production- Ogbah was one of the best pass rushers in college football last season. He had 78 total pressures (12 sacks, 18 hits, 48 hurries) and was the number 3 overall in pass rush grades from this draft class. He fell to 32 because of his troubles with run defense where he graded negatively in 2014 and improved moderately in 2015. He is also two time defending Big 12 DL of the year.
3. Character- Will be graduating in May and his coaches rave about him. He is Nigerian-born and had a long journey to get here, no red flags.
4. Team Need/Scheme Fit- The Browns are placing an emphasis on rushing the quarterback and Ogbah fits the bill at OLB in their 3-4 sets and DE in nickel and 4-3 sets. He will be joining a crowded OLB room with Kruger, Mingo, and Orchard. He will be a valuable piece for Ray Horton's defense on third downs to start. As long as his run defense improves he projects as an every down player.
5. Age- He will be 23 when the season starts which is just about average for a rookie.
Overall, Ogbah is very productive pass rusher with exceptional measurables, no red character flags, and fits a need. I think the Browns drafted him in the right place as Dallas (34th overall) was rumored to be trying to trade up for him before Day 2 started, and many mocks and analysts had him as a first round talent.
65th Overall- Carl Nassib DE- Penn State
1. Athleticism/Size- Nassib has huge frame (6'7" 277 lbs) but graded below average for 4-3 DE's in his SPARQ score (113.2). He is more of tweener and his size is unique, so it is tougher to accurately judge his athleticism with a small sample size of players in his size range. Lets take a look at his RAS score:
DE's are about fifteen(!) times more likely to reach double digit sacks if their RAS score is over 5.00. (See Ogbah's 8.79 score?)
2. Production- Nassib was a walk-on to a difficult situation at Penn State and was told by Bill O'Brien to make sure he gets his degree because his NFL future didn't look bright. Bill was wrong. Nassib went through an extreme growth spurt throughout college and didn't even crack the starting lineup until 2015. In 2015 he had 54 total pressures (16 sacks, 9 hits, 29 hurries), and led FBS in sacks even as he dealt with injuries over his last four games. Also he was no. 1 in rush productivity rating per PFF. Nassib wow'd scouts at the Senior Bowl and had the highest grade and win percentage among defensive linemen during one-on-one drills there.
3. Character- Blue-collar type of player (not just because he's white), relentless motor, and coaches loved his work ethic. No red flags. His brother Ryan is the backup QB for the Giants.
4. Team Need/Scheme Fit- Ray Horton's defense is technically a 3-4 but there are so many sub-packages that 4-3 personnel is also needed. Nassib fits as pass rushing 5 technique or 6 technique (standing over TE) if he grows into his frame. He could also play as a 4-3 DE, or as and a 3rd down interior pass rusher. The Browns do not have much interior pass rush after Desmond Bryant and Xavier Cooper, so Nassib should have plenty of opportunities to prove himself.
5. Age- 23.
Overall, Nassib was a late bloomer with incredible one-year production. I think if he continues to fill his frame and improve his pass-rushing skills he could be a valuable chess piece for Ray Horton to move around wherever he feels.
