PFF: DT Nile Lawrence-Stample could have impact as UDFA

Over at Pro Football Focus, they took the time to highlight five undrafted free agent rookies who could make an impact in 2016. The five players highlighted include:

1. WR Keyarris Garrett (Panthers)
2. CB De'Vante Harris (Saints)
3. WR Nelson Spruce (Rams)
4. OL Jack Allen (Saints)
5. DT Nile Lawrence-Stample (Browns)

Of the 90 players on the Browns' roster, 10 of them are undrafted free agents. What gives Lawrence-Stample the best chance to make an impact in 2016?

Lawrence-Stample will likely be an early-down run-stopper to start his NFL career, and that makes him a good fit for the Browns. He made most of his 456 snaps last season, earning the 12th-best run-defense grade among DTs in the class. His pass-rushing was solid, as well, with three sacks, a hit, and 10 QB hurries to his name in 2015. As the No. 148 overall prospect on our final draft board, he isn’t a name you’ll likely hear often in 2016, but will make his presence felt if given the opportunity, especially on a Browns’ roster that could already feature seven rookie starters.

As it stands right now, the Browns have just nine defensive linemen in camp (although some of the linebackers can be viewed as hybrid types). Those nine players include Desmond Bryant, Xavier Cooper, John Hughes, Danny Shelton, Jamie Meder, Dylan Wynn, Cam Johnson, Kyle Rose, and Stample-Lawrence. Even though Cooper was a high investment last year, he didn't turn in a stellar season and was part of a different regime. Bryant and Shelton should feel secure about their roster spots, but everyone else should be in a relatively equal competition if you ask me.