2017 NFL Draft Results: Cleveland Browns Pick DT Caleb Brantley at No. 185 in 6th Round

With the 185th pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected DT Caleb Brantley. It was the team’s only pick in the 6th round, and the first overall pick of the 6th round.

Scouting Reports

Here is a scouting report from CBS Sports' Dane Brugler:

A two-year starter at Florida, Brantley lined up primarily as a one-technique tackle to generate pressure in the A-gap, also seeing snaps at the three-technique. When firing on all cylinders, he is a menace to block with his initial quickness and active hands to win gaps, keep himself clean and make stops in the backfield. He tends to disappear for stretches and gives sporadic effort, which is reflected on the stat sheet as his college production doesn’t match his ability. While his inconsistency is something that gives evaluators pause, Brantley has an explosive skill-set to create interior disruption and develop into the type of defender that offenses must account for on each snap – ascending three-technique with his best football ahead of him, but the motor issues could cause him to go lower than his NFL ceiling deserves.

And here is what Pro Football Focus said about Brantley:

Brantley’s college production, or lack thereof, was based predominantly on limited exposure rather than quality. In his first three years at Florida, he managed just over 1,100 snaps, never seeing more than 48.3 percent of reps in any season. Like the other members of the top three, Brantley’s skill-set is ideal for the modern NFL. His quick hands and rapid first step ensure that linemen consistently fail to tie him up effectively. Brantley is a zone scheme’s kryptonite; his fast-twitch style makes executing reach blocks nearly impossible. Although he failed to register a high volume of QB pressures (only 29 total as a junior), Brantley amassed that total on just over 190 snaps. Even in a rotational role as a rookie, he could dramatically improve any defensive line.

How He Fits the Browns

There are obviously serious allegations against Brantley right now. Right after the pick, Sashi Brown made it clear that they could cut Brantley, but that at this point of the draft, you take a chance on his talent. He would have been a 2nd round pick without the off the field issues.

React Now

What do you think, Browns fans?