2017 NFL Draft Results: Cleveland Browns Pick RB Matthew Dayes at No. 252 in 7th Round

With the 252nd pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected RB Matthew Dayes. It was the second-to-last pick in the entire draft, coming in the 7th round.

Scouting Reports

Here is a scouting report from CBS Sports' Dane Brugler, who projected Dayes to be a 5th round pick:

A two-year starter at N.C. State, Dayes wasn’t a high-volume runner, but consistently produced as the lead dog in the Wolfpack’s backfield, including a strong senior campaign – rushed for 100+ yards eight times in 2016, the highest total for a N.C. State running back since 1977. He doesn’t boast elite skills with only average build, run strength and lower body athleticism, but is an effective one-cut runner, doing his best work with a clear runway. Although he doesn’t have a distinguishing trait that separates him as a runner, Dayes’ reliability as a receiver is what could land him on a NFL roster – might be a third down option if he improves his ball security and blocking.

And here is what Pro Football Focus said about Dayes:

Dayes has excellent acceleration and change-of-direction skills. Those, coupled with his vision, make him an excellent zone runner. However, his lack of top speed and yards after contact likely limit his impact as purely a change-of-pace player.

How He Fits the Browns

Being the second-to-last pick in the draft, and with the Browns already being comfortable with their top two running backs, Dayes is far from a lock to make the roster. He’s practically an undrafted free agent, but we’ll see what he cap bring to the table.

React Now

What do you think, Browns fans?