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The Browns will likely make the defense the focus of their draft. And help at the LB position will be critical this year.
With two picks in the fifth-round, GM John Dorsey might consider Utah’s Chase Hansen with the first selection at slot number 144. Hansen played all four years at Utah having played four games as a freshman. He is a tackling machine and excellent against the run. His coverage skills and ability to get back and cover, he has the ability to stay with larger TEs.
Several knocks against him are that he is already 25 years old. He could be installed as a situational LB right away and especially in a dime package. Has difficulty with larger RBs and in coverage against speedier backs. May be better suited for an underneath zone defender or the weakside LB position. Many clubs will have questions regarding his age, but Hansen is ready to become a hybrid player with his aptitude to assist in coverage and help in the run game.
Specifics:
College: Utah
Height: 6’-2”
Weight: 220 pounds
40-time: 4.65
Career Tackles: 270
Career Interceptions: 6
Career Sacks: 7
Career Games: 37
Career Touchdowns: 2
Positives:
- Excellent reads on screen plays
- Decent tackling skills
- DB background a plus in coverage
- Has good length and athleticism
- Hard-nosed blitzer
- Could play dime LB right away
- Has great range
- Was a Senior Bowl invitee
Negatives:
- Runs hot and cold some games
- Will need to beef up a bit for the next level
- Sometimes difficult time to shed blockers
- Needs more striking abilities on tackles
- Has some footwork issues
- More suited for WILL spot
- Already 25 years old
Expert Draft Site Analysis
Draftanalyst.com
Entering his senior season, Hansen was stamped as a sixth-round choice, much earlier than scouts who graded him as a priority free agent. Over the first half of the season, Hansen has played more like a mid-round prospect. He led the Utes in tackles (68), tackles for loss (14) and interceptions (two). He possesses next-level computer numbers, and Hansen can play all three downs. Solid pre-draft workouts should ensure Hansen a spot in the late rounds, and he has the skill set to line up as a situational linebacker on Sundays.
Do you think that the fifth round is a good spot to grab a young LB?