May 25, 2013

Pick #205: Browns Select DT Billy Winn

Sure, this is a late round pick, but the front office must be really excited about finding a backup defensive tackle, eh? This time around in the sixth round it is DT Billy Winn from Boise State, who stands about 6-feet-4-inches and was graded much higher overall by the scouts. He was ranked as the No. 96 overall prospect by ESPN, significantly higher than Cleveland’s third round selection of John Hughes.

Winn picked up 33 tackles last season along with eight tackles for loss and three sacks. He is a bit smaller for most defensive tackle prospects at only 294 lbs, but has impressive speed, is an outgoing personality, is a disruptive run defender and has active hands.

Honestly, it seems Winn could have been the pick in the third round and folks would have been much happier. Either way, this seems to be a solid pick of a productive player who might have just slipped because he isn’t the ideal size and lacks prototypical upper body strength.

On ESPN, Todd McShay said there likely were durability or medical issues with Winn that led him to the sixth round. McShay said Winn was never really that productive in college, but his initial burst against the run is his best value.

After these recent back-to-back picks, the Browns are up again for a pair of compensatory picks at the seventh round (38th and 40th).

[Related: NFL Draft: Cleveland selections talk about being Browns]

Pick #204: Browns Select ILB Emmanuel Acho

Getting late in the draft now, and the Browns picked up another inside linebacker in Emmanuel Acho out of Texas. Listed at 6-feet-2-inches, he is called a “smart overachiever with above average discipline” by ESPN.

This past year, he was a first-team All-Big 12 selection after racking up an insane total of 131 tackles, including 19 tackles for loss and three sacks. He was a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy and a finalist for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award.

In terms of his abilities, he’s listed by ESPN as having average range, great work ethic and he doesn’t shy away from contact. He doesn’t anchor well and his route recognition seems spotty, but for a late round pick, this was yet another solid collegiate starter for several years.

On ESPN, Mel Kiper Jr said that Acho is strong and quick, but didn’t have very many impact plays in college. Kiper said Acho was productive in college but “didn’t come through with the effort on a game-to-game basis” to warrant a higher selection.

After these recent back-to-back picks, the Browns are up again for a pair of compensatory picks at the seventh round (38th and 40th).

[Related: NFL Draft: Cleveland selections talk about being Browns]