The Cleveland Browns are ahead of schedule in their rebuild. Jumping out to a 5-2 start made this team look like they were ready to compete for the playoffs right now. Despite their recent success, the roster still has a lot of holes and is still a year or two away from sustained success as they now sit at 5-4.
All eyes should still be focused on the NFL draft and the group of prospects who could be playing for the Browns next season. Currently, Cleveland is set to have the 16th and 18th picks in the first round. These players project to be pillars of the team’s future.
So here are five prospects the Browns should watch in week 11 of the college football season.
Austin Simmons, Quarterback, Missouri
Some believe that Simmons is the best quarterback in the draft. He will have a chance
to prove that and elevate his draft stock against the No. 1-ranked Georgia this weekend. The physical tools are very good, but he doesn’t have a ton of starts under his belt, so every game is important for his resume.
Jaden Baugh, Running back, Florida
The Browns' running game has been abysmal this year. Adding the top-ranked running back in the draft would go a long way toward breathing life into it. Baugh goes against a good Kentucky team this weekend as he tries to carry Florida’s offense to a bowl game.
LaNorris Sellers, Quarterback, South Carolina
This might be the highest potential player in the entire draft. The physical tools are outstanding and we have seen Sellers take steps forward as a passer this season. Every game is a chance for him to show development, even one against a lowly Arkansas team.
Clev Lubin, Edge, Louisville
Not a projected first-round pick, but Lubin is someone who could really add to the edge room. He is a powerful athlete who has a red-hot motor and 7.0 sacks to his credit this season. Plus, a player named Clev just feels destined to be a fit for CLEVeland.
Princewill Umanmielen, Edge, LSU
Another prospect who isn’t expected to go first round at this point, but Umanmielen is tied for 8th in sacks in college football. He goes against a good Texas team that is fighting for its playoff lives this weekend. An excellent opportunity to prove that he is one of the best pass rushers in the draft.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: 5 NFL Draft prospects the Browns should watch in week 11 of CFB
