The Cleveland Browns kicked off the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft with two of the first three picks, selecting offensive lineman Austin Corbett and running back Nick Chubb. They join first round selections Baker Mayfield and Denzel Ward in the Browns draft class.
Corbett is a versatile lineman from Nevada that was a four-year starter for the Wolfpack playing left tackle. Many scouts projected him to kick inside in the NFL, but with Joel Bitonio and Kevin Zeitler occupying the guard positions and J.C. Tretter at center, Corbett is likely going to stay at tackle. If he stays at tackle, he could be Cleveland’s day one starter at left tackle, replacing the recently retired Joe Thomas.
Corbett is not the best athlete, which gives him trouble against speed rushers. But he has clean technique, which will help him transition to the NFL. He also was voted a two-time team captain, and it seems he has the maturity and leadership that will transition well into a NFL locker room. He also began college as a walk-on, proving that he has a competitive nature that will help his development.
Chubb was a dominant running back when playing at Georgia. He suffered a devastating left knee injury in 2015, tearing multiple ligaments. But he returned in 2016, and rushed the ball 224 times for 1.130 yards and eight touchdowns. In his senior season in 2017, Chubb performed even better, rushing 223 times for 1,345 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.
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Chubb is a powerful downhill runner that runs behinds his pads, bullying through tacklers up the middle. He does not have blazing speed, especially after his knee injury, but has great footwork that allows him to be elusive and make defenders miss in space. He also has great eyes, setting up his linemen’s blocks, creating multiple running lanes.
He will be joining Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson in Cleveland’s running back room. Rotating with Hyde and Johnson will help keep Chubb healthy as he adjusts to the NFL. But adding Chubb could be insurance, as Johnson is currently set to be a free agent after the 2018 season. Cleveland also has a potential out in Hyde’s three-year contract, which would allow them to cut him following the season if Johnson re-signs and Chubb excels without carrying a lot of dead cap.
The Browns have one more pick remaining in the second round, selecting 64th overall. That would be their last pick of Day Two of the draft, as they do not have a third-round pick at the moment, but could potentially trade back in if they feel aggressive and a player they like is on the board.
