Browns Digest

Why Colby Wooden is a Great Option for Browns at 98

Colby Wooden is a unique player with a lot of potential to become an impact player for a team like the Cleveland Browns. New Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz believes in having versatility amongst the defensive line, and Wooden has proven that he is the epitome of that ideology.

Matthew Wilson

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The Cleveland Browns defensive line is going to be completely revamped this offseason, and being able to add a player like Colby Wooden out of Auburn could do wonders for them. 

The Browns have six players that are bound for free agency along the defensive line, and one of Andrew Berry's top priorities is going to be bringing in a plethora of guys to replace them. The defensive line is going to be the focal point of the defense now that Jim Schwartz in charge, so it's safe to say that Cleveland is most likely going to add at least two players here in the NFL Draft.

There are a few different ways that Andrew Berry might choose to attack this year's draft process. He might want to select a defensive lineman at pick 42 and then wide receiver at 98, or vice versa. If he chooses the latter option, then Colby Wooden most certainly could be one of the main targets if he's available there. He shows the positional versatility and skill set that the Browns could be looking for on day two. Wooden has the speed and burst to play outside when needed, and the power and quickness to dominate inside at the next level. 

Wooden's best attribute is his violent and precise hand usage. He consistently shows an above average level of hand-fighting prowess as both a pass rusher and run stopper. He uses his long arms and strong hands to set up and control blockers so that he can quickly disengage at will. 

He has excellent movement skills, especially when moving laterally against zone-blocking teams. Wooden is usually faster than the opposing blocker, so he does an excellent job of attacking the play-side shoulder, controlling the pace, and then shedding the block once the running back makes a cut. He also shows enough strength and gap-shooting ability to beat down-blockers and double teams as well in the power game.

As a senior in 2022, he saw 259 snaps inside at 3-Technique, and 253 snaps outside at defensive end. He performed admirably at both spots, but was unstoppable at times inside due to his quickness and high motor. He was able to do a lot of damage on the interior because he never gives up early, and shows good energy throughout the entirety of each play.

Wooden displays excellent speed and flexibility when being utilized as an edge player. He has the ability to collapse the pocket as a bull rusher with his length and power, and is occasionally able to rip and run the arc with his get-off ability and speed. Here is a great example of this:

While he's incredibly athletic and showcases positional versatility, his most impactful position in the NFL might be on the interior at defensive tackle. He is an immediate mismatch against bigger offensive lineman from a speed and motor standpoint. He should be able to flawlessly translate that aspect to the next level, and that's exactly the type of thing that Jim Schwartz desires. Schwartz's defenses have also used bigger edge players in the past, so Wooden could occasionally see some snaps outside as well in sub-packages.

Cleveland's new defense is going to be centered around generating pressure almost exclusively using the defensive line. This means that being able to create consistent mismatches with athleticism inside versus slower guards and centers is most likely the way to go with a player like Colby Wooden. 

Let's take a look at how he performed and measured in at the NFL Combine this past weekend.

Colby Wooden, DL - Auburn

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 273 Lbs.

Arm Length: 33.75"

40-Yard Dash: 4.79 Secs.

10-Yard Split: 1.71 Secs.

Broad Jump: 9'7"

Shuttle: 4.52 secs.

Bench Press: 23 Reps

These testing numbers and measurements were top-notch amongst the defensive lineman in attendance. He looked extremely fluid and under control throughout his on-field workouts, and displayed a great amount of bend and hip flexibility. Players of his size and stature usually don't have the type of short-area quickness and agility that he does.  

Wooden undoubtedly helped himself with his performance at the combine, and firmly entrenched himself as a 3rd-4th round prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft, and an excellent schematic fit for the Browns.

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Matthew Wilson
MATTHEW WILSON

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