In this series, I am going to do a quick IDP daft review for each team. We’ll take a look at their IDP draft haul, what it means for their team, and the impact it will have on fantasy managers. We continue the series with the Cleveland Browns who are led by head coach Kevin Stefanski, who led the Browns to a 7-10 record and an AFC North Division Title. The Browns are trying to get back to the playoffs but they have a lot of holes to fill before they can make that step forward. Let's take a deep dive into their IDP draft haul.
3rd Round 98th overall - Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
The Cleveland Browns have been struggling to find a consistent and dominant player in the middle of their defensive line. Each time they feel they have it filled, something happens, injury, free agency, or bust. With a limited pool of picks to use they had to be on point with each selection. After using their first pick (pick 3.11 74th overall) on a WR, they addressed their big need for an IDL. With their second 3rd round pick, they selected the mountain of a man (6’3”/335 lbs) from Baylor, Siaki Ika. Ourlads currently have Jordan Elliott and Dalvin Tomlinson listed as the starters, but we all know that you can never have too many IDL and that a rotation keeps guys fresh.
DC Jim Schwartz has always loved having a big monster up front and he’ll get creative with Ika. Ika hasn’t provided much as a pass rusher to this point of his career (4½ sacks in 37 games) but that’s not what they’ll ask him to do, as they have DE’s Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith to do that. Ika will shut down inside running lanes and apply pressure from the middle that will force plays to the edges. For those of you that play fantasy football, Ika isn’t going to give you any scoring of value really, even in position-specific leagues his value is still limited as of now. The best option is to wait and see how he gets used and what production he provides. If you play in IDP only then he’s worth stashing on your taxi squad for now.
4th Round 126th overall - Isaiah McGuire, DE, Missouri
The Browns used one of their two picks in the fourth round to select a young pass rusher to groom for the future. They selected DE Isaiah McGuire with the 126th overall pick and his last two seasons in Missouri were what caught everyone’s eye. In 25 games he produced 95 tackles, 28 TFLs, 14½ sacks, and four forced fumbles. As you can see he performed very well when facing the elite competition of the SEC. McGuire will get to learn from two of the best in Garrett and Smith on how to become a top-tier pass rusher in the NFL.
A solid selection for the Browns who are trying to get as many impact players as they can and build their depth. McGuire helps with both of those. He’s not going to make a big impact right away but that doesn’t mean he’s not any good, it just means be patient and his time will come. If you play fantasy football, you’re drafting him knowing that and he’s going to your taxi squad until he gets ready.
5th Round 142nd overall - Cameron Mitchell, CB, Northwestern
In today’s pass-happy NFL, you need all the help in the secondary that you can get! The Browns selected cornerback Cameron Mitchell in the 5th round to help them with their pass defense. A little small on the size side (5’11”/191 lbs) but tested extremely well at the combine (4.47 sec 40yd, 1.48 sec 10yd split). Despite the lack of size and length, he’s a tough and competitive player that will surely get him looks on special teams. A good way to make a team and then work on your craft at a position.
Mitchel will likely play as a nickel corner/safety which may help him with his size/length limitations. As we have all seen that’s an important position nowadays. Over his last two seasons with Northwestern, he showed that he was a more than willing tackler (95 tackles) and boasted a 78.9% solo tackle rate. In the fantasy world, there is no reason you should be selecting Mitchell in your rookie drafts. The position is too deep and talented league-wide and you can find better options on the waiver wire.
All stats provided by Pro Football Reference
Thanks for reading my article. I am a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers of America). Follow me on Twitter at @HollywoodTitan, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub — I’m user KingTitan1 — and tune in each week and listen to IDP Nation and Devy IDP Grind, the podcasts that I co-host, on several different platforms. Feel free to email or dm me with any questions that you have, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy
