Jabaal Sheard to Cleveland Browns: 2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Jabaal Sheard joins the Cleveland Browns' defensive line at No. 37 after producing throughout his final three years at Pittsburgh, and represents the best talent from the Big East in the 2011 draft class. His senior year encore included 52 tackles 14.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks and four forced fumbles, earning Sheard conference defensive player of the year honors in coaches voting.

After defensive line wrecking mate Greg Romeus fell to injury, Sheard only bull-rushed and slipped by opposing offensive lines with greater frequency. He emerged from the on-field adversity as a much more enticing prospect and his stock has only soared since.

Sheard was also awarded a medal for saving an elderly woman from a burning home, which probably files in the character category.

Ryan Lownes of Draft Breakdown believes Sheard provides much versatility in pass blitzes:

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Jabaal Sheard is an explosive college end that will appeal to both 4-3 and 3-4 teams as a right end or rush linebacker. At Pittsburgh, he proved himself to be a productive pass rusher with variety and a strong motor. As purely a pass rusher, he ranks among this class’ best prospects.

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Sheard should make an instant impact on the Browns defensive line. His ability to wreak havoc off the edge has to excite young cornerback Joe Haden, who will look even more stellar with opposing quarterbacks having to deal with the Pittsburgh Panther. Among many contests that just barely got away for the Browns in 2010, Cleveland wished they could've harassed Mark Sanchez more in the latter stages of the Jets' Houdini road win.