Prospects for Browns to Avoid in 2023 NFL Draft

Barring any trades, the Cleveland Browns will have a lengthy wait at the start of the 2023 NFL draft. They won't be on the clock until later on the second day of the three-day event (which runs from April 27-29 in Kansas City) at the No. 74 overall selection.

Then, the Browns will get much more involved. They have eight picks in this year's draft, including six on the third and final day.

Because Cleveland doesn't have any early picks, it may need to target sleeper prospects with the majority of its selections. And if it hopes to build a successful class, it will need to be smart with who it takes each time it's up.

With that in mind, here's a look at several players the Browns may want to avoid in the 2023 NFL draft for various reasons.

Tank Dell, WR, Houston

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 04: Wide receiver Tank Dell of Houston participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Cleveland doesn't have many top receivers on its roster, outside of Amari Cooper. There are some playmakers with plenty of potential, though, such as Elijah Moore, who was acquired in a trade with the New York Jets earlier this offseason.

Still, the Browns may want to continue to stockpile WR depth to put quarterback Deshaun Watson in the best possible position to succeed. So perhaps they'll take a receiver either late on the second day of the draft or early on the third day.

One potential bust candidate Cleveland should avoid is Houston's Tank Dell. The former Cougars standout measured in at 5'8" at the NFL Scouting Combine, so there's some concern whether his size could prevent him from being successful at the next level.

The Browns should be targeting bigger targets for Watson, and Dell does not fit that bill. While he could use his athleticism to become a quality wide receiver in the future, he doesn't seem like the best fit in Cleveland.

Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Ohio State defensive lineman Zach Harrison answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 1, 2023, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Browns have one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL in Myles Garrett. But they don't have much depth behind him, especially if they end up losing Jadeveon Clowney, who remains a free agent at this point in the offseason.

It will be important for Cleveland to acquire at least one edge-rusher during the draft, and potentially even two. It won't be in a position to select the best prospects, but there could be some quality players available later on.

Ohio State's Zach Harrison likely shouldn't be among the top targets for the Browns, though. He didn't put up huge sack numbers during his time with the Buckeyes, notching only 11 in 40 career games.

The Browns need players who can get to the quarterback more frequently, especially because Garrett will be getting a lot of attention on the other side of the D-line. So Cleveland should look to add edge-rushers who are capable of creating a bit more pressure.

Trey Dean III, S, Florida

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 03: Defensive back Trey Dean of Florida participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 03, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Trey Dean III didn't have his best showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.75 seconds. As it turns out, the former Florida safety has been dealing with a hip injury. That's not great news regarding his draft stock.

It's possible the Browns will be looking to add safety depth at some point in the mid-to-late rounds. They've already signed Juan Thornhill in free agency this offseason and are returning Grant Delpit, but they could use more depth behind that duo.

Dean may not be the best fit in Cleveland. The team should be looking for speed at the back of the secondary, and there's now some concern regarding how Dean may move around there, especially if he's continuing to deal with the hip ailment in the near future.

Instead of taking a chance on a higher-risk defensive back like Dean, the Browns should try to target other safeties who may be more prepared and have higher ceilings for the future.