Malcolm Johnson to Browns: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown

The Cleveland Browns lost Jordan Cameron in free agency and needed to land a tight end in the 2015 NFL draft. But it's safe to say Malcolm Johnson was not the guy Browns fans had hoped for. 

In fact, despite Johnson being announced as a tight end during the draft, the Browns will list Johnson as a fullback.

"

The #Browns will list Malcolm Johnson as a fullback.

— Tom Reed (@treed1919) May 2, 2015"

If you've never heard of Johnson, don't worry. Neither NFL.com nor ESPN.com produced scouting reports on him prior to the draft. 

So what attracted the Browns to the Mississippi State product?

Well, for starters, he fits the theme of the Browns' draft as a strong locker-room presence and someone who won't embarrass the team off the field. 

Johnson was a team captain during his senior year and so well-known for being a vocal leader that even his bio on the team website references it. 

"

Malcolm Johnson was universally respected in the locker room at MSU. First guy to encourage, advise or break up a conflict. Important guy.

— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) May 2, 2015"

It's become almost comical how obvious this trend is, and it makes you wonder how many prospects the Browns removed from their draft board due to off-field question marks.

It's also somewhat concerning to see general manager Ray Farmer adjust his draft strategy so dramatically after just one failed class. Just how unqualified and unprepared was Farmer last year when he was put in charge of the war room for the first time in his career?

In terms of Johnson's on-field role, he could probably best be described as an H-back. 

He's only 6'1", 231 pounds, so he doesn't offer the Browns the ability to replace Cameron as a weapon down the field. Instead, the team will likely use him as a blocker in short-yardage situations and potentially as an occasional possession receiver on underneath routes. 

Over the past three seasons with the Oakland Raiders, offensive coordinator John DeFilippo worked with Marcel Reece, who is a reasonable comparison to Johnson, at least in terms of their roles. In fact, both Reece and Johnson began their college careers as wide receivers before becoming NFL fullbacks.

Johnson began his career at Mississippi State as a wide receiver, catching 11 passes in that role as a freshman. 

Adding someone with that type of versatility—someone who can line up in the backfield, as an in-line tight end or as a receiver—could add a new dimension to the offense, even if his role is limited as a rookie.

It's been a few years since the Browns have employed a true H-back, so this selection is possibly an indication that the team plans to add a new wrinkle to the offense that fans haven't seen in a while. 

It's safe to say Browns fans had hoped for a more explosive offensive weapon at some point in this draft, but when you start to put the puzzle pieces together, this pick makes a lot of sense. 

It's encouraging to see that DeFilippo is bringing a clear vision of the offense with him and the front office is supplying him with the types of players he needs to make his offense work in Cleveland.

Grade: B+

Ryan McCrystal is an NFL draft Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.

Follow @Ryan_McCrystal