Genard Avery NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for Cleveland Browns' Pick

POSITIVES

—Four-year experience with variety of responsibilities.

—Able to time rushes and lives behind the line of scrimmage.

—Stout player with thick upper body that can withstand NFL contact.

—Above-average hand usage as pass-rusher and can play on the line of scrimmage.

—Ridiculous athleticism given his body type (6'1", 255 lbs); can move well in space.

NEGATIVES

—Not a click-and-close player as an inside linebacker.

—Lacks vision and instincts as a true inside linebacker to read keys.

—Will be exploited in man coverage against backs.

—Misjudges angles to the boundary as a stacked backer and will get lost in space.

—Doesn't use his thickness well to stack and shed with power.

OVERALL

Genard Avery has a diverse skill set that should intrigue teams looking for a linebacker to play on the line of scrimmage. He's likely best as a strong-side linebacker in a 4-3 defense or an outside linebacker in a 3-4. He has more than enough athleticism given his thick frame, but the instincts and vision needed to diagnose NFL offenses in motion are lacking and limit his ability as a true inside linebacker.

GRADE: 5.70 (Round 5)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Sam Acho, Chicago Bears