Identifying Day 3 Fits for the Browns

Not the well known names but vital for roster building.

(Photo - Getty)

The third day of the NFL Draft is a rush of NFL teams trying to mine some gold. There will be plenty of pieces of coal, but the rush for some rare gold in the later rounds is makes it all the more exciting. Every franchise needs those players that can contribute as spot starters or provide valuable depth. While these selections aren’t typically blue-chip prospects, they represent key building blocks for a roster’s long-term success. On this day, teams are looking for players with potential who may not have the star power of earlier picks but possess the right tools to develop into reliable contributors.

For the Browns, day three offers an opportunity to address needs and add depth across multiple positions, all while looking for players with upside who can grow into important roles. Here, we are going to to review a collection of such prospects that are currently projected to be drafted around or outside of the top-100 (using the consensus big board via Mock Draft Database).

Will Howard, QB (Ohio State)

Big Board Ranking: 90

Awards/Accolades: Second-team All-Big 12 (2023), Third-team All-Big Ten (2024)

Athleticism: 8.78 RAS

Scouting Report Excerpt: Will Howard has plenty of experience, and that will only help him at the next level. He’s shown that he can operate in a favorable offense that allows him to get the ball out of his hands quickly and to his playmakers. He also showed some moments of still being able to get the ball out of his hands in tight pockets and did a great job of avoiding sacks. However, since his arm talent won’t ever be toward the top echelon of quarterbacks, he’ll need to really up his processing ability. Every predetermined throw won’t be open in the NFL, and he’ll need to show that he can work to the backside of his progression smoothly and not force throws into dangerous areas. Howard might not ever become an elite starting quarterback in the NFL, but he can carve out a nice role. - Nick Akridge, PFF

Notable Statistics: 0.32 EPA per dropback ranks 2nd among the 11 draft-eligible quarterbacks (97th percentile EPA per pass). Top-10 among all Power-4 qualifying quarterbacks (minimum 225 pass attempts) in passing yards (4,003), passing grade (85.7), and passer rating (119.9).

D.J. Giddens, RB (Kansas State)

Big Board Ranking: 110

Awards/Accolades: Second-team All-Big 12 (2024)

Athleticism: 9.78 RAS

Scouting Report Excerpt: Giddens is a scheme-versatile, savvy runner with the tools to carve out a nice role on early downs in a committee backfield. If he wants to be more than that, working on his third-down capabilities will unlock a more impactful role in the NFL. - Daniel Harms, The Draft Network

Notable Statistics: Among 110 qualifying Power-4 players at the position, Giddens finished T-11th in explosive runs (36), 12th in yards after contact per attempt (4.17), and 14th in missed tackles forced (55) in 2024.

Latham Ransom, S (Ohio State)

Big Board Ranking: 104

Awards/Accolades: First-team All-Big Ten (2024)

Athleticism: N/A RAS

Scouting Report Excerpt: Ransom projects as a role-specific starting safety at the NFL level. He offers supreme run support ability and will be a true asset to an NFL franchise in this regard. His coverage matrix is limited, and his new team will need to offer the right mix of opportunities as a deep half-player who can offer strong side rotation in the middle of the field, closed coverages, and opportunities a big nickel. - Kyle Crabbs, 33rd Team

Notable Statistics: Positional versatile throughout his career with 29 percent of snaps in the box, 42 percent at free safety, and 26 percent in the slot (remaining three percent at other various spots). Led FBS in run-defense grade in 2024 (93.7).