Browns move down, take Washington State WR Vince Mayle with No. 123 pick
May 2, 2015Browns take Mississippi State TE Malcolm Johnson with No. 195 pick
May 2, 2015With their own sixth round pick, the Browns select cornerback Charles Gaines from Louisville with the No. 189 pick. Gaines posted 36 total tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, two interceptions, 10 break-ups and one forced fumble in his redshirt junior season last year. CBSSports.com ranked him as the 21st best corner in the class. The Browns continue their upgrade of the defense with their fifth selection of a defensive player. The team has really gone with best available over going off their board to fill a need.
Here is what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein says about Gaines’ strengths and weaknesses:
STRENGTHS: Came to Louisville as wide receiver and has unique feel for what’s coming from routes. Outstanding mirror/match work in man coverage. Extremely patient and confident in coverage. Maintains balance and body control in routes. Refuses to overreact or be tilted by head fakes and jab steps within the route. Allows receiver to declare his release before opening from press. Plays on bouncy feet with above-average twitch. Can break off backpedal suddenly and accelerate forward to challenge a throw. Not overly grabby downfield. Reads quarterback, looking for clues to jump throws. Flashes necessary recovery speed. Not fooled by playaction. Instincts above desired mark for cover cornerback.
WEAKNESSES: Frame could use more size to match up with NFL receivers. Wasn’t challenged often in 2014, with just 56 targets against. Too ready to run routes for receivers, opening himself to double moves. Play speed slows when turning head to look for ball against go routes. Ball tracking and body adjustments to deep ball need improvement. In deep zone, allows too much space to wide receivers running deep crosses and posts. Run support? No thanks. Stays blocked after engagement and isn’t physical when he gets his chance. Missed interception opportunities in three games due to hands.
Here is some tape on the newest Brown, corner Charles Gaines:
Browns 2015 Draft
No. 12 (Round 1) – Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
No. 19 (Round 1) – Cameron Erving, OL, Florida State
No. 51 (Round 2) – Nate Orchard, DE/LB, Utah
No. 77 (Round 3) – Duke Johnson, RB, Miami (FL)
No. 96 (Round 3) – Xavier Cooper, DT, Washington State
No. 115 (Round 4) – Ibraheim Campbell, S, Northwestern
No. 123 (Round 4) – Vince Mayle, WR, Washington State
No. 189 (Round 6) – Charles Gaines, CB, Louisville
No. 195 (Round 6) – Malcolm Johnson, TE, Mississippi State
No. 198 (Round 6) – Randall Telfer, TE, USC