2023 NFL Draft: Browns select ED Isaiah McGuire at No. 126 overall in the fourth round
The Cleveland Browns had two picks in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. With their second pick in the fourth round, No. 126 overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Browns selected edge rusher Isaiah McGuire of Missouri. Cleveland came into the draft looking to add depth to the edge rusher position and getting McGuire does just that. He was my favorite prospect for the Browns heading into the draft, so getting him in the fourth round is exciting. Here is what I wrote about McGuire during my pre-draft preview article:
McGuire is my favorite edge rusher prospect for the Browns in the third round. He has great size and length, along with the athleticism to match. He is extremely strong, utilizing good leverage and long arms to unload heavy punches to blockers. He is quick off the line with the explosive closing speed to win around the edge. He uses his arms to wall off defenders to bend around the edge. He is a complete defender with the ability to affect the run and pass game. He also has numerous pass rush moves to win with on the edge.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler rated McGuire as his 94th overall prospect and the 15th-ranked edge rusher in the draft class. Here is what Brugler said about McGuire:
STRENGTHS: Physically impressive with a long-armed, moldable frame and comfortably carries his weight … stout at the point of attack with lateral range in the run game … uses his arm length to quickly play off blocks and find the ball … slams his physical hands into the chest of blockers as a pass rusher to force his way into the pocket (see: his matchup versus Broderick Jones on the 2022 Georgia tape) … unleashes a violent rip-chop move and shows the ability to grab and dispose of blocker’s wrists to access rush lanes … shows enough dip at the top of his rush to tighten his cornering angles and force holding calls … speed is average but displays enough juice to track down ball carriers from the backside or in pursuit … heavy tackler … voted a senior captain and young for his class … productive in the backfield (31.0 TFL in 35 games the last three seasons).WEAKNESSES: Not a sudden rusher and won’t beat blockers with his get-off and speed alone … NFL blockers will catch on to his predictable rush plan … needs to be more consistent with his setup and move timing to maximize execution … pad level gets high, leaving him exposed to down blocks and washouts … late to anticipate side-angled blocks that seal him inside … stack and shed can get too methodical at times … saw more drop-and-cover reps in 2022, but this area isn’t yet a strength to his game … expected better sack/pressure production based on his talent … didn’t bench during the draft process because of his right shoulder.SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Missouri, McGuire was a hand-on-the-ground defensive end in defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s 4-2-5 base scheme, although he also reduced inside at times. He led the Tigers in sacks as a junior and senior and planted his flag as one of the best all-around defensive ends in the SEC with his 2022 season. McGuire is stout at the point of attack with the long arms and lateral quickness to defend multiple gaps. Although he isn’t sudden as a pass rusher, he has strong strides and body flexibility to wrap the outside shoulder of offensive tackles or create forceful knockback with his bull rush. Overall, McGuire needs further polishing to truly maximize his skill set, but he is long, agile and powerful enough to effectively leverage blockers and disrupt both the run and the pass. He is a scheme-diverse prospect and projects as a future NFL starter.
Check out some of the highlights from McGuire's college career:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRXmzXTckZo