The NFL Draft is fast approaching, with first round officially kicks off a week from Thursday on April 25th. If you didn’t know already the Cleveland Browns do not have a first-round selection, but this only forces them to utilize those Day 2 and Day 3 picks even better.
Cleveland needs more depth on the offensive line and finding another potential starting caliber option at tackle would be ideal.
Mitch Hyatt, OT, Clemson
Height: 6-5
Weight: 303 pounds
Strengths
It amazes me how overlooked Hyatt is, but he has been the starting left tackle on four consecutive playoff teams. With offensive tackle being such a critical position, it would only make sense for Hyatt to be seen as one of the more intriguing options. Hyatt is an old school knock you down guy as he has amassed well over 100 pancakes during his school-record 57 career starts.
Weaknesses
Hyatt is not a first-round prospect because he lacks the athletic traits that scouts desire in a starting tackle. Due to his lack of athleticism it is fair to wonder if Hyatt can handle the speed that most edge rushers in the NFL will be dishing out.
This is probably tied to the lack of footwork, but Hyatt is not the finest run blocker as he gets in the way more than dominates and paves the way.
Overall
Hyatt compares to a poor man’s Jeff Backus, who despite not earning a ton of post-season recognition or all-star nominees, came into the league and started immediately and played at a consistent level all 12 seasons he played with the Detroit Lions. Hyatt has the same level of toughness and is just good enough to be able to handle most defenders he will face.
