The Cleveland Browns have selected Sione Takitaki, inside linebacker from BYU with the 80th overall pick in the third round. Most would consider this a reach as most pundits had the BYU backer going on the third day, but Takitaki does provide versatility with the ability to play any linebacker spot. Takitaki would definitely qualify as a “sleeper” prospect, as he has gone from constant trouble maker to married, mature and reformed.
Takitaki does have an intriguing mixture of size and athleticism and made waves during his week at the East-West Shrine Game, which led to an invite to the Senior Bowl, where he continued to display incredible athleticism. He is the kind of prospect that checks a ton of boxes, but his past is extremely worrisome and questionable. If Takitaki can continue on his current path and avoid trouble, he could be a consistent contributor.
He is unlikely to ever become a star, but he has a ton of traits that could allow him to be a reliable starter and he will definitely be a versatile depth piece immediately.
We have spent a lot of focus on him playing linebacker, but he will also provide immediate help on special teams and again with his mixture of size and speed, he should dominate that aspect of the game.
