The Week 9 college football slate provided some upsets, drama, rain and a lot of future NFL players strutting their stuff on fields around the nation. The Cleveland Browns scouting staff was busy checking out several of them in person.
The biggest game was the clash between Ohio State and Wisconsin in soggy Columbus. This is at least the fourth Buckeyes game the Browns have scouted in person this season. However, Wisconsin also offers several intriguing prospects, including center Tyler Biadasz and offensive tackle Cole Van Lanen.
Ohio State DE Chase Young bagged four sacks and all but ensured that he will be long gone before the Browns pick…even if the Browns pick in the 5-10 overall range.
The Browns were also among the press box denizens for the clash between LSU and Auburn. LSU safety Grant Delpit, who suffered a minor injury in the game, was one of the featured attractions and a potential first-round option for the Browns (and every team). Disruptive Auburn DT Derrick Brown would also be an attractive option in the orange and brown.
The only other game where the Browns were confirmed in attendance was Friday night’s battle between Colorado and USC. Two wideouts, Colorado’s Laviska Shenault and the Trojans’ Michael Pittman, squared off on the marquee. Shenault showed why he’s a consensus top 50 prospect with a 9-catch, 172-yard outing that showed off his speed and strength. Pittman, generally regarded as a middle-round prospect, caught two 4th quarter TDs and rallied the Trojans to a win. He’s a big (6-4/215) physical receiver in the mold of Alshon Jeffery.
