Former GM Charley Casserly thinks Browns got steal in Grant Delpit

The Browns landed Grant Delpit in the second round last month

LSU safety Grant Delpit entered the 2020 season as a consensus top-10 player, but throughout the season he saw his draft stock continuously slip. By the end of the 2020 NFL Draft, he found himself sliding into the second round before landing with the Cleveland Browns at the 44th pick.

One main reason Delpit slipped was due to his presumed issues with tackling in the open field. However, one former general manager in the NFL, the one responsible for looking like a genius for selecting Mario Williams over Reggie Bush, is not buying these concerns and thinks the Browns got a steal in the second round.

Charley Casserly expects Delpit to step in and contribute at free safety for the Browns right away, while giving them the versatility to play in the box or in the nickel. Here were his full comments:

"“Excellent cover ability. Look for him to start at free safety for them. Now, some people were concerned about the tackling. I watched the tape… You know what? I think the guy can tackle. I just think he needs to work on technique. Multiple position guy, strong, free, nickel, linebacker” (Casserly via 247 Sports)"

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Taking a look at the film, it is evident that Delpit is highly hampered by the high ankle sprain he was playing through. A significant injury to his ankle, Delpit’s change of direction was severely and evidently limited on the field.

However, if you were to turn on the tape from the College Football Playoffs, where LSU tore through Oklahoma and Clemson on their way to a national title, Delpit’s play significantly improved. It is incredible how one player can turn on a switch and improve his play once he has time to rest an injury he has been playing on before stepping back onto the field.

Delpit quickly returned to form, the form that had many so excited about him coming into the 2020 season. Casserly applauds the Browns for pulling the trigger, and is baffled that all 32 teams passed on him through the first 43 picks in the draft.

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He is sure to have a chip on his shoulder entering his rookie year after slipping all the way into the second round, and he has some big names in his corner. Look for Grant Delpit to make a splash in Cleveland, and to do so sooner rather than later.

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