Browns: 3 Sheldon Richardson replacements in 2021 NFL Draft
By Cory Kinnan
![Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (98) sacks Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) during the first half of an NFL football game at FirstEnergy Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Browns 23](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2F4170f2df29a96fc5db59cafe512878d07c7fc57e74af930bdf57493fa32db207.jpg "Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (98) sacks Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) during the first half of an NFL football game at FirstEnergy Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Browns 23")
Day-two target: Milton Williams, Louisiana Tech
There has not been a meteoric rise bigger than that of Louisiana Tech defensive tackle Milton Williams. After racking up 19 tackles for loss and 10 sacks over the past two seasons, Williams has proven the production matches the athletic ability as well.
Williams’ pro day was perhaps the best one of the 2021 NFL Draft cycle as well, testing extraordinarily off the charts. Finishing with a Relative Athletic Score of 9.96 out of 10, Williams may be a bit undersized at 6-foot-3 and 284 pounds, but is on another planet athletically. Blazing an extraordinary 4.67 40 yard dash, pushing out 34 reps on the bench press, hitting a whopping 38.5 inch vertical jump and a 10 foot broad jump, Williams also burned rubber on his agility drills as well.
Get to know the man whose draft stock is soaring with this analysis from Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline:
"“Williams’ draft stock has been on a straight shot north the past two seasons, as his athleticism and development have been very impressive. He comes with a large amount of upside but is a scheme-specific player who would be best in a four-man line. Williams could contribute as a rookie while he continues to develop before breaking in with the first team.”"
Should the Browns look towards a day-two defensive tackle, Williams is the ideal analytical fit for this front office to gander towards. Only 22 years old, the most athletic defensive tackle in the class, great production at the college level, and a team need, Williams to the Browns is a very real possibility (and perhaps the best option given the cost).