Cleveland Browns draft forecast: Options remain among the undrafted free agents

Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham (3) passes as he is pressured by Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (11) and defensive end K.J. Henry (5) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022.
Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham (3) passes as he is pressured by Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (11) and defensive end K.J. Henry (5) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022.

The NFL Draft will end at some point in the early evening of April 29. At that point, Browns general manager Andrew Berry's work may just be getting started.

While the Browns' draft picks will be the center of attention, the players Berry brings in on rookie free agent contracts could at least provide some interesting names to potentially follow through the spring offseason program along with training camp. A year ago, for example, safety D'Anthony Bell went from undrafted free agent to active-roster member.

So who exactly could be the next D'Anthony Bell? It's hard to say, because you first have to get through the full seven-round draft to see what 259 players are selected.

Third-round possibilities for Browns: Cleveland Browns draft forecast: Zach Harrison, Tyler Scott top third-round possibilities

fourth-round possibilities for Browns: Cleveland Browns draft forecast: Karl Brooks, Kenny McIntosh among fourth-round options

Fifth-round possibilities for Browns: Cleveland Browns draft forecast: Fifth-round means best player available, whoever that is

Sixth-round possibilities for Browns: Cleveland Browns draft forecast: Sixth round means options aplenty across the board

Seventh-round possibilities for Browns: Cleveland Browns draft forecast: Take a big swing in the seventh round

Who could fall out of that group of 259? These five players listed below could, for one reason or another.

If they do, there's at least enough from what they've done collegiately as well as the traits they possess to make them potential fits as UDFAs.

UDFAs: Roll the dice and see if it can't pay off

Florida Gators linebacker Brenton Cox Jr. (1) dives to tackle Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Will Levis (7) in the second half at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, September 10, 2022. The Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Florida Gators 26-16. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]
Florida Gators linebacker Brenton Cox Jr. (1) dives to tackle Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Will Levis (7) in the second half at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, September 10, 2022. The Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Florida Gators 26-16. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]
  • Malik Cunningham, QB, Louisville

  • Brenton Cox, DE, Florida

  • Desjuan Johnson, DT, Toledo

  • Brent Laing, OG, Minnesota-Duluth

  • Rashad Torrence II, S, Florida

Cunningham would make a perfect practice-squad quarterback if were to go undrafted. The former Cardinal battled some injuries late in his college career, but is a dynamic player both with his arm and his legs. … You want a definite roll of the dice, then Cox is the player you bring in for training camp. The former Gator has red flags around his effort, but when he wants to play, he is an absolute freak show rushing the passer. … Johnson's size, at 6-foot-2, 285 pounds, may be the thing that ultimately costs him. However, the former Rocket was productive in college in part because he does possess a level of athleticism that makes him worth a camp tryout. … Laing is the definition of what you're looking for in an undrafted free agent. In this case, it's a versatile small-school product who possesses intriguing athletic traits that could help him find a way to stick on a roster, or at least, the practice squad to develop. … Torrence played free safety for the Gators, but was moved around quite a bit in their defensive scheme. Regardless, either he or his fellow Florida safety, Trey Dean III, possess the necessary athleticism and speed to provide some competition at the back end of the roster, and defense.

Contact Chris at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com.

On Twitter: @ceasterlingABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Browns have options among potential undrafted free agents