As the 2017 NFL Draft looms, the picture is becoming clearer and clearer for the Cleveland Browns. While it is evident that the Browns need help on defense, they have holes on offense as well. It is no secret that the Browns are very much an incomplete team. However, it is also no secret that this draft could be huge for them. In the 2017 NFL Draft, the Browns have 11 picks, more than any other team. Surely, most of those picks will go to the offensive line and the defense, where the Browns are hurting the most. But on the offensive side, one of those picks has to be Oklahoma’s electric power runner, Samaje Perine.
Why the Cleveland Browns Should Draft Samaje Perine
Combine Results
While the annual NFL Combine does not mean everything, it definitely means something. And Samaje Perine was a star at this year’s Combine. Most notable of the events for Perine was his bench press. Perine was able to bench press 225 pounds 30 times. First of all, that puts Perine at the top of the bench press list for running backs. But perhaps more impressive, that number puts Perine near the top of the offensive linemen list.
Taking a look at this year’s offensive line draft class, it certainly is nothing to sneeze at. Players like Ryan Ramczyk and Cam Robinson highlight the class. And when you include them, Perine is fifth on the list. That is downright freakish. Additionally, Perine put up a 33-inch vertical jump and a 4.65 40-yard dash. Again, both of those numbers are terrific. While the Combine does not tell all, it does give some indication to a player’s future prediction. And Perine is a must-have in that case.
Mixon’s Alternative
Joe Mixon, the other Oklahoma running back in this draft class, is a locker room cancer waiting to happen. While Mixon does have potential, the Cleveland Browns definitely do not need a player like him in their locker room. Mixon was caught punching a woman in the face and proceeding to break multiple bones in 2014. Perine, on the other hand, is a different story.
Judging by all reports, Perine is completely clear of off-field issues. The Browns made is clear in the 2016 NFL Draft that character issues would not be tolerated in their locker room. The Browns needed to purge the negativity of their locker room at all costs. Thus, they moved on from Josh Gordon and Johnny Manziel. Mixon would likely be breaking Cleveland’s new rule, although his potential is high. Perine’s potential equals that of Mixon, but without the off-the-field issues.
Record-Breaker
During the 2014 college football season, Melvin Gordon broke LaDainian Tomlinson‘s single-game rushing record. Only one week later, Samaje Perine said, “anything you can do, I can do better.” Perine proceeded to break Gordon’s record against Kansas by collecting 427 yards for five touchdowns. In the 2015 NFL Draft, the Chargers selected Gordon in the first round. To put it simply, he has paid dividends for the Chargers during his first two seasons. Perine will likely follow the same path. It just makes sense. While the fact that Perine broke Gordon’s record in such a short span of time does not make or break his draft stock, it definitely makes for a fun fact.
Conclusion and Pro Comparison
Without a doubt, Samaje Perine is a special talent. First of all, his NFL Combine performance was spectacular. Secondly, he has no character problems, unlike his partner Joe Mixon. Finally, and maybe most importantly, Perine was a star for the Oklahoma Sooners. Even while splitting carries with Mixon, he still shined. At the top of his game, he could be like another former Sooner. His name is Adrian Peterson, maybe you’ve heard of him? And a thick, playmaking runner like that could be a key ingredient for the Browns’ long-awaited recipe for success.
