The Cleveland Browns had a rookie minicamp over the weekend, the first time the newest players hit the field as members of the team. One of my favorite things about rookie minicamp is the tryout players who earn training camp roster spots after working their tails off over the weekend.
Luke Floriea, the wide receiver from Kent State, was able to earn a contract after his tryout, and he enters a wide receiver room with several roster spots up for grabs. Though Floriea didn't make my list for this article, he has great short-area quickness, is a good route runner who creates separation, and is someone to watch in OTAs and training camp in the coming months.
Let's take a look at three UDFAs that I believe have a good shot at making the Browns roster or at least the practice squad.
Jason Ivey, OT, North Carolina A&T
Jason Ivey is a raw tackle prospect who isn't ready to play in the NFL and is more than likely a practice-squad developmental guy. He has excellent length, over 35-inch arms, and a wingspan of nearly 86 inches. Ivey is a quality pass blocker with good footwork and excellent movement skills. He has a quick first step and gets off the line of scrimmage and into his pass sets in time to deal with athletic speed rushers trying to beat him to the outside.
Ivey needs to add size and strength before he can become an NFL-level run blocker; he lacks the drive and raw power to move people. He flashes his movement skills in the run game, showing that if he can get more power to move people, he could also be a quality run blocker. He will need to be coached up with hand placement; he bends too much at the waist and doesn't use his great length.
It is an uphill battle for Ivey, but he has some physical tools and the upside to be a quality depth tackle if he can be properly developed.