The Browns selected Memphis LB Genard Avery with the 150th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Avery is the seventh player to be drafted by Cleveland, joining Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield (No. 1), Ohio State CB Denzel Ward (No. 4), Nevada OL Austin Corbett (No. 33), Georgia RB Nick Chubb, Miami DE Chad Thomas (No. 67) and Florida WR Antonio Callaway (No. 105).
A three-year starter at Memphis, Avery thrived as a senior, ranking in the top-10 in the nation with 22 tackles for loss. He had 80 tackles last season and 81 during a junior season in which he posted 11 for loss and nabbed two pick-sixes. Though he didn't start much as a freshman, Avery led the Tigers with five sacks that season.
NFL.com projects Avery as a middle linebacker within a 4-3 scheme. He could be active on special teams as well.
"They know that I am versatile," Avery said. "They know that I can play outside or inside linebacker. It really does not matter, I am comfortable with wherever they want to put me. I am just ready to start.
"In college, I played on the special teams from my freshman to senior season. It was great. I am not unfamiliar with any position on special teams. Wherever the coaching staff and the organization want me that is where I am going to play. So I am just ready to get started."
