The Browns are looking for a pass rusher to help supplant Jabaal Sheard and they've targeted a possible replacement via the draft.
On an appearance with Cleveland Browns Daily, Utah defensive end Nate Orchard confirmed he's visited with the Browns in Utah, dining with defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil and outside linebackers coach Brian Fleury.
"They really got to know me and I got to know them and their defensive schemes," Orchard told Cleveland Browns Daily on Wednesday. "It was a great time."
Orchard hasn't been grouped with potential top-10 pass rushers, such as Florida's Dante Fowler, Clemson's Vic Beasley and Missouri's Shane Ray. He isn't necessarily described as a freakish athlete.
But the 6-foot-4, 255 pounder posted 18.5 sacks his senior season with the Utes, led the nation in quarterback knockdowns with 28 and literally became a living nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators.
The accolades piled up, too. Orchard was named to 10 different All-American teams and won the Ted Hendricks award for the nation's best defensive end.
Interest in Orchard is coming from all angles. Philadelphia's Chip Kelly and Cincinnati's Marvin Lewis are two head coaches who have met extensively with the prospect. Orchard said he's been working daily to improve his footwork and different techniques on defending the run.
But Orchard is determined his style of play will translate well in the NFL.
"You've got to be nasty man, absolutely nasty," said Orchard. "I'll be going up against guys who are 6-foot-7, 310 pounds every play. You've got to get home and you've got to get by them."
After overcoming a turbulent childhood in Los Angeles, Orchard found himself at Utah and has Play Like a Brown traits the Cleveland coaching staff and front office covet. Orchard plays with a relentless motor that elevates the energy level of those around him and he's married with a kid.
"I don't need a Lamborghini," Orchard recently wrote for USA Today. "I got myself a 2011 Subaru with 34,000 miles on it."
Like every other NFL team, the Browns are allotted 30 in-house meetings with draft prospects and will continue to funnel players into the Berea facility.
