Browns NFL Draft Profile: LB Jaylan Ford

Jaylan Ford has the tools and athleticism to contribute early in Cleveland’s defense

The Cleveland Browns are heading into the 2024 NFL Draft with multiple position groups in mind and linebacker is surely one of them.

Andrew Berry signed Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush at the beginning of this year’s free agency cycle which undeniably solidified the linebacker room. Hicks will most likely be the starting MIKE, while Bush has a chance to see solid rotational work at SAM or WILL in 2024.

In addition to these two free-agent signings, there’s a good possibility that the Browns will draft at least one linebacker this weekend.

Jaylan Ford is a player who could be on Cleveland’s radar heading into day 3 of the draft due to his football IQ, leadership, and overall playmaking ability.

Name

Jaylan Ford

Position

Linebacker

Height/Weight

6’2.3”, 240 pounds

College

University of Texas

Stats

2023: 14 games – 101 tackles, 10.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble

Overall: 42 games – 287 tackles, 27.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 6 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles

Relative Athletic Score

“Big Board” ranking at time of publishing

176th

What experts are saying

“Two-year starting linebacker with good size and athleticism but average speed and below-average instincts. Ford’s tackle count is almost evenly split between solo and assisted, which is a little unusual for an inside linebacker with multiple opportunities to play the role of sheriff. He lacks ideal anticipation to mirror the pathway of running backs and tends to be too impacted by encounters with blockers. He pursues the ball with good pace and has become a steady tackler in the open field. Ford has great hands and third-down value but might lack the consistency needed to stick on a roster long term.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL Draft Analyst

“Overall, Ford’s linear speed and size can help him contribute on special teams, and he has good enough instincts to serve as a backup linebacker in the NFL.” – Matt Holder, B/R

“Jaylan Ford uses his experience and instincts to be an effective second-level defender.” – Keith Sanchez, The Draft Network

Pros

• Smooth mover with great football IQ
• Good stack-n-shedder at the POA
• Natural ability to diagnose route concepts when dropping back into coverage
• Solid frame and plays “big”, he has the mass to be a “thumper” in the middle
• Workout warrior, he’s gained 30 lbs. since enrolling at Texas
• Experienced special teamer
• He’s not afraid to throw his body around if it means that it’ll disrupt the play; He’ll often dive through developing run lanes to “spill” the play outside
• Fluid hips

Cons

• Will sometimes over-run plays by being overaggressive
• Has shown a lack of field awareness at times
• Would like to see more “twitch” in his game, not a sudden mover

Browns player drafting could impact

Devin Bush. Bush was signed in free agency to compete for a depth spot at the SAM and MIKE linebacker positions. Though Bush will most likely have an edge heading into training camp, Ford has the potential to take some of his snaps away as a rookie in 2024.

Ford would also compete for a starting spot on special teams as well.

Priority

Medium-High. One of the most underwhelming positions on Cleveland’s roster right now is linebacker. Yes, they have Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and newly acquired Jordan Hicks but the depth behind those guys is fairly weak.

Bush will most likely be competing with Tony Fields for the team’s 3rd linebacker role in Jim Schwartz’s base defense but they still need to add youth and talent in the linebacker room.

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