Baron Browning

Browning was considered a top-10 overall prospect after garnering Texas 4A Defensive Player of the Year honors as a senior at Kennedale High School. The Fort Worth native started three of 12 games in 2018 (23 tackles, 3.5 for loss) after playing 12 games purely as a backup his true freshman season (14 tackles, 1.5 for loss). He started only one game at inside linebacker in 2019, but still contributed 43 tackles, 10 for loss, with five sacks in 12 contests on a stellar defense. He moved outside as a senior, starting five of seven games (30 tackles, three for loss, with one sack, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles), garnering third-team All-Big Ten accolades to help the Buckeyes win the conference title and advance to the national title game. He accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl. Browning's father, Barry, was a starting defensive back at TCU and his brother, Barry Jr., played football at Stanford. -- by Chad Reuter

Watching Browning can be a frustrating exercise, as you keep waiting for all the physical tools to match up with better instincts and feel for the game. He's experienced at both Mike and Sam spots for the Buckeyes with the ability to cover, rush and step downhill against the run. He has very good speed and keeps the motor running, but he's late out of the driveway due to a lack of play recognition and anticipation. More often than not, he plays what is in front of him rather than staying ahead of the play, so he becomes more of a background player than solo star. Based upon size and traits, Browning might be in consideration as a backup 3-4 outside linebacker and core special teams player with rush and coverage potential.