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Kiper believes Cleveland Browns' Jabaal Sheard could have early impact
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. listed Pitt defensive end Jabaal Sheard as one of four players in rounds 2-3 who could have an early impact on their teams this season.
Here's what Kiper said about Sheard, the Big East's Defensive Player of the Year:
The impact: "As a team, the Browns notched just 29 sacks in 2010, good for 25th in the league. Sheard has a nice variety of pass-rush moves and could quickly move to the top of the depth chart on the edge in this scheme. He holds up very well against the run when he can sidestep or gain enough leverage on massive offensive tackles. A good two-way player, he fills an immediate need."
The hurdle: "Sheard is athletic, but it's yet to be seen whether he can be a truly explosive pass-rusher. If he's asked to drop, there are questions about whether he'll be a liability in the open field."
Kiper also mentioned Baylor nose tackle Phil Taylor in his notables in round one.
"You can't teach a lot of what Phil Taylor has -- the ability to move, even at his size,'' Kiper wrote on ESPN.com.
