Washington football: Nick Harris selected by the Browns

Washington football’s second draft pick of the 2020 NFL Draft is taken in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns!

After a slow start on the first few days of the NFL Draft for Washington football, they’re starting to pick it up after their second draft pick of the day. Nick Harris, a four-year starter for the Huskies, will now get an opportunity to kickstart his NFL career in Cleveland.

At Washington, Harris was a two-time All Pac 12 First Team selection in 2018 and 2019, and was a Second Team All-American selection after his senior campaign. Harris was also the vocal leader over the last few seasons on Montlake, and now he gets to bring that attitude to the Browns, who need a major revamp on the offensive line.

During the draft process, Harris was deemed as an undersized, scheme-specific center who can thrive in a zone scheme. With an elite running back in Nick Chubb, that’s exactly what Cleveland runs, and this is a great fit for Harris.

If Harris can put on a few pounds of muscle while retaining his elite quickness, he’s going to be a steal here for the Browns.

He probably won’t start from day one, as J.C. Tretter is an experienced center, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Harris start out at guard, just like he did at Washington. They could use an upgrade at right guard, which might be the fastest way for him to see the field.

The Browns needed to find a way to protect their franchise quarterback in Baker Mayfield, and they’ve now grabbed two players to upgrade their offensive line. They spent their first-rounder on left tackle Jedrick Wills, and now they’ve added Harris as well. For a team that wants to contend for a Super Bowl after adding Odell Beckham and drafting Mayfield first overall just two years ago, protection is key.