Curtis Weaver Could Make An Impact With Browns In 2021

And Kevin Stefanski can throw Odell Beckham Jr back into the mix on the offensive side.

But there is another player returning to the field this season who could make an impact.

Former Mountain West Conference Player of the Year Curtis Weaver joins the mix of edge rushers.

Weaver received high grades from several draft analysis sites, along with some notable criticisms.

But the Miami Dolphins plucked him off the board in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Weaver never missed a game in college but suffered a season-ending foot injury early in the preseason.

When Miami tried to push him through waivers to their injured reserve, it backfired on them.

Berry claimed Weaver, just ahead of the Los Angeles Rams who had a lower waiver priority.

Why Coaches Are High On Weaver 

Cleveland was willing to pay Weaver’s salary during his rehab year despite some question marks.

Berry told reporters this week that the edge rusher was on their draft board before Miami selected him.

On that press call, he said Weaver was:

“A very productive rusher at Boise State. Athletic guy. Probably more technically developed than most edge guys that we see come into the league. So when he became available, we felt like he was a good, young player to really add to the mix.”

But despite his skills, NFL.com was among evaluators who noted Weaver’s weak frame and below-average body type.

They felt Weaver needed to improve his balance and strength in contact.

That is why Berry’s follow up statement piqued some interest among Browns fans and pundits:

“I’m encouraged really since we’ve acquired him. He’s done a great job rehabilitating his toe and then he’s really done a great job of really, totally transforming his body throughout the offseason.”

So it sounds like Curtis Weaver went to work addressing his biggest weaknesses during rehab.

But Berry toned down expectations by reminding folks Weaver is like every other young player on the roster.

He will have to show Joe Woods what he can do if he wants to see the field on Sundays.

What Weaver Might Bring To The Browns Defense

Curtis Weaver will face a level of competition he’s never faced before.

While that can be said of most rookies, it is more pronounced coming from a conference like the MVC.

But coaches and trainers can work on the physical attributes needed to keep up.

What makes Weaver so attractive is his football IQ and pass-rushing instincts.

The Draft Network agreed with most scouting analysts about Weaver’s strong points:

“Does well to reduce, tilt, flatten and work around the outside hip of offensive tackles. Generally takes good rush angles and complements his rush with ideal footwork. He’s slippery when working through gaps and around edges.  Rushes with a plan, showcasing an expansive array of moves to get home. Executes with good timing. He looked comfortable in any role, which speaks to his football IQ.”

Weaver is set to compete with Porter Gustin, Joe Jackson, and Cameron Malveaux for spots in the edge rotation.

With a little more strength and improved agility, he could help push Jadeveon Clowney inside more often than planned.

And learning from Myles Garret and Clowney, won’t hurt Weaver’s NFL development, either.