At least one top-shelf offensive line prospect has the attention of the only NFL team with two first-round picks.
The Cleveland Browns are one of five teams scheduled to privately work out Florida offensive tackle D.J. Humphries, whose stock skyrocketed with a stellar NFL combine performance. Humphries told me the Browns are expected to visit him. He's currently working out in Gainesville, Florida.
The Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Diego Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals also are scheduled to visit with the 6-foot-5 Humphries, who played at around 285 pounds for the Gators but showed up at the combine at a sturdier 307.
Humphries displayed impressive footwork in combine drills. He also recorded 26 reps on the bench press and timed a 5.12-second 40-yard dash.
The offensive line theme for Cleveland is growing. In his Mock Draft 3.0, ESPN's Mel Kiper has the Browns taking Miami OT Ereck Flowers at No. 19 overall. The Browns also have the No. 12 pick.
Kiper has Humphries going No. 25 overall to the Panthers.
Humphries' rise is impressive. The NFL draft advisory board told Humphries he should stay in school, projecting a third-round grade or worse. Now, some respected NFL analysts have pegged Humphries as high as No. 9 overall.
My take: The Browns will visit with several prospects they don't end up drafting. But the Humphries visit reminds us that the Browns will seriously consider all positions atop the draft, regardless of depth. Offensive line is not exactly a 'need', but it is a large part of the team's identity. Creating more competition, particularly on the right side, wouldn't hurt. Picking an offensive tackle wouldn't ignite fan draft parties but would follow the team's blueprint.