Brandon Cleveland Draft Grade | Round 7, Pick 13 | FanVerdicts

Top 29%Pick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Fair Value

Position

DT · Standard Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #232 · Day 3 Sleeper

Brandon Cleveland emerged as a steady interior presence for NC State's defensive line over three seasons, developing from a raw depth player into a reliable starter. The 6-foot-2, 295-pound defensive tackle brings blue-collar work ethic and gap discipline to a position that demands consistency over flash. Cleveland's draft stock has remained steady in the late-day-three range due to his limitations as an athlete but solid fundamentals and character. He projects as a rotational run-stopper who can provide depth in multiple fronts, though his pass-rush upside remains limited. Cleveland's value lies in his reliability and football IQ rather than elite physical tools.

Strengths

+Excellent gap discipline and assignment football; rarely out of position and understands his role within defensive structure consistently.

+Strong hands at point of attack allow him to lock out offensive linemen and maintain leverage in run fits.

+High football IQ evident in his ability to diagnose plays quickly and react to misdirection and play-action fakes.

+Reliable two-gap defender who can absorb double teams and maintain his ground without getting displaced.

+Solid fundamentals in hand placement and footwork, showing proper technique taught at NC State under quality coaching.

+Good core strength enables him to anchor against power running schemes and hold up in phone booth battles.

+Team captain qualities with excellent character references and zero off-field concerns throughout college career.

+Versatile enough to play multiple techniques from 1-tech nose tackle to 3-tech penetrator in sub packages.

+Shows surprising lateral quickness for his size when pursuing plays outside the tackles in pursuit.

+Consistent motor and effort level; rarely takes plays off and pursues every snap until the whistle.

Weaknesses

-Limited pass-rush arsenal with minimal moves beyond basic bull rush and occasional swim technique.

-Below-average first-step quickness makes it difficult to penetrate gaps before offensive linemen can set.

-Struggles to disengage from blocks once engaged, lacking the flexibility and hand usage to create separation.

-Minimal upside as interior pass rusher due to pedestrian athleticism and limited bend for his position.

-Size limitations at only 6-2 can be exploited by taller, longer offensive linemen in passing situations.

-Lacks the explosion and closing speed to be a consistent disruptor in the backfield.

-Limited range as a defender; struggles to make plays more than 2-3 yards from his initial alignment.

NFL Comparison: Kendrick Norton

Fan voting will be available once grades are published.

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