Castro's Kingdom

After LB, the most pressing need for the Cleveland Browns was at the CB position. The Browns spent their 3rd round pick on the player they hope will fill that need, Leon McFadden. Who is Leon McFadden you ask? I’m here to help. Working at one of the leading college football companies in the world, Phil Steele Publications, allows me access and info on players that you might not get otherwise. Allow me to share.

McFadden was actually recruited as a WR coming out of high school. Although not a highly recruited prospect (Phil Steele had him ranked as the #542 WR in the country), McFadden came in right away and made an impact for the Aztecs. He was moved to CB during the summer practices and started the 1st 5 games of the season. He was their only true frosh to play in all 12 games and finished with 26 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception and blocked 2 kicks. While he only started 1 game out of the final 7, he was listed #2 on the depth chart at CB at the end of the season.

Heading into his Sophomore year, McFadden put on 15 pounds and had a tremendous season. He started all 13 games and finished with 55 tackles, 1 sack, 6 tackles for loss, 12 pass break ups, and 2 interceptions. He also returned 5 punts, averaging 9.2 yds/ret. He was named 1st Tm All-Mountain West Conf.

After his stellar Sophomore season, McFadden didn’t slow down as a Junior. He put on 8 pounds of muscle in the offseason and there was even talk of him playing both ways (WR). He stayed strictly on the defensive side of the ball and again started all 13 games, finishing with 46 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, 15 pass break ups, and 2 interceptions. Teams tended to avoid McFadden, but he still earned 1st Tm All-Mountain West Conf, becoming the 1st Aztec to accomplish back to back 1st Tm accolades since ’00-’01!

McFadden thought about making himself eligible for the draft after his JR season, but thought otherwise after it was suggested he’d be a 5th round selection. He made the Nagurski and Thorpe watch lists and finished with 61 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 12 pass break ups, 3 interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns, including a 96 yarder) and 1 forced fumble, again starting 13 games. He earned 1st Tm All-Mountain West Conf for a 3rd straight year!

His height maybe a bit of a question mark, but he has the speed and mental makeup to be the corner that the Browns need opposite Joe Haden. McFadden played in every game in his college career (51) and started the last 39 of them.