Browns pick Caleb Brantley, but DT's future unclear amid battery charge

The Cleveland Browns used a sixth-round pick on former University of Florida defensive tackle Caleb Brantley on Saturday, but legal issues might prevent the Browns from keeping him on the roster.

Brantley was charged with a misdemeanor last week after allegedly punching a woman in the face at a bar in Gainesville, Fla.

“It may be something we can’t get comfortable with,” executive vice president Sashi Brown told reporters Saturday afternoon.

Brown said the team was still investigating the incident.

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Brantley was regarded as one of the better defensive tackles in this draft class, but his draft stock plummeted in recent days following news of the battery charge. NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said there were also concerns about Brantley’s offseason work after showing up to his pro day more than 10 pounds overweight.

The Browns hosted Brantley for a visit at their facility in Berea, Ohio, but that visit was before the alleged incident occurred in early April, Brown said.

Follow Lindsay H. Jones on Twitter @bylindsayhjones.

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