NFL Draft Grades - Cleveland Browns
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Cleveland Browns Upcoming 2024 Draft Picks (6)
2024
Pick 54. (R:2 P:22) -
Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State
Grade: C-
Michael Hall is staying home in Ohio, but that may not be the best thing. Michael Hall was expected to fall even lower than this because of some glaring off-the-field issues. The Browns are getting a player with upside, but the risk is very high.
Grade: C-
Michael Hall is staying home in Ohio, but that may not be the best thing. Michael Hall was expected to fall even lower than this because of some glaring off-the-field issues. The Browns are getting a player with upside, but the risk is very high.
2024
Pick 85. (R:3 P:21) -
Zak Zinter, G, Michigan
Grade: B+
The Browns had some injuries on the offensive line last year, so it makes sense for them to find some quality depth and a future starter. Zak Zinter is a solid player who would have gone earlier if it weren't for injury concerns.
Grade: B+
The Browns had some injuries on the offensive line last year, so it makes sense for them to find some quality depth and a future starter. Zak Zinter is a solid player who would have gone earlier if it weren't for injury concerns.
2024
Pick 156. (R:5 P:21) - Jamari Thrash, WR, Louisville
Grade: B-
Eagles fans have to feel nostalgic with Trotter and Thrash going back to back. Jamari Thrash isn't quite as good of a prospect as Trotter, but he makes sense in the fifth-round range. He made some big plays in Louisville, and he'll provide needed depth at receiver for Cleveland.
Grade: B-
Eagles fans have to feel nostalgic with Trotter and Thrash going back to back. Jamari Thrash isn't quite as good of a prospect as Trotter, but he makes sense in the fifth-round range. He made some big plays in Louisville, and he'll provide needed depth at receiver for Cleveland.
2024
Pick 206. (R:6 P:30) - Nathaniel Watson, OLB/ILB, Mississippi State
Grade: A-
Nathaniel Watson is someone we had in the fifth round, so this is solid value for the Browns, a team that needed to find a linebacker. Nathaniel Watson was a tackling machine in college, though he has questionable coverage ability.
Grade: A-
Nathaniel Watson is someone we had in the fifth round, so this is solid value for the Browns, a team that needed to find a linebacker. Nathaniel Watson was a tackling machine in college, though he has questionable coverage ability.
2024
Pick 227. (R:7 P:7) - Myles Harden, CB, South Dakota
Grade: B+
Myles Harden made a name for himself last year, and he could have gone a round earlier than this. The Browns are getting a promising cornerback prospect here, making this a solid choice.
Grade: B+
Myles Harden made a name for himself last year, and he could have gone a round earlier than this. The Browns are getting a promising cornerback prospect here, making this a solid choice.
2024
Pick 243. (R:7 P:23) - Jowon Briggs, DT, Cincinnati
Grade: B
Jowon Briggs made a name for himself on the top 30-visit circuit. The Browns needed more production from the interior of their defensive line, and Briggs might be able to provide that, though he's a project.
Grade: B
Jowon Briggs made a name for himself on the top 30-visit circuit. The Browns needed more production from the interior of their defensive line, and Briggs might be able to provide that, though he's a project.
Walt's Mock Selections as of 4/22/2024 -View Current Mock Draft
Round: 2
Cleveland Browns: Jonah Elliss, OLB/DE, Utah
Za'Darius Smith is just a short-term solution across from Myles Garrett.
Jonah Elliss had a tremendous '23 season rushing the passer. He's undersized, so he'll be a rotational edge player.
Round: 3
Cleveland Browns: Javion Cohen, G, Miami
Joel Bitonio is usually a great guard, but he turns 33 in October and didn't have his best year in 2023.
Javion Cohen is a strong interior lineman with plenty of power.
Pick change; previously Maason Smith, DT
Round: 5
Cleveland Browns: Decamerion Richardson, CB, Mississippi State
The Browns have to deal with some talented quarterbacks in the AFC, so they need to make sure their secondary is as good as possible.
Pick change; previously Tyrice Knight, LB
Round: 6
Cleveland Browns: Bub Means, WR, Pittsburgh
Though the Browns acquired Jerry Jeudy, receiver depth is an issue for them.
Round: 7
Cleveland Browns: Joe Milton, QB, Tennessee
The Browns have shown interest in some third-day quarterback prospects.
Joe Milton has a huge arm and solid accuracy.
Round: 7
Cleveland Browns: Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State
The Browns could stand to add more depth in their secondary.
Past Grades and Selections
2024 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2024
Pick 54. (R:2 P:22) -
Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State
C- Michael Hall is staying home in Ohio, but that may not be the best thing. Michael Hall was expected to fall even lower than this because of some glaring off-the-field issues. The Browns are getting a player with upside, but the risk is very high.
C- Michael Hall is staying home in Ohio, but that may not be the best thing. Michael Hall was expected to fall even lower than this because of some glaring off-the-field issues. The Browns are getting a player with upside, but the risk is very high.
2024
Pick 85. (R:3 P:21) -
Zak Zinter, G, Michigan
B+ The Browns had some injuries on the offensive line last year, so it makes sense for them to find some quality depth and a future starter. Zak Zinter is a solid player who would have gone earlier if it weren't for injury concerns.
B+ The Browns had some injuries on the offensive line last year, so it makes sense for them to find some quality depth and a future starter. Zak Zinter is a solid player who would have gone earlier if it weren't for injury concerns.
2024
Pick 156. (R:5 P:21) - Jamari Thrash, WR, Louisville
B- Eagles fans have to feel nostalgic with Trotter and Thrash going back to back. Jamari Thrash isn't quite as good of a prospect as Trotter, but he makes sense in the fifth-round range. He made some big plays in Louisville, and he'll provide needed depth at receiver for Cleveland.
B- Eagles fans have to feel nostalgic with Trotter and Thrash going back to back. Jamari Thrash isn't quite as good of a prospect as Trotter, but he makes sense in the fifth-round range. He made some big plays in Louisville, and he'll provide needed depth at receiver for Cleveland.
2024
Pick 206. (R:6 P:30) - Nathaniel Watson, OLB/ILB, Mississippi State
A- Nathaniel Watson is someone we had in the fifth round, so this is solid value for the Browns, a team that needed to find a linebacker. Nathaniel Watson was a tackling machine in college, though he has questionable coverage ability.
A- Nathaniel Watson is someone we had in the fifth round, so this is solid value for the Browns, a team that needed to find a linebacker. Nathaniel Watson was a tackling machine in college, though he has questionable coverage ability.
2024
Pick 227. (R:7 P:7) - Myles Harden, CB, South Dakota
B+ Myles Harden made a name for himself last year, and he could have gone a round earlier than this. The Browns are getting a promising cornerback prospect here, making this a solid choice.
B+ Myles Harden made a name for himself last year, and he could have gone a round earlier than this. The Browns are getting a promising cornerback prospect here, making this a solid choice.
2024
Pick 243. (R:7 P:23) - Jowon Briggs, DT, Cincinnati
B Jowon Briggs made a name for himself on the top 30-visit circuit. The Browns needed more production from the interior of their defensive line, and Briggs might be able to provide that, though he's a project.
B Jowon Briggs made a name for himself on the top 30-visit circuit. The Browns needed more production from the interior of their defensive line, and Briggs might be able to provide that, though he's a project.
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2023
Pick 74. (R:3 P:11) -
Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
A I was really hoping for an offensive lineman, but another weapon for Deshaun Watson makes a ton of sense - especially this one. Cedric Tillman should have been chosen 20 or so selections earlier than this. Tillman is a huge receiver who will be a great weapon for Watson in the end zone.
A I was really hoping for an offensive lineman, but another weapon for Deshaun Watson makes a ton of sense - especially this one. Cedric Tillman should have been chosen 20 or so selections earlier than this. Tillman is a huge receiver who will be a great weapon for Watson in the end zone.
2023
Pick 98. (R:3 P:35) -
Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
A- Siaki Ika is someone I had in the first round long ago, but he fell because of injury concerns. He's also a run-stuffer, so he made sense for the second frame anyway. Still, the Browns desperately needed someone to help stop the run, which was a big problem for them last year.
A- Siaki Ika is someone I had in the first round long ago, but he fell because of injury concerns. He's also a run-stuffer, so he made sense for the second frame anyway. Still, the Browns desperately needed someone to help stop the run, which was a big problem for them last year.
2023
Pick 111. (R:4 P:9) -
Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
A+ The Colts brought in plenty of offensive linemen for top-30 visits, as they wanted depth and a successor for Jack Conklin. Dawand Jones is a massive offensive lineman who will blast open huge running lanes for Nick Chubb. He could have gone in the second round, so I love this value.
A+ The Colts brought in plenty of offensive linemen for top-30 visits, as they wanted depth and a successor for Jack Conklin. Dawand Jones is a massive offensive lineman who will blast open huge running lanes for Nick Chubb. He could have gone in the second round, so I love this value.
2023
Pick 126. (R:4 P:24) - Isaiah McGuire, DE, Missouri
C+ The Browns needed to continue to bolster their defensive line, which was very weak last year outside of Myles Garrett. Isaiah McGuire is a powerful defensive lineman who could do well in Cleveland's rotation. I had him going later though.
C+ The Browns needed to continue to bolster their defensive line, which was very weak last year outside of Myles Garrett. Isaiah McGuire is a powerful defensive lineman who could do well in Cleveland's rotation. I had him going later though.
2023
Pick 140. (R:5 P:5) - Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB, UCLA
A- With Jacoby Brissett gone, the Browns needed to develop a young quarterback just in case Deshaun Watson gets more massages. Dorian Thompson-Robinson is a very mobile quarterback who provides some value in the fifth round.
A- With Jacoby Brissett gone, the Browns needed to develop a young quarterback just in case Deshaun Watson gets more massages. Dorian Thompson-Robinson is a very mobile quarterback who provides some value in the fifth round.
2023
Pick 142. (R:5 P:7) - Cameron Mitchell, CB, Northwestern
A I had Cam Mitchell going in the third round, so I love this value. Cam Mitchell is a physical, versatile defensive back who can play all over the secondary. He'll be needed versus the high-powered offenses in the AFC.
A I had Cam Mitchell going in the third round, so I love this value. Cam Mitchell is a physical, versatile defensive back who can play all over the secondary. He'll be needed versus the high-powered offenses in the AFC.
2023
Pick 190. (R:6 P:13) - Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State
A+ What a steal! Luke Wypler should have been drafted on Day 2. The Browns showed interest in a bunch of centers during the pre-draft process, and I can't imagine that they thought they'd land someone like Wypler in the sixth round.
A+ What a steal! Luke Wypler should have been drafted on Day 2. The Browns showed interest in a bunch of centers during the pre-draft process, and I can't imagine that they thought they'd land someone like Wypler in the sixth round.
2023
Pick 229. (R:7 P:12) - Andrew Vorhees, G, USC
A+ The Ravens found a gem in the seventh round. Andrew Vorhees is a very versatile and smart offensive lineman whom I expected to be chosen in the third or fourth round. I'm shocked he fell this far, but Baltimore won't complain.
A+ The Ravens found a gem in the seventh round. Andrew Vorhees is a very versatile and smart offensive lineman whom I expected to be chosen in the third or fourth round. I'm shocked he fell this far, but Baltimore won't complain.
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2022
Pick 68. (R:3 P:4) -
Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State
C- Grade
The Browns are deep at cornerback, so I don't understand this selection. I like that the Browns moved down, but they had huge holes at receiver and defensive line. Surely, they could've found someone who made more sense than Martin Emerson. I like Emerson a bit as a tall corner with good length, but this fit isn't great.
C- Grade
The Browns are deep at cornerback, so I don't understand this selection. I like that the Browns moved down, but they had huge holes at receiver and defensive line. Surely, they could've found someone who made more sense than Martin Emerson. I like Emerson a bit as a tall corner with good length, but this fit isn't great.
2022
Pick 78. (R:3 P:14) - Alex Wright, DE, UAB
C- Grade
This is the opposite of the Browns' first pick. With Martin Emerson, they didn't fill a need, but got decent value. Now with Alex Wright, they're filling a need on the edge, but are getting poor value, as Alex Wright was a fifth-round prospect. Cleveland's draft feels like Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
C- Grade
This is the opposite of the Browns' first pick. With Martin Emerson, they didn't fill a need, but got decent value. Now with Alex Wright, they're filling a need on the edge, but are getting poor value, as Alex Wright was a fifth-round prospect. Cleveland's draft feels like Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
2022
Pick 99. (R:3 P:35) -
David Bell, WR, Purdue
B Grade
Once upon a time, people were telling me that David Bell belonged in the first round. I stopped getting those e-mails eventually, as N'Keal Harry comparisons surfaced. I'm not convinced David Bell can separate, but I like the gamble here in the third round rather than the initial frame. Bell could fill a need if people are wrong about his separation issues.
B Grade
Once upon a time, people were telling me that David Bell belonged in the first round. I stopped getting those e-mails eventually, as N'Keal Harry comparisons surfaced. I'm not convinced David Bell can separate, but I like the gamble here in the third round rather than the initial frame. Bell could fill a need if people are wrong about his separation issues.
2022
Pick 108. (R:4 P:3) -
Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
A+ Grade
I slotted Perrion Winfrey to the Browns in the re-draft because it made so much sense. Cleveland needed defensive line help, and Winfrey is someone I had in the second round. This is a major steal for the Browns, as they're getting someone who dominated in the trenches at Oklahoma.
A+ Grade
I slotted Perrion Winfrey to the Browns in the re-draft because it made so much sense. Cleveland needed defensive line help, and Winfrey is someone I had in the second round. This is a major steal for the Browns, as they're getting someone who dominated in the trenches at Oklahoma.
2022
Pick 124. (R:4 P:19) - Cade York, K, LSU
O'BRIEN Grade
Ugh, come on. I know the Browns had kicker woes, but kickers can be found on the street. Seriously, just walk down the street and ask people to try out for kicker, and you'll find a half-decent one. There's no need to waste a significant pick on one.
O'BRIEN Grade
Ugh, come on. I know the Browns had kicker woes, but kickers can be found on the street. Seriously, just walk down the street and ask people to try out for kicker, and you'll find a half-decent one. There's no need to waste a significant pick on one.
2022
Pick 156. (R:5 P:13) - Jerome Ford, RB, Cincinnati
C Grade
Jerome Ford doesn't fill a need at all for the Browns, who are extremely deep at running back. With so few picks, I don't think the Browns could afford to make selections like this, though I don't hate the prospect. Jerome Ford figures to be a solid receiver out of the backfield in the NFL.
C Grade
Jerome Ford doesn't fill a need at all for the Browns, who are extremely deep at running back. With so few picks, I don't think the Browns could afford to make selections like this, though I don't hate the prospect. Jerome Ford figures to be a solid receiver out of the backfield in the NFL.
2022
Pick 203. (R:6 P:24) - Trestan Ebner, RB, Baylor
B Grade
A Tarik Cohen replacement? This is a fine pick. Trestan Ebner is a small back, but he's a good receiver out of the backfield who runs quickly.
B Grade
A Tarik Cohen replacement? This is a fine pick. Trestan Ebner is a small back, but he's a good receiver out of the backfield who runs quickly.
2022
Pick 224. (R:7 P:3) - Cameron Goode, LB, California
B+ Grade
Cameron Goode was in the sixth round of my final mock, so this is a slight value pick. It also fills a need; once again, the Dolphins brought in so many linebackers for visits, so they really wanted to address this position.
B+ Grade
Cameron Goode was in the sixth round of my final mock, so this is a slight value pick. It also fills a need; once again, the Dolphins brought in so many linebackers for visits, so they really wanted to address this position.
2022 Cleveland Browns - Prospect:TBD
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2021
Pick 26. (R:1 P:26) -
Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
B Grade
Anything in the back seven would've made sense for the Browns. They need linebacker help to deal with Lamar Jackson and cornerback upgrades to cover all of Pittsburgh's receivers. They opted for Greg Newsome over Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, which is fine. I had Newsome pegged in this area, and he figures to be a solid No. 2 cornerback across from Denzel Ward.
B Grade
Anything in the back seven would've made sense for the Browns. They need linebacker help to deal with Lamar Jackson and cornerback upgrades to cover all of Pittsburgh's receivers. They opted for Greg Newsome over Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, which is fine. I had Newsome pegged in this area, and he figures to be a solid No. 2 cornerback across from Denzel Ward.
2021
Pick 59. (R:2 P:27) -
Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU
A Grade
D.J. Moore's contract is up soon, while Robby Anderson is just above average, so receiver was in play for the Panthers. Terrace Marshall was the best player available at the position. Marshall was mocked in the first round by some, but injury concerns caused him to drop. I like the value for Marshall here, especially with the Panthers picking up a pair of third-round chices from trading down twice.
A Grade
D.J. Moore's contract is up soon, while Robby Anderson is just above average, so receiver was in play for the Panthers. Terrace Marshall was the best player available at the position. Marshall was mocked in the first round by some, but injury concerns caused him to drop. I like the value for Marshall here, especially with the Panthers picking up a pair of third-round chices from trading down twice.
2021
Pick 89. (R:3 P:25) - Nico Collins, WR, Michigan
F Grade
The Texans are not good at this putting talent together to form a team thing. I didn't have Nico Collins in the final version of my mock draft, though I definitely considered him in the late rounds. Still, I guess it would make sense for the Texans to trade up for a pedestrian receiver to catch passes from their pedestrian quarterback.
F Grade
The Texans are not good at this putting talent together to form a team thing. I didn't have Nico Collins in the final version of my mock draft, though I definitely considered him in the late rounds. Still, I guess it would make sense for the Texans to trade up for a pedestrian receiver to catch passes from their pedestrian quarterback.
2021
Pick 91. (R:3 P:27) - Anthony Schwartz, WR, Auburn
D Grade
I liked Cleveland's draft up until this point. Anthony Schwartz isn't a football player. He's a track athlete trying to play football. Perhaps he'll develop into a football player, but he's a huge project. I thought he would go in the fifth or sixth round.
D Grade
I liked Cleveland's draft up until this point. Anthony Schwartz isn't a football player. He's a track athlete trying to play football. Perhaps he'll develop into a football player, but he's a huge project. I thought he would go in the fifth or sixth round.
2021
Pick 110. (R:4 P:5) -
James Hudson, OT, Cincinnati
A Grade
The Browns' great draft continues. I consistently mocked James Hudson in the second or third round, so this is incredible value. It doesn't fill a major need at all, but the Browns are getting one of the top players available to fill depth on the offensive line. Just ask the Chiefs how important offensive line depth can be!
A Grade
The Browns' great draft continues. I consistently mocked James Hudson in the second or third round, so this is incredible value. It doesn't fill a major need at all, but the Browns are getting one of the top players available to fill depth on the offensive line. Just ask the Chiefs how important offensive line depth can be!
2021
Pick 132. (R:4 P:27) - Tommy Togiai, , Ohio State
B+ Grade
The Browns lost Sheldon Richardson, so it makes sense that they would address the trenches with this selection. I've had Tommy Togiai slotted in this range, so this is a solid choice for the Browns, who are having a great draft.
B+ Grade
The Browns lost Sheldon Richardson, so it makes sense that they would address the trenches with this selection. I've had Tommy Togiai slotted in this range, so this is a solid choice for the Browns, who are having a great draft.
2021
Pick 169. (R:5 P:25) - Richard LeCounte, S, Georgia
C Grade
Richard LeCounte was a productive player in Georgia as a tackling machine. The problem is that he's small and very unathletic, so he may not translate into the pros, unfortunately. He may have to be relegated to special teams.
C Grade
Richard LeCounte was a productive player in Georgia as a tackling machine. The problem is that he's small and very unathletic, so he may not translate into the pros, unfortunately. He may have to be relegated to special teams.
2021
Pick 211. (R:6 P:27) - Demetric Felton, RB, UCLA
B- Grade
Demetric Felton is versatile threat who is moving from running back to receiver. There's some questions about whether he can do that, and his upside is questioned, but Felton could end up being the Browns' third running back. This is an OK pick, but Felton could have trouble making the roster.
B- Grade
Demetric Felton is versatile threat who is moving from running back to receiver. There's some questions about whether he can do that, and his upside is questioned, but Felton could end up being the Browns' third running back. This is an OK pick, but Felton could have trouble making the roster.
2021
Pick 257. (R:7 P:29) - Jermar Jefferson, RB, Oregon State
B Grade
It's going to be difficult for Jermar Jefferson to make the roster, given that the Lions have D'Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams and Kerryon Johnson. I imagine this is just injury insurance, which is fine, given that Jefferson was pegged as a seventh-round prospect.
B Grade
It's going to be difficult for Jermar Jefferson to make the roster, given that the Lions have D'Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams and Kerryon Johnson. I imagine this is just injury insurance, which is fine, given that Jefferson was pegged as a seventh-round prospect.