I know that there will be a lot of replies about talking heads and blah, blah, blah. But, it's fun to grade drafts and is not intended to be taken as a "given." I pretty much agree w/a lot of this, especially teams like Baltimore, KC, Indy, New England, and the Rams.
2022 NFL Draft grades for all 32 teams: AFC powers, Eagles are big winners
By Ryan Dunleavy
April 30, 2022 6:47pm Updated
Here are The Post’s immediate 2022 NFL Draft grades for every team, with a curve instituted for the first-, second- and third-round picks, and an emphasis on quality and value.
No. 1 Baltimore Ravens
Grade: A+
Key Picks: Kyle Hamilton (S, Notre Dame), Tyler Linderbaum (C, Iowa), David Ojabo (LB, Michigan), Travis Jones (DT, Connecticut), Daniel Faalele (OT, Minnesota)
Analysis: Forget positional value. The Ravens drafted four with first-round traits over the first 76 picks. Hamilton and Linderbaum were two of the easiest high-end evaluations, and they slipped to No. 14 and No. 25, respectively. Second-rounder Ojabo likely will miss his rookie season (torn Achilles).
2. New York Jets
Grade: A
Key Picks: Ahmad Gardner (CB, Cincinnati), Garrett Wilson (WR, Ohio State), Jermaine Johnson (EDGE, Florida State), Breece Hall (RB, Iowa State), Jeremy Ruckert (TE, Ohio State)
Analysis: No franchise is more synonymous with fans booing its selections. But the Jets drafted the top cornerback, top receiver, top running back and a top-four edge rusher on most boards. Past trades bore fruit by providing the assets to move up for Williams (No. 26) and Hall (No. 36).
3. Kansas City Chiefs
Grade: A
Key Picks: Trent McDuffie (CB, Washington), George Karlaftis (EDGE, Purdue), Skyy Moore (WR, Western Michigan), Bryan Cook (S, Cincinnati), Leo Chenal (LB, Wisconsin), Joshua Williams (CB, Fayetteville State)
Analysis: Can’t win shootouts forever, so the Chiefs were overdue to upgrade all three levels of defense. Mission accomplished with five of their first six picks, including the two first-rounders. Moore won’t be Tyreek Hill, but he’s destined for big numbers in that offense.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
Grade: A
Key Picks: Jordan Davis (DT, Georgia), Cameron Jurgens (C, Nebraska), Nakobe Dean (LB, Georgia)
Analysis: Notorious trade-fleecing GM Howie Roseman traded pick No. 18 for Pro Bowl WR A.J. Brown. He found ready-made replacements for aging Eagles greats in Fletcher Cox and Jason Kelce, and he took the third-round injury risk on first-round talent Dean when others wouldn’t.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
Grade: A-
Key Picks: Kenny Pickett (QB, Pittsburgh), George Pickens (WR, Georgia), DeMarvin Leal (DT, Texas A&M), Calvin Austin (WR, Memphis)
Analysis: Extensively studied all quarterbacks and got their top choice — the game-ready Pickett should make a seamless in-city adjustment — without trading up from No. 20. The Steelers have a long history of uncovering mid-round receiver gems. Leal was a preseason first-rounder who struggled.
6. Seattle Seahawks
Grade: A-
Key Picks: Charles Cross (OT, Mississippi State), Boye Mafe (EDGE, Minnesota), Kenneth Walker III (RB, Michigan State), Abraham Lucas (OT, Washington State), Coby Bryant (CB, Cincinnati)
Analysis: Desperately needed a big draft. Only took trading QB Russell Wilson to get the offensive line upgrades he long desired. Could start two rookie tackles. If coach Pete Carroll wants to go back to ground-and-pound, he found the right back. Mafe and Bryant are Seahawks-type defenders.
7. Atlanta Falcons
Grade: A-
Key Picks: Drake London (WR, USC), Arnold Ebiketie (EDGE, Penn State), Troy Andersen (LB, Montana State), Desmond Ridder (QB, Cincinnati), DeAngelo Malone (EDGE, Western Kentucky)
Analysis: Throw those red-zone fades after pairing leapers London and Kyle Pitts as the past two years’ first-rounders. Two pass-rushers in the first three rounds was smart. Stole the second quarterback, Ridder, at No. 74 to play a similar style to starter Marcus Mariota.
8. New York Giants
Grade: B+
Key Picks: Kayvon Thibodeaux (EDGE, Oregon), Evan Neal (OT, Alabama), Wan’Dale Robinson (WR, Kentucky), Joshua Ezeudu (G, North Carolina), Cordale Flott (CB, LSU), TE Daniel Bellinger (TE, San Diego State), Dane Belton (S, Iowa)
Analysis: GM Joe Schoen played the order of his first two picks shrewdly, getting Thibodeaux before the drop-off at edge when everyone assumed offensive tackle first. Neither Day 2 choice is a favorite to start on a team with a lot of holes, though. Bellinger and Belton addressed major needs.
9. Detroit Lions
Grade: B+
Key Picks: Aidan Hutchinson (Edge, Michigan), Jameson Williams (WR, Alabama), Josh Paschal (Edge, Kentucky), Kerby Joseph (S, Illinois)
Analysis: The state of Michigan rejoiced when Hutchinson slipped to No. 2 overall. QB Jared Goff rejoiced at no threat to his job. Echoes of Detroit drafts gone by with a bold receiver pick, trading up 20 spots for the burner Williams (still sidelined by a torn ACL).
10. Indianapolis Colts
Grade: B+
Key Picks: Alec Pierce (WR, Cincinnati), Jelani Woods (TE, Virginia), Bernhard Raimann (OT, Central Michigan), Nick Cross (S, Maryland)
Analysis: Maybe the best collective Day 2 haul, which was important without a first-round pick. Pierce and Woods should stretch the field for Matt Ryan, and the slightly older Raimann (24) is better than several tackles picked ahead of him.
11. Arizona Cardinals
Grade: B
Key Picks: Trey McBride (TE, Colorado State), Cameron Thomas (Edge, San Diego State), Myjai Sanders (Edge, Cincinnati)
Analysis: With the top six receivers off the board, the Cardinals traded No. 23 for WR Marquise Brown, who is reunited with his college QB, Kyler Murray. Took two swings at replacing departed free-agent pass-rusher Chandler Jones and grabbed the No. 1 tight end.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Grade: B
Key Picks: Logan Hall (DL, Houston), Luke Goedeke (G, Central Michigan), Rachaad White (RB, Arizona State)
Analysis: Not many starting jobs available here, but Hall — the first pick of the second round — fills one as long as Ndamukong Suh remains unsigned. Goedeke, a former tackle, could compete for another after the surprise retirement of Ali Marpet.
13. Buffalo Bills
Grade: B
Key Picks: Kaiir Elam (CB, Florida), James Cook (RB, Georgia), Terrel Bernard (LB, Baylor)
Analysis: This approach is just about slotting pieces into a championship-contending puzzle. Elam was a late riser who plays sticky man coverage. The Bills can’t keep counting on QB Josh Allen as their primary rusher, but Cook is more of a receiving playmaker than a bellcow.
14. Houston Texans
Grade: B-
Key Picks: CB Derek Stingley Jr. (CB, LSU), Kenyon Green (G, Texas A&M), Jalen Pitre (S, Baylor), John Metchie (WR, Alabama), Christian Harris (LB, Alabama)
Analysis: Made five of the first 75 picks, but went against the grain twice when taking the first player at two positions: Stingley over Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and Green over Zion Johnson. Nick Caserio is another Patriots-raised GM who is going to raid Alabama coach Nick Saban’s talent cupboard.
15. Jacksonville Jaguars
Grade: B-
Key Picks: Travon Walker (Edge, Georgia), Devin Lloyd (LB, Utah), Chad Muma (LB, Wyoming), Luke Fortner (C, Kentucky)
Analysis: After spending $265 million in free agency, took opposite strategies with two first-rounders: Big swing on the unproductive Tavon Walker’s athletic potential at No. 1 overall. Lloyd is a proven game-wrecker — and sleeper Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate — and will play alongside another rookie in Muma.
Travon Walker
The Jaguars welcome No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker.
AP
16. Minnesota Vikings
Grade: B-
Key Picks: Lewis Cine (S, Georgia), Andrew Booth (CB, Clemson), Brian Asamoah (EDGE, Oklahoma), Ed Ingram (OG, LSU)
Analysis: Trading down with rivals Lions (Williams) and Packers (Watson) was a strange strategy. Using three of the first four picks on defense was not. The secondary is a major concern after recent draft failures at those spots.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
Grade: B-
Key Picks: Dax Hill (S, Michigan), Cam Taylor-Britt (CB, Nebraska), Zachary Taylor (DT, Florida)
Analysis: Surprise! No offensive linemen with any of the first three picks, resisting the urge to trade up within range for either of the top two centers. Hill blitzes, covers the slot and patrols deep as one of the draft’s most versatile defenders.
18. Tennessee Titans
Grade: C+
Key Picks: Treylon Burks (WR, Arkansas), Roger McCreary (CB, Auburn), Nicholas Petit-Frere (OT, Ohio State), Malik Willis (QB, Liberty)
Analysis: Traded WR A.J. Brown and wound up with a Brown-comparison in the physical Burks. Raw talent Willis, a projected first-rounder who slipped to No. 86, is in a good spot because he can sit at least one season behind Ryan Tannehill. Rebuilding sooner than they want to admit?
SEE ALSO
Jets’ top picks need to mirror long-term success of 2000 draft class
19. Los Angeles Chargers
Grade: C+
Key Picks: Zion Johnson (G, Boston College), JT Woods (S, Baylor)
Analysis: Strategy has been the same in free agency and the draft for two years: protect Justin Herbert. The drop-off was steep after two guards — and the Chargers nabbed the second. Woods was a reach in a deep safety class.
20. Chicago Bears
Grade: Kyler Gordon (CB, Washington), Jaquan Brisker (S, Penn State), Velus Jones Jr. (WR, Tennessee)
Key Picks: C
Analysis: Think the Bears identified a weakness? After trading away what would’ve been No. 7 overall to get QB Justin Fields last season, they used their first two picks in the secondary. Jones boosts the return game, but what else does he provide?
21. Dallas Cowboys
Grade: C
Key Picks: Tyler Smith (OT, Tulsa), Sam Williams (OLB, Mississippi), Jalen Tolbert (WR, South Alabama)
Analysis: Dallas is going to Dallas. Boom-or-bust Smith continues the rebuild of the NFL’s best offensive line last decade. Red flags overlooked for Williams, who had a sexual battery charge dropped but can fill the pass-rush void after a free-agency mishap with Randy Gregory.
22. Denver Broncos
Grade: C
Key Picks: Nik Bonitto (Edge, Oklahoma), Greg Dulcich (TE, UCLA)
Analysis: Traded No. 9 overall and tight end George Fant as part of a bigger package for QB Russell Wilson. Dulcich is a fresh start and Bonitto provides pass rush — Von Miller didn’t come back in free agency — inside the NFL’s best QB division.
23. Green Bay Packers
Grade: C-
Key Picks: Quay Walker (LB, Georgia), Devonte Wyatt (DT, Georgia), Christian Watson (WR, South Dakota State), Sean Rhyan (OG, UCLA)
Analysis: Have not picked a first-round offensive weapon during QB Aaron Rodgers’ 17-season career. Bold trade up to get Watson early in the second round, after taking the pair from college football’s best defense. Walker was a one-year starter. Wyatt is a character concern.
24. Cleveland Browns
Grade: C-
Key Picks: Martin Emerson (CB, Mississippi State), David Bell (WR, Purdue), Alex Wright (EDGE, UAB), DT Perrion Winfrey (DT, Oklahoma), Cade York (K, LSU)
Analysis: Strange trade from No. 44 down to No. 68 after not having a first-rounder. Out of the running for a lot of more promising receivers by the time their first of three third-round picks was made. Winfrey was Senior Bowl MVP.
25. Las Vegas Raiders
Grade: C-
Key Picks: Dylan Parham (G, Memphis), Zamir White (RB, Georgia)
Analysis: Like when the bride and groom forget to eat at their own wedding, Las Vegas hosted a spectacular event but the Raiders only participated with one of the first 120 picks. A backup lineman and third-string runner?
SEE ALSO
bill belichick and cole strange
Patriots’ Cole Strange 2022 NFL Draft pick was so very Bill Belichick
26. Carolina Panthers
Grade: C
Key Picks: Ikem Ekwonu (OL, North Carolina State), Matt Corral (QB, Mississippi)
Analysis: Would’ve benefited more from trading down at No. 6 and drafting QB Kenny Pickett in the mid-first round. Instead paid a steep price to move up for Corral in the late third. The homegrown Ekwonu projects as a perennial Pro Bowler who could’ve gone No. 1 overall.
27. Miami Dolphins
Grade: C
Key Picks: Channing Tindall (LB, Georgia), Erik Ezukanma (WR, Texas Tech)
Analysis: Had to make the most of the fewest picks of any team in the draft (four). The rangy Tindall went a ways toward capitalizing.
28. New Orleans Saints
Grade: C-
Key Picks: Chris Olave (WR, Ohio State), OT Trevon Penning (OT, Northern Iowa), Alontae Taylor (S, Tennessee)
Analysis: Increasing sense of urgency. Traded up from No. 16 to No. 11 after earlier trade for a second first-rounder. All that invested capital and no quarterback? Olave is productive without great hype. Penning has Terron Armstead’s big shoes to fill. Taylor produced a “Huh?”
29. San Francisco 49ers
Grade: D+
Key Picks: Drake Jackson (Edge, USC), Tyrion Davis-Price (RB, LSU), Danny Gray (WR, SMU)
Analysis: No pick in the first round gave the 49ers time to overthink their three Day 2 picks, the last two of which felt like reaches. Jackson’s success could depend on keeping his weight up. Still haven’t been able to find a trade partner for QB Jimmy Garoppolo.
30. Washington Commanders
Grade: D
Key Picks: Jahan Dotson (WR, Penn State), Phidarian Mathis (DT, Alabama), Brian Robinson Jr. (RB, Alabama), Sam Howell (QB, North Carolina)
Analysis: Credit for trading down for No. 11 to No. 16 before reaching for Dotson. Washington stayed put with its other two picks, and both Alabama stars felt like reaches, including the one-year starter Robinson.
31. New England Patriots
Grade: D
Key Picks: Cole Strange (G, UT-Chattanooga), Tyquan Thornton (WR, Baylor), Marcus Jones (CB, Houston), Bailey Zappe (QB, Western Kentucky)
Analysis: If any other coach/GM made these picks, he’d be ridiculed into the hot seat. Strange (No. 29) and Thornton (No. 50) both went two rounds earlier than their consensus grades. Jones is a dynamic offense/defense/special teams weapon. Who gets the last laugh?
7
What do you think? Post a comment.
32. Los Angeles Rams
Grade: D
Key Picks: Logan Bruss (OL, Wisconsin), Decobie Durant (CB, South Carolina State)
Analysis: No one values draft picks less than the Rams, who didn’t make their first until No. 104. At least coach Sean McVay produced a viral moment laughing when the Patriots picked.
Going to rant for a moment. Not only did Art take the Browns from us, but he took Ozzie Newsome who was as beloved and respected as any Brown I can remember. The guy was a tremendous team builder and excellent at managing the draft. The new GM, whose name escapes me, learned under Ozzie, and has continued to conduct marvelous drafts. I might be wrong, but it seems like Baltimore kills the draft every freaking year.
Ours is so hard to grade without a 1st round pick. Include Watson and its a different story.
I think we did a decent job on the surface. I felt like day 3 was our best in terms of value.
The trade down at #44 was an incredibly bad decision in my opinion. I get the value chart thing, but you had some guys w/extremely high grades available. To make matters worse, the Ravens selected Ojabo w/the very next pick. We are going to rue that decision for a long, long time.
I should add this..........I do get your point about adding Watson. We should not overlook that. Thanks for bringing that up.
The trade down at #44 was an incredibly bad decision in my opinion. I get the value chart thing, but you had some guys w/extremely high grades available. To make matters worse, the Ravens selected Ojabo w/the very next pick. We are going to rue that decision for a long, long time.
I agree w/this too. The trade was too far back, especially with so much value (or perceived value) on the board. I would have preferred to take Pickens or Ojabo
Draft grades… whatever. Does anyone check back on draft grades from previous years? I don’t think I’ve ever seen that.
That said, re the drop from 44, I think you just can’t take the analytics out of these guys. Everything I read in the last few days was that this draft’s value was tubby in the middle, rounds 3-5. So while there were some excellent picks to be had at 44 there was just more later and more picks in the “meat” of the value is the analytical thing to do. This was a year to just get more bites of the apple. My guess anyway.
Draft grades… whatever. Does anyone check back on draft grades from previous years?
I guess you could look at how some teams continue to win year after year and how their players perform and other teams and their players do not, even though the teams w/better records are drafting later than the others. Maybe start there?
I get the trade back, didn't think it was worth it myself. BUT what was dumbfounding was the first pick. He could have been had much later IMO.
As of right now, the silliest thing that Berry has done was to trade/sign for Watson without having a place for Mayfield to land.
That makes the draft look terrible, as Mayfield was not turned into a choice.
And we have 2 more years of no first rounders.
When you consider that, F-
Especially when Garapolo is also available.
It looks like this draft was geared toward the future
I don't see one player drafted that is going to make a immediate impact
On this team. Well maybe York
Not understanding why this front office Is reluctant to draft a WR in RDs 1 and 2.
Other teams understand the impact a WR drafted in RDs 1 and 2 can have
Just ask the Bengals.
The Browns continue to bargin bin shop for WRs. Bell isn't going to cost alot
Michael Woods will be a cheap pricetag.
The Browns window is closing for a SB run. Yet no urgency from Berry in this draft
Still waiting for the homers to declare this draft the best in all of the NFL
Not sure why the KC love - was decent, but not all that.
Baltimore, Jets, Philly and Seattle did great overall. Houston and Jacksonville had solid drafts too
Seems about right.
I think that we passed over good talent (got cute) so that we could say that we ended up with future 4th and 5th round picks.
Pick 68 w/ Emerson I think was not only a reach, but I have my doubts that he will ever be able to cover any comebacks or curl routes, because he sure couldn't in College.
Then to add insult to injury ... we proceed to pay $2.25M to trade our slor CB for above mentioned 5th round pick.
Pick 78 was a good pick. but would have been redundant if we had taken an EDGE w/ #44.
I think the Troy Hill trades' influence on the decision to draft Martin Emerson has to be included.
For that reason alone, I think whatever grade you give the Browns 22 draft it must be at least slightly less than the Browns 2021 draft.
j/c...
Didn't hate the trade back when I saw the value. Disappointed in the fact (mostly as a fan) that we were already without a 1st round pick, that made it seem a little odd to trade back.
At the end of the day, the trade back netted:
CB Martin Emerson
DT Perrion Winfrey
K Cade York
I saw more than a couple posters say they would have been fine with Winfrey at 44. I know damn well if he was drafted at 44, most comments would be "immediate starter at area of great need". So, in a sense, we "got our guy" (although we took a rather circuitous route to get it done lol), and added a couple more.
Maybe the F.O. looked at their board and knew they needed a few more stabs to get multiple players they wanted at great value?
I liked the draft picks. Reason is the Browns don't need any pro bowl players out of this class.
AB has been linked to finding good talent in the later rounds. I believe he did.
Solid players who seem to be tough, and in this division that's what the Browns have been lacking. Good solid tough players.
Fans set sites on who they like and if that player gets passed by, well we all know the feelings !
I like the picks !
The Browns have their starters, These guys will hopefully fill the spots as needed, and we all know having good back ups are as good as having good starters !
As the saying goes "you need competition to get the best out of a player "
Going to rant for a moment. Not only did Art take the Browns from us, but he took Ozzie Newsome who was as beloved and respected as any Brown I can remember. The guy was a tremendous team builder and excellent at managing the draft. The new GM, whose name escapes me, learned under Ozzie, and has continued to conduct marvelous drafts. I might be wrong, but it seems like Baltimore kills the draft every freaking year.
You are absolutely correct. The Ravens pretty much kill it every year. They are some of the best in the league. Envious.
It looks like this draft was geared toward the future
I don't see one player drafted that is going to make a immediate impact
On this team. Well maybe York
Not understanding why this front office Is reluctant to draft a WR in RDs 1 and 2.
Other teams understand the impact a WR drafted in RDs 1 and 2 can have
Just ask the Bengals.
The Browns continue to bargin bin shop for WRs. Bell isn't going to cost alot
Michael Woods will be a cheap pricetag.
The Browns window is closing for a SB run. Yet no urgency from Berry in this draft
Still waiting for the homers to declare this draft the best in all of the NFL
I guess trading for Coooper isn't evidence we value top receivers? I know some may not agree, but trading for players is the same as drafting players. You are bringing in new talent to your team. No matter the means, it is all the same IMO. As far as i am concerned, Cooper is a 5th round pick this year.
What would that do to our draft grade?
There are many factors that have to be considered in the draft.
Especially when trades are involved. We traded 3 first rounders for DW. We traded a fifth for Amari Cooper.
We got two proven stars before the draft began. One the quarterback who is a top five quarterback. Cooper was the fourth pick in the first round and 2x pro bowler for a fifth rounder.
A++
The draft picks are nothing till they play. That goes for every player in the draft. Check back in three years.
You don't hand out grades in school for the year before class starts. Sorry. I know people like looking at grades but it makes no sense to me.
There will be players that we know nothing about who will become stars. There will be others who people believe will be stars that will not be stars.
Grade...... Incomplete
Check back in three years.
Grade...... Incomplete
Check back in three years.
Yep Incomplete….it’s nearly impossible to give a decent grade for a few years. Especially this year.
I've seen grades of C- to A- for us. Who really knows? I'd give us a solid B for what it's worth and that doesn't include Deshaun.
j/c
I get much more out of "Offseason moves" rankings than I do for the draft.
We need an additional grade IMO. "Nasty" is what we have lacked. We need some Hacksaws. We got "out-nastied" in a few wars last year, some because of injuries, but some because of sheer difference in intensity. We have some intense newbies. A little psycho might be good for this D. I really don't care who wins us games or where BM ends up.
It looks like this draft was geared toward the future
I don't see one player drafted that is going to make a immediate impact
On this team. Well maybe York
Not understanding why this front office Is reluctant to draft a WR in RDs 1 and 2.
Other teams understand the impact a WR drafted in RDs 1 and 2 can have
Just ask the Bengals.
The Browns continue to bargin bin shop for WRs. Bell isn't going to cost alot
Michael Woods will be a cheap pricetag.
The Browns window is closing for a SB run. Yet no urgency from Berry in this draft
Still waiting for the homers to declare this draft the best in all of the NFL
I guess trading for Coooper isn't evidence we value top receivers? I know some may not agree, but trading for players is the same as drafting players. You are bringing in new talent to your team. No matter the means, it is all the same IMO. As far as i am concerned, Cooper is a 5th round pick this year.
What would that do to our draft grade?
Yeah bringing in Cooper for a 5th was a savy move. Dallas had to unload money and the Browns
Needed a proven vet in the WR room. But after Cooper who moves the needle?
Bell could be a solid moves the sticks guy in time...DPJ is too inconsistant
Schwartz offers speed that's it. Grant might push him off the game day active list.
I think the WR room is better than last years. But it lacks that game changer
This draft was truly constructed with the future in mind . With the positions they addressed
I give the Browns front office B..but did the players drafted help close the gap
In the North?
Listening to the media graders is strange.
Maybe I missed something. I have not heard all of them. Jets seem popular. They had three firsts a second, third, and three fourths.
I have not heard anyone mention. The Browns got a top five quarterback and a proven number one receiver from trades in this draft??
We know little about the drafted players except one. Cade York. He can kick long field goals and is accurate.
York kicked the three longest field goals in LSU history and converted 15 of 19 field goals of 50 or more yards in his career, which is also a program record. He completed most of them in the big, loud and intimidating stadiums in the SEC and is ranked second in LSU history with 54 career field goals.
Kicking in the pros does not change from college. Good field goal kickers win lots of games in the NFL.
Had the Browns been good on special teams this past season, they might have made the playoffs. As it is, they were bottom three in the league.
So, when it comes to what is actually known. IMO the Browns had the best draft.
I put this in my opening paragraph. "it's fun to grade drafts and is not intended to be taken as a "given.'"
Not sure why people would read and respond to a thread about draft grades if they deemed it so unimportant? Then again, if our grade was high, it would be gospel.
To expand........it's annoying that multiple people complain about posting football content, yet don't say a word about the continual personal attacks on this board like you are the biggest whiner on the board; reveal your identity, and dedicating multiple insults DAILY that have nothing to do w/football.
Anyway, here is what PFF had to say about the Brown's draft.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
R3 (68) — CB Martin Emerson, Mississippi State
R3 (78) — EDGE Alex Wright, UAB
R3 (99) — WR David Bell, Purdue
R4 (108) — DI Perrion Winfrey, Oklahoma
R4 (124) — K Cade York, LSU
R5 (156) — RB Jerome Ford, Cincinnati
R6 (202) — WR Michael Woods II, Oklahoma
R7 (223) — EDGE Isaiah Thomas, Oklahoma
R7 (246) — C Dawson Deaton, Texas Tech
Day 1: The Browns’ first-round pick went to the Texans as part of the Deshaun Watson trade.
Day 2: Martin Emerson may prove to be a better player in the NFL than in college, where he was miscast in a system that didn’t quite play to his strengths. He has elite length for the position and could make a real name for himself in press coverage, but he struggles in off coverage and in space. He snagged just one interception in his college career despite facing 130 targets.
Alex Wright was one of the best-graded edge rushers in the nation in 2021, earning a 90.4 PFF grade at UAB after two solid years and a consistently improving pass-rushing grade. He had 51 pressures and some of the most dominant reps of any prospect. He has real size and power and has flown under the radar throughout the process.
Bell is slow and fell down boards as a result, but he still was a super productive wideout in the B1G. He attacks the ball well and has great physicality at 6-foot-1, 212 pounds. He isn’t a dynamic player by any means, but he does enough of the little things well to come in and produce early in Cleveland.
Day 3: Winfrey started his college career at Iowa Western Community College for two years before transferring to Oklahoma. He made an impact as a penetrator with an elite first step to get upfield. However, he was often miscast in Oklahoma’s defense, playing 236 snaps at nose tackle despite being on the slimmer side. The former Sooner joins a team that has already selected an edge rusher and a cornerback in attempts to strengthen their defense.
Draft Grade: B
Here is the link for it and you can read about what they think of all the other teams, too.
https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-draft-grades
I think a lot of people are just expressing their opinion on draft grades?
It's hard to put much stock in a writer you've never heard of passing out "grades" for 32 teams an hour after the draft.
Someone posted "this guy gave us an A" in another thread. I clicked and scrolled... and scrolled... looking for anything below a B for any team. Went back and counted -- he gave 24 of 32 teams a B+ or better!
The screenshot came up and said that since 2016 the Browns had drafted more WR.s than anybody. Well,
1. That is a random long ago time frame to make a point.
2. The point is absolute nonsense (Barbara streisannd) because:
Except for Wr Corey Coleman, which was way back about a (hundred nfl years) ago, name any of the others who were top 6, or even top 7 projected Wr's that the Browns drafted going into those respected drafts.
Not even top 8, or Name the 1 that was top 9. See the Browns, could have done a similar scenario with perhaps their offensive line and this boards crowd would be all over them for not having drafted any OL before the whatever round 5th, 6th, 7th, whatever, it may as well be if you consistently let 10-11-12 players at the same position get selected before you (mosey- meander- lollygag-, get around to-,) finally waking up and seeking a player at that position for your own team.
Even though that screen shot said the Browns had drafted more Wrs since 2016 than just about anybody,
I believe the opposite point is the more relevant one.
I'm quite certain that this is the 3rd consecutive year.
That before the Browns selected a WR, that at least 11, (I want to say 10-12, or more up to 13) Wr's were selected by other NFL teams in each respected draft,
ALSO the browns themselves, selected at least 2 other players themselves before they would allow themselves to (be bothered), to address the WR position with their own picks in any respected draft. LEts look
2022: (traded away) (traded down) (Cb Emmerson at 68 overall) edit: (de wright #78)( Wr Bell at #99) (other) (kicker) and (rb), (Wr Woods at #202)
2021:(db), (linebacker) (traded away) (Wr Schwartz at #91 overall) (others- 4 picks) (Wr Felton at #211)
2020: (OL) (safety) (DL) (LB) (Harrison Bryant the TE/wr at #115) (center) and (Wr DPJ at #187 overall)- the final pick of that year by the team.
2019: In 2019 they used the 1st round pick on a trade for OBJ, but he wasn't part of the players entering the league from college, and that is part of the point>
2019: (trade for OBJ, Wr 1st round) (CB,) (LB) (SS) (LB), (kicker), (OL) (CB)
2018: (Qb) (CB) (OL) (RB) (DE) (WR Antonio Callaway #105 overall) (Lb) (Wr D. Ratley # 175 overall) (DE?)
That is 5 years, (half a decade, a 20th of a century of players entering the league).
So the Screenshot saying the Browns have drafted more wr's than anybody since 2016, making a point, a false point, a propaganda spin that tells the wrong story Was making the exact WRONG POINT
The Browns are not over addressing the WR position. They are neglecting to address the WR position and doing so Consistently!
By failing to use any top pick
failing to get any impact players
failing to acquire any of the top 5, top 6, top 7, top 8, or top 9, or top 10 Wr's (top 11), top 12) WR's coming out of college and joining the NFL in any given year.)
( Because they were thunderstruck that Corey Coleman didn't work out? That was about a lifetime ago.)
IMO. The consistent plan of trying to pretend they are getting pots of gold at the ends of these rainbows, is contributing to the Browns inability to score points at the ends of games.
But at least that screenshot that said the Browns have drafted more Wrs than anybody since 2016, was attempting to make a point contradictory to the truth.
(that the Browns are overaddressing the position, Because the Browns are Not!)
Grade...... Incomplete
Check back in three years.
I'm generally of the same opinion. With the Browns we do have 2 players that are part of our draft haul and we can say that on paper they were great acquisitions - "about" 1/3 of DW came with this years first round pick. Last time he played football he was elite. Cooper came with a 5th round pick and if there is a better player selected in this year's draft in the 5th round I would be highly surprised/impressed.
And while it is too soon to grade any of the players - JETS and Ravens both stand out as looking to have really added some quality. But then they took players that I thought extremely highly of so ... maybe it's just confirmation bias !!
To expand........it's annoying that multiple people complain about posting football content, yet don't say a word about the continual personal attacks on this board like you are the biggest whiner on the board; reveal your identity, and dedicating multiple insults DAILY that have nothing to do w/football.
Like this?
J/C
I think we netted two immediate impact guys:
Winfrey and York
Emerson has a chance to be that, but it will be interesting to see how they use him/Newsome/greedy
The rest are probably just developmental guys. I didn’t love the Bell pick because he’s not a high end athlete for the position, but he could find a niche
J/C
I think we netted two immediate impact guys:
Winfrey and York
Good call - I forgot about York ... he has the **potential** to be as big a signing as any rookie signing for the Browns this year. I'll wait till I see him do it on the NFL stage ... but , yeah, can't be overlooked.
j/c
Since the Browns didn't have a pick until the third round, why would anyone be surprised we were ranked with a lower grade in the draft than teams having picks, sometimes even multiple picks in the first two rounds? Just seems like a logical conclusion to me.
You see, nobody knows how these drafts will actually play out years from now. But the reality is the NFL draft is big business. These people get paid to rank players before the draft and give draft grades based on those rankings when the draft is over. They aren't taking into account the trades you made before the draft. All they are doing is grading what transpired during the draft. The grades are ranked strictly upon your draft picks.
Browns Draft Grades 2022: How national analysts graded the picks
Updated: May. 01, 2022, 11:10 a.m. | Published: May. 01, 2022, 11:10 a.m.
By Scott Patsko, cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Despite trading away their first- and second-round picks, the Browns added nine new players to the roster during the 2022 NFL Draft. We asked Browns fans to grade each one, and the results were ... mixed.
The Browns’ first pick of the draft, cornerback Martin Emerson in the third round, was given a C by voters, with nearly 80 percent of the vote opting for C, D or F. Other C grades included edge Alex Wright (third round) receiver Mike Woods II (sixth round) and center Dawson Deaton (seventh round).
The highest grade went to kicker Cade York, a fourth-round pick given an overwhelming A (70 percent) by voters. They also gave an A to defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey (fourth round).
Everybody else received a B. It’s a group that includes receiver David Bell (third round), running back James Ford (fifth round) and edge Isaiah Thomas (seventh round).
But that’s what Browns fans think. What do national draft analysts think? We rounded up their grades and what they had to say about the Browns’ 2022 draft.
Chad Reuter, NFL.com
Grade: B.
Reuter’s take: The trade for Deshaun Watson sets the direction of the franchise for the foreseeable future, as the Browns gave up three first-round picks as part of the deal. Cleveland has its quarterback, but I believe the price was too high for Watson, who is currently facing 22 civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and misconduct, as well as potential discipline under the NFL’s personal conduct policy pending the outcome of an ongoing league investigation. On Day 2, Emerson, Wright and Bell all met needs and provided good value at premium positions. The Browns can count receiver Amari Cooper as part of their Day 3 haul, which was a good start. Getting the aggressive, quick Winfrey at the three-technique spot in the fourth round was a steal, as was selecting his teammate, Thomas, as a power end in the seventh round. York went a bit earlier than I expected, though he showed a nice leg on field goals and kickoffs at LSU. Ford, an Alabama transfer, is vastly underrated.
Nate Davis USA Today
Grade: A-.
Davis’ take: Mid-round DE Alex Wright (Round 3), WR David Bell (Round 3), DT Perrion Winfrey (Round 4) and K Cade York (Round 4) could all pay off right away. And don’t forget they essentially surrendered a fifth-rounder to get WR Amari Cooper. But this draft and future ones will ultimately be defined by what QB Deshaun Watson, and all the baggage he comes with, provides to this franchise.
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
Grade: B.
Iyer’s take: The Browns used their early draft capital to get Deshaun Watson and didn’t get more by choosing not to deal Baker Mayfield during (the draft). Emerson and Wright were shaky initial depth picks, but Bell and Winfrey were incredible need values for Andrew Berry. They also copycatted the Bengals and solved their big kicker issue with York. It’s a true middle-class haul.
Conor Orr, Sports Illustrated
Grade: B+.
Orr’s take: This year will be a significant test of the Browns’ process as a front office. Paul DePodesta and the scouting department have gotten roughly six years of data and experience to try and ferret out what makes a good football player and what is necessary to win. The results so far have yielded a single playoff win, far more than the Browns have enjoyed in the past but probably less than the average general manager from a non-analytical background dart throwing at Mel Kiper’s Big Board. That said, this draft is full of some players who can come in and play quickly. Winfrey is a favorite here .... The violent defensive tackle has some really impressive anticipatory skills against the run and a knack for pushing his way into the backfield. This is a year for hybrid run-stuffing/pass-rushing tackles and Winfrey is one of the best. A lingering question: Did Cleveland do enough at wide receiver?
Staff, Pro Football Focus
Grade: B.
PFF’s take: Martin Emerson may prove to be a better player in the NFL than in college, where he was miscast in a system that didn’t quite play to his strengths. He has elite length for the position and could make a real name for himself in press coverage, but he struggles in off coverage and in space. He snagged just one interception in his college career despite facing 130 targets. Alex Wright was one of the best-graded edge rushers in the nation in 2021, earning a 90.4 PFF grade at UAB after two solid years and a consistently improving pass-rushing grade. He had 51 pressures and some of the most dominant reps of any prospect. He has real size and power and has flown under the radar throughout the process. Bell is slow and fell down boards as a result, but he still was a super productive wideout in the B1G. He attacks the ball well and has great physicality at 6-foot-1, 212 pounds. He isn’t a dynamic player by any means, but he does enough of the little things well to come in and produce early in Cleveland. Winfrey started his college career at Iowa Western Community College for two years before transferring to Oklahoma. He made an impact as a penetrator with an elite first step to get upfield. However, he was often miscast in Oklahoma’s defense, playing 236 snaps at nose tackle despite being on the slimmer side.
Mark Maske, The Washington Post
Grade: C-
Maske’s take: The Browns depleted their draft resources in the Deshaun Watson trade and have failed to find a taker for Watson’s predecessor, QB Baker Mayfield. It’s questionable whether they managed to get proper value with their third-round choices of CB Martin Emerson, DE Alex Wright and WR David Bell. Using a fourth-rounder on a kicker, Cade York, is interesting. He better succeed.
Luke Easterling, DraftWire
Grade: B
Easterling’s take: The Browns didn’t make a pick until the third round, but they made up for it once they finally got on the clock. CB Martin Emerson Jr. is a long corner who was a solid value in that range, while EDGE Alex Wright is massive and underrated. WR David Bell isn’t a burner, but he’s a well-rounded pass-catcher who can make an immediate impact as a third rounder. The fourth round was both feast and famine, as the Browns stole a top-60 player in Winfrey to fill a huge need, but reached for the first specialist off the board in York. It wasn’t a big need, but RB Jerome Ford was a sneaky value pick in the fifth round.
Mel Kiper, ESPN
Grade: B.
Kiper’s take: David Bell dropped because of his speed -- he ran a 4.65-second 40 at the combine -- but he put up huge numbers at Purdue. He could be a nice target on curls and crossers because of his sure hands. I expect Cleveland to be in the market for veteran receiving help after the draft, but Bell could fill a role as a rookie. Martin Emerson is an outside press corner, defensive end Alex Wright has long arms for his 6-foot-5 frame and has some upside as a pass-rusher, and Cade York is my top-ranked kicker. Perrion Winfrey is a nice value pick; I thought he could go 50 picks earlier. As a 3-technique tackle, he can wreak havoc against centers and guards. I bet his Oklahoma teammate Isaiah Thomas will make the team as a rotational edge rusher too. It’s tough to get starters without picks until Round 3, but I thought Cleveland did a good job with what it had.
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/20...-national-analysts-graded-the-picks.html
This is just a overall question.
Last year the Jags drafted Trevor Lawerence. Every media and analyist grade was A+.
The Browns traded for Deshaun Watson. His last year playing in 2020 in the NFL was considered was one of the best years ever by a quarterback.
He was part of this draft. He cost 3 first rounders plus. Pickett was picked 20th as the first qb drafted.
Lawerence and Pickett were last two quarterbacks taken first. Both of them right now are incomplete because they have either not played or only played one year. Watson has played three years. All three years were Pro Bowl years.
Before the draft the Browns traded a fifth rounder for Amari Cooper. He was the former 4th overall pick in 2015.
Will any fifth rounder be as good as Cooper?
What team made decisions to improve their team the most?
You can say that all you like. But they didn't draft watson. And they didn't just give up this years first either. We didn't draft Cooper either.
Both were a part of this draft. We gave up a fifth for Cooper?
We traded 3 first rounders plus for Watson? How is that not part of the draft? Pick 13 was Jordan Davis.
If we didn't make the trades we would have had the picks? All of the other trades were part of the draft?
So I don't know were you are going?
Berry did pretty good for not having a 1st round pick. My grade is a C+.
The only fair grade for Berry this time is incomplete. You can't count DW as a pick, nor Cooper. First pick seemed like a reach, the rest were good as for value at the position taken, but none of us have a clue if these guys can actually contribute or if they will even make the roster. There could be a superstar in the group as easily as an across the board bust on all of them. So I think I'll reserve judgement on this one for at least this season. I trust Berry, and think he's at the top of the/his game as GM. But anyone can blow it, we've seen it time and time again.
Also, I'm a little pissed he didn't nab the punter when he had the chance.
C+ = pretty good?????????????????????
C+ = pretty good?????????????????????
According to some of my students it is haha
I think your points about Watson and Cooper are valid and these analysts probably aren't factoring them in. Maybe they will when they grade each team's off-season???
I guess you can say we didn't draft him.
But the Eagles traded during the draft to get Brown. So, I don't know. I guess it depends on how you want to look at it.
In the end it is all about how you improved the team. The draft, free agency, and trades.
At one time not to long ago we were looking for guys that were just cut to be starters. Once you get past pick 20 or so. Teams are all over the place with how they view players. Now the guys we just drafted were BPA value picks. They will not just walk into starting roles.
That is a sign we have finally made real progress with the roster.
Perhaps player development is overlooked. This will be the third year with the same staff. We can actually draft a 21 year old and develop him.
Berry drafted this DE Wright. He does not have to start. From the press conferences he was a guy they targeted. They were going to get him.
Today he is not a finished project. In a couple years he maybe really good. He has all the traits they were looking for.
The draft is over now. I expect we will still sign some guys. Clowney soon I hope. Not sure about Jarvis.
When training begins in August we will have a damn good roster. You still have to play as a team but I will not be nervous about roster strength.
What I liked about this draft.
#1 - The Defensive Lineman with emphasis on the pass rush. Alex Wright is a player that can hopefully play behind Clowney for now and be in the rotation. He is someone who could be a future starter opposite Garrett in a year or two. He has good size for a DE and has athletic ability. Perrion Winfrey will either start or be in the DT rotation. He brings some athleticism to the DT's. If the Browns have Garrett and Clowney outside Winfrey should be very valuable with some push up the middle. Isaiah Thomas was a productive pass rusher in college and posted a nice 4.7 forty at the combine. He could see some time in pure pass rush opportunities in 2022. He needs to gain some weight and lower body strength to ever be a starter in the NFL.
#2 - Getting a Kicker with a strong leg who was part of a national championship and kicked a school record 57 yarder in final seconds to upset Florida. That is the kinda clutch kicking a team needs to win close playoff games.
#3 - This will be controversial but I have to say the trade down at #44. I did not like it at the time. I wanted Nakobe Dean or Travis Jones at the time. The reason I ended up liking the trade was I would have been happy with Perrion Winfrey at 44 and they traded back and still got him later.
What I did not like about the draft.
#1 - Drafting a running back Jerome Ford. I really like the Chubb, Hunt, Johnson, and Felton as a running back room. This trade makes me think that Hunt will mpore than likely be part of a Baker Mayfield trade to get something for Baker. I think when healthy Chubb and Hunt are tough to deal with. I don't want to see that broke up.
#2 - Was not overly impressed with Martin Emerson. Again, did not see a need at CB with Ward, Newsome, Greedy, Hill, and Green. Then trading a proven commodity Hill for a 2023 5th round pick for an unproven rookie. I just did not see the need.
#3 - Would have selected an Olineman earlier than the 7th round let alone the last pick. With Conklin coming back from injury I would have taken Darrian Kinnard in the 4th round instead of trading a 4th for a 2023 4th and a 2022 5th round pick.
Overall, the draft was alright. I would rather have hoohum drafts and great seasons than in the past when we would have big drafts and poor seasons.
Draft Grades 2022: How national analysts graded the picks
Updated: May. 01, 2022, 11:10 a.m. | Published: May. 01, 2022, 11:10 a.m.
Recap of the Browns 2022 NFL Draft: Berea report
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By Scott Patsko, cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Despite trading away their first- and second-round picks, the Browns added nine new players to the roster during the 2022 NFL Draft. We asked Browns fans to grade each one, and the results were ... mixed.
The Browns’ first pick of the draft, cornerback Martin Emerson in the third round, was given a C by voters, with nearly 80 percent of the vote opting for C, D or F. Other C grades included edge Alex Wright (third round) receiver Mike Woods II (sixth round) and center Dawson Deaton (seventh round).
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The highest grade went to kicker Cade York, a fourth-round pick given an overwhelming A (70 percent) by voters. They also gave an A to defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey (fourth round).
Everybody else received a B. It’s a group that includes receiver David Bell (third round), running back James Ford (fifth round) and edge Isaiah Thomas (seventh round).
But that’s what Browns fans think. What do national draft analysts think? We rounded up their grades and what they had to say about the Browns’ 2022 draft.
Chad Reuter, NFL.com
Grade: B.
Reuter’s take: The trade for Deshaun Watson sets the direction of the franchise for the foreseeable future, as the Browns gave up three first-round picks as part of the deal. Cleveland has its quarterback, but I believe the price was too high for Watson, who is currently facing 22 civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and misconduct, as well as potential discipline under the NFL’s personal conduct policy pending the outcome of an ongoing league investigation. On Day 2, Emerson, Wright and Bell all met needs and provided good value at premium positions. The Browns can count receiver Amari Cooper as part of their Day 3 haul, which was a good start. Getting the aggressive, quick Winfrey at the three-technique spot in the fourth round was a steal, as was selecting his teammate, Thomas, as a power end in the seventh round. York went a bit earlier than I expected, though he showed a nice leg on field goals and kickoffs at LSU. Ford, an Alabama transfer, is vastly underrated.
Nate Davis USA Today
Grade: A-.
Davis’ take: Mid-round DE Alex Wright (Round 3), WR David Bell (Round 3), DT Perrion Winfrey (Round 4) and K Cade York (Round 4) could all pay off right away. And don’t forget they essentially surrendered a fifth-rounder to get WR Amari Cooper. But this draft and future ones will ultimately be defined by what QB Deshaun Watson, and all the baggage he comes with, provides to this franchise.
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
Grade: B.
Iyer’s take: The Browns used their early draft capital to get Deshaun Watson and didn’t get more by choosing not to deal Baker Mayfield during (the draft). Emerson and Wright were shaky initial depth picks, but Bell and Winfrey were incredible need values for Andrew Berry. They also copycatted the Bengals and solved their big kicker issue with York. It’s a true middle-class haul.
Conor Orr, Sports Illustrated
Grade: B+.
Orr’s take: This year will be a significant test of the Browns’ process as a front office. Paul DePodesta and the scouting department have gotten roughly six years of data and experience to try and ferret out what makes a good football player and what is necessary to win. The results so far have yielded a single playoff win, far more than the Browns have enjoyed in the past but probably less than the average general manager from a non-analytical background dart throwing at Mel Kiper’s Big Board. That said, this draft is full of some players who can come in and play quickly. Winfrey is a favorite here .... The violent defensive tackle has some really impressive anticipatory skills against the run and a knack for pushing his way into the backfield. This is a year for hybrid run-stuffing/pass-rushing tackles and Winfrey is one of the best. A lingering question: Did Cleveland do enough at wide receiver?
Staff, Pro Football Focus
Grade: B.
PFF’s take: Martin Emerson may prove to be a better player in the NFL than in college, where he was miscast in a system that didn’t quite play to his strengths. He has elite length for the position and could make a real name for himself in press coverage, but he struggles in off coverage and in space. He snagged just one interception in his college career despite facing 130 targets. Alex Wright was one of the best-graded edge rushers in the nation in 2021, earning a 90.4 PFF grade at UAB after two solid years and a consistently improving pass-rushing grade. He had 51 pressures and some of the most dominant reps of any prospect. He has real size and power and has flown under the radar throughout the process. Bell is slow and fell down boards as a result, but he still was a super productive wideout in the B1G. He attacks the ball well and has great physicality at 6-foot-1, 212 pounds. He isn’t a dynamic player by any means, but he does enough of the little things well to come in and produce early in Cleveland. Winfrey started his college career at Iowa Western Community College for two years before transferring to Oklahoma. He made an impact as a penetrator with an elite first step to get upfield. However, he was often miscast in Oklahoma’s defense, playing 236 snaps at nose tackle despite being on the slimmer side.
Mark Maske, The Washington Post
Grade: C-
Maske’s take: The Browns depleted their draft resources in the Deshaun Watson trade and have failed to find a taker for Watson’s predecessor, QB Baker Mayfield. It’s questionable whether they managed to get proper value with their third-round choices of CB Martin Emerson, DE Alex Wright and WR David Bell. Using a fourth-rounder on a kicker, Cade York, is interesting. He better succeed.
Luke Easterling, DraftWire
Grade: B
Easterling’s take: The Browns didn’t make a pick until the third round, but they made up for it once they finally got on the clock. CB Martin Emerson Jr. is a long corner who was a solid value in that range, while EDGE Alex Wright is massive and underrated. WR David Bell isn’t a burner, but he’s a well-rounded pass-catcher who can make an immediate impact as a third rounder. The fourth round was both feast and famine, as the Browns stole a top-60 player in Winfrey to fill a huge need, but reached for the first specialist off the board in York. It wasn’t a big need, but RB Jerome Ford was a sneaky value pick in the fifth round.
Mel Kiper, ESPN
Grade: B.
Kiper’s take: David Bell dropped because of his speed -- he ran a 4.65-second 40 at the combine -- but he put up huge numbers at Purdue. He could be a nice target on curls and crossers because of his sure hands. I expect Cleveland to be in the market for veteran receiving help after the draft, but Bell could fill a role as a rookie. Martin Emerson is an outside press corner, defensive end Alex Wright has long arms for his 6-foot-5 frame and has some upside as a pass-rusher, and Cade York is my top-ranked kicker. Perrion Winfrey is a nice value pick; I thought he could go 50 picks earlier. As a 3-technique tackle, he can wreak havoc against centers and guards. I bet his Oklahoma teammate Isaiah Thomas will make the team as a rotational edge rusher too. It’s tough to get starters without picks until Round 3, but I thought Cleveland did a good job with what it had.
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/20...witter&utm_campaign=cdotcombrowns_sf
I see it like this. We walked out of the draft with Emerson, Winfrey, Bell and York. All 4 should see significant play time and make a positive impact during that play time. To me it doesn't matter who we may have passed on, how we traded or anything else. All that matters to me is did we improve the team? I say yes.
Another factor not being considered is we also beefed up next years draft with a few more picks.
All in all, my initial grade for this draft is a B with those 4 players alone. How the final grade goes will take a few years. We don't know how those guys will ultimately work out or how the other picks work out. To me the other picks won't really hurt the grade, they can only help.
Its so hard to give a good grade for a draft class that does not have the impact players of a first or second round pick. but for years we received high draft grades as we had early first round picks and sometimes 2 picks as well as 2 in the second round as well. Look where those draft classes have given us. One playoff win.
bang for our buck I thought we did pretty well. I don't think all will make our final roster as we have a pretty good starting 22 coming in.
Bell I think will get some playing reps as the possession WR.
Our entire class - if they become GYM RATS will end up being viable football players. None more than Alex Wright....if he becomes a gym rat, Garrett please take him under your wing. He can become an exceptional player.
So who knows how to grade these guys.
Ravens got to read our board as they take many of our favorites but it doesn't mean they turn our good.
we got Winfrey as a STEAL this kid is who I thought we were taking at 44. Young and talented
I'm actually most intrigued by Dawson Deaton. He is perfect for our zone blocking schemes just like Harris he need to be a gym rat and get stronger and his upside on getting stronger is big time. Cant wait for his sophmore year as he probably will end up on our Practice Squad but he can become a Pro Bowl Center if all falls into place. Harris btw got stronger and is now a starter. Dawson's upside is greater than Harris but he has to work hard to get there. Keep an ear out for the words He works real hard...if we hear that than we can expect to see good things from him in the future!
I actually was surprised we drafted Bell … he doesn’t fit our typical mold at all athletically. I wonder if it was a scout pick over a Berry pick
Draft Grades are a funny thing.... it's probably the only place where the amateurs determine how well the professionals did their jobs and all grading is based completely on what the amateurs thought player values were.
It all really should be inverted and we should be grading the "draft gurus" based on how well they saw where guys were going to be picked.
Both were a part of this draft. We gave up a fifth for Cooper?
We traded 3 first rounders plus for Watson? How is that not part of the draft? Pick 13 was Jordan Davis.
If we didn't make the trades we would have had the picks? All of the other trades were part of the draft?
So I don't know were you are going?
Because they didn't give up
one first round pick for watson. If you insist on making an issue out of it, the first round pick this year is
one third of watson. The presentation that they got watson for that first round pick is false on any level one can come up with.
The draft is a fascinating process because there are many layers to how each team approaches each year.
The Jets had a lot of draft capital. It appears they made good choices.
However, every team is in a different place. The Browns in all honesty going into this draft had a starting lineup. Yes we could add to the DL and receiver room. But we were not desperate to add a position. IMO if a couple different guys would have been there at 44. We would have taken them. Burks was gone. Christian Watson was gone. I believe they liked both. Logan Hall went 33. If he was there IMO we would have taken him.
Moving back from 44 put them into a position to take York. Winfrey was a gift. Wright they wanted him.
Emerson and Ford are interesting because we were deep in those positions. Both will see limited action. However, they are depth that next year maybe very important.
And who is is to say that at some point this season guys like Greedy, D'ernest, Felton or even Hunt might be used in trade when a team is desperate, and those assets bring back future draft assets.
The whole Baker thing. Berry does not need to do a thing. It is all about the market. The quarterback market goes up and down. Everyone is saying the Browns are desperate to move Baker. Why? They do not have to do a thing. They could tell Baker stay home and wait for a call. They could say came to mandatory camp. They are going to pay him so they can do as they see fit.
That situation could change in a heart beat with an injury. Then they are not the team who is desperate.
The Baker money? Please Garoppolo is hurt and is due $26 with this year being his last.
===============================================================
The Browns have made major changes and Berry is working his plan. That includes adjusting as needed.
We will field a good roster. Stefanski will be responsible for making them a team.
Both were a part of this draft. We gave up a fifth for Cooper?
We traded 3 first rounders plus for Watson? How is that not part of the draft? Pick 13 was Jordan Davis.
If we didn't make the trades we would have had the picks? All of the other trades were part of the draft?
So I don't know were you are going?
Because they didn't give up
one first round pick for watson. If you insist on making an issue out of it, the first round pick this year is
one third of watson. The presentation that they got watson for that first round pick is false on any level one can come up with.
Valid point that a lot of people seem to be ignoring.
Honestly, it does not make any difference to me. Draft grades is just an exercise for this time of year.
What counts is have we improved? Yes. We went from a decent starter at qb to a top five quarterback. That is a jump that any team in the NFL would love to make. That is why 13 teams called the Texans.
We added a number one proven starter for a fifth round pick. Look at the recent receiver trades. I am thrilled to get Cooper for that.
You can not control how the draft falls. You adjust on the fly. I thought Berry did well with the assets he had. If we get four guys who can contribute. Success.
Clowney is the only guy I feel we really need any others would be welcome.
Dan Graziano was talking about Jarvis Landry this morning. He said that Landry wanted to play w/Watson before the trade was announced and preferred going to the team who traded for him. He said it might be a little odd because he and the Browns already parted ways, but that he thinks Cleveland is the favorite for landing Landry.
I would love to get Jarvis back. Love it.
He would do well with us. I am fine with the receiver room but Jarvis can help for sure.
I was under the impression we have had a standing offer. Is that not the case? Either way, bring him back, bring Clowney back.
peen, I don't know if we have a standing offer or not. Just relaying what Graz reported. I'm not even sure if Graz is correct or not??? I am just "hoping" it's true because I think we need another accomplished vet in the WR room and I think Landry could really help Bell learn the tricks of the trade. I get the sense that while Cooper is really talented and productive, is not a real leader. He was the guy Jerry was pointing out when he made the "we" and "me" comments last year.
Jarvis is 29. Speed has never been his game. He has plenty of football left.
Nothing at all against Bell but he is pick 99. Our third pick in round three. It would be unfair to him to be dependent upon him come December.
The Browns are all in. We are trying to win now. DW was a major move. We went and got Cooper. We extended our best players.
We moved cap money to sign more players. I would not be surprised if we signed Jarvis, Clowney and Aikiem Hicks. They may want to miss mandatory pre camp and show up ready for camp in August?
The Browns organization has put a lot on the line to win now. I want those veteran players and IMO Berry is not done yet.
I agree w/almost all of that, but have one question. Have we been linked to Hicks? I think he is something like 32 or so and is coming off an injury, but he's a really good interior d-linemen. He's the kind of guy I was talking about being a good fit for the 4-2-5 in your Wood's Defensive Scheme thread.
If we can get Jarvis, Clowney and Hicks that would be the icing on the cake. We have a very good roster with those 3 players and will need every bit of talent to compete and win in our division. The AFC West is considered to be the best division in football but I really believe we are pretty close here in the North. Time will tell.
Getting away from the Browns for just a moment......I heard some guys talking about the Bears and Justin Fields earlier.
Their WRs suck and their OL was among the worst in football. What must Fields be thinking after this draft?
Chicago Bears
Grade: Kyler Gordon (CB, Washington), Jaquan Brisker (S, Penn State), Velus Jones Jr. (WR, Tennessee)
Key Picks: C
Analysis: Think the Bears identified a weakness? After trading away what would’ve been No. 7 overall to get QB Justin Fields last season, they used their first two picks in the secondary. Jones boosts the return game, but what else does he provide?
Homes, there are some people saying that the North rivals the West in terms of being the best. Not many, but it's a discussion.
You bet it is Vers. The way I see it Baltimore, if healthy, may just be the best team in the conference. Cincy and us, as long as we have Deshaun playing, should be able to play with anyone. Oakland is the weakest team in the West but they're still good. Pittsburgh looks to be the #4 in the North but they have a great D and Tomlin always finds a way to make them highly competitive. Again time and injuries, will tell.
I don't know if Hicks is on the radar. IMO he should be. Togiai and Elliott? Not sure what to expect from them. This is Elliot's third year?
I love Perrion but he is a 3 technique get up the field guy.
Hicks can handle the run and 1/2. Experienced guy who would fit a rotation that would keep him fresh.
Clowney is really important. He is the fit for Myles. We don't need Myles getting held, chipped and doubled all the time.
Winowich nice add but he is Takk. Wright is developmental guy.
We need Clowney.
I'm starting to wonder how many WR's we can carry.
Cooper, DPJ, Schwartz, Bell, Grant for special teams...
Going to be a dog fight for the 6th spot between Bradley, Woods and probably the Weston Kid (assuming all the other UDFA guys were just brought in in case Grant doesn't take the return job).
Good question, but we really need a #2. I see DPJ as our 3rd. Bell our 4th. The rest........meh.
I'm starting to wonder how many WR's we can carry.
Cooper, DPJ, Schwartz, Bell, Grant for special teams...
Going to be a dog fight for the 6th spot between Bradley, Woods and probably the Weston Kid (assuming all the other UDFA guys were just brought in in case Grant doesn't take the return job).
I thought Berry had an OK draft. Favorite picks were Bell and Winfrey. I understand the trade down, but I don't really like it.
Sometimes I think Depodesta must still operate from a baseball mindset where you can draft someone and stash them in the minor leagues, so it makes sense to have more picks. You can't do that in the NFL - the picks have to make the final roster their rookie year to be any value. It's why it's risky to pick a rookie kicker, because they have to perform right away, because no team has space to keep 2 kickers on the final roster.
I have a hard time seeing guys like Jerome Ford, Isiah Thomas, and Michael Woods making the team. We have a lot of great vets locked into long term deals - we need quality not quantity from the draft, especially this year. Makes me wonder if Berry has any other plans for FAs or players already on the roster.
I think the Browns, along with many other teams, viewed this as a pretty weak draft, especially at the top. I can name 5 players for the 2023 draft that would have been the first pick in the 2022 draft. I would have loved to see Berry try whatever he could to get 1st or 2nd round pick for next year, even if it meant selling #44 for nothing this year, but I know it takes someone else wanting to trade as well.
Here is how see it.
If you draft a guy in the first two rounds, you are expecting him to start. If you already have a legit starter, you are playing both guys and paying more to split time. Since it is not cost-effective, you trade away one player. This gives you a better talent level but taxes against the cap. You also lose depth consistency and roster continuity.
If you draft guys in the third through the fifth, your expectation is he will start in a year or two. If you have a legit starter, you will have a rotational guy learning the position. This method gives you better cost-effectiveness. You build better continuity and consistency. Obviously, your talent level is lower.
In this draft, the immediate starting talent was minimal. Thus, you are paying a player that in most drafts would be a middle-round guy a starter's salary. Adding middle-round players allows you to keep on the roster longer and opportunity to mold into the type of player you desire.
The whole Baker thing. Berry does not need to do a thing. It is all about the market. The quarterback market goes up and down. Everyone is saying the Browns are desperate to move Baker. Why? They do not have to do a thing. They could tell Baker stay home and wait for a call. They could say came to mandatory camp. They are going to pay him so they can do as they see fit.
That situation could change in a heart beat with an injury. Then they are not the team who is desperate.
Hypothicals.. IF Watson blows a knee the first game, I'd rather have Baker under center than Brissett
Who really even knows if Watson will play a down in 2022????
If you think he is, you may be in for a letdown.
Personally, I'd rather have Baker play than this piece of ^%*)
Read an article today about Trevor B being out for 2 years, and the writer wondered if the NFL would take that as an example and do the same, or similar, with DW.
Yeah, we probably won't see DW opening few weeks, and maybe longer?
It's all a guessing game at this point in time. Not only if it will happen, but for how long it may happen or when it may happen.
A Draft Grades thread is now a Hate on Deshawn Watson thread. Marvelous.
It's hilarious to watch someone claim objectivity and legitimate possibilities being discussed is hate. Then claim it's everyone else who has an agenda.
The whole Baker thing. Berry does not need to do a thing. It is all about the market. The quarterback market goes up and down. Everyone is saying the Browns are desperate to move Baker. Why? They do not have to do a thing. They could tell Baker stay home and wait for a call. They could say came to mandatory camp. They are going to pay him so they can do as they see fit.
That situation could change in a heart beat with an injury. Then they are not the team who is desperate.
Hypothicals.. IF Watson blows a knee the first game, I'd rather have Baker under center than Brissett
jmho
the defense will be at best 15 level defense
the draft is the weakest in the afc north you could not trade are entire draft for anyone of there first overall picks
round 2 there was another pick there that could have delivered a superbowl he had 1st over all athleticism .
Deshaun we traded 3 first round picks for a qb that has 90 qb rating in the playoffs and has a average margin of defeat per game of 17 points.
go ahead critisize my typing but as far as this draft goes it is a
F
I don't see any way it is an F, and I am pretty objective about things. I think your expectations on drafting players is a bit high.
the defense will be at best 15 level defense
the draft is the weakest in the afc north you could not trade are entire draft for anyone of there first overall picks
round 2 there was another pick there that could have delivered a superbowl he had 1st over all athleticism .
Deshaun we traded 3 first round picks for a qb that has 90 qb rating in the playoffs and has a average margin of defeat per game of 17 points.
go ahead critisize my typing but as far as this draft goes it is a
F
In so many years the Browns drafted rookies to come in as starters... No one for them to sit a year or two behind and learn from.
This is the first time in years I can remember the Browns draft back up type players who can give lots of competition to be starters .
This is a good thing, it means there are good starters and having a good back up is really good !
Good teams don't need first round talent, They already have it !
Imo, this has been my favorite draft since 99.
AB is kind of known for finding that mid round talent.. I believe he did very well, time will tell.
I'm excited !
I definitely see the potential for an F. Hopefully, optimistically it works out better.
For Browns love sake, I can say, I'm struggling to name a player from the 2022 draft I like better than Demetric Felton on offense, and a player I like more better than Tony Fields II on defense, and those were both late round Browns' draft picks from 2021.
There is definitely the potential that some of the picks from this year could work out, optimistically, hopefully a lot.
I'm still not comfortable with our D line. We lost three starters in Jackson, McDowell, and Clowney. Jordan Elliot has only three starts. Both Taven Bryan and Chase Winovich have spoty starting history's.
Even if we get Clowney back I'd like us to grab a decent DT if there are any good ones left.
I'm still not comfortable with our D line. We lost three starters in Jackson, McDowell, and Clowney. Jordan Elliot has only three starts. Both Taven Bryan and Chase Winovich have spoty starting history's.
Even if we get Clowney back I'd like us to grab a decent DT if there are any good ones left.
Hicks, formerly of the Chicago Bears would be a great pickup for the dline.
I'm still not comfortable with our D line. We lost three starters in Jackson, McDowell, and Clowney. Jordan Elliot has only three starts. Both Taven Bryan and Chase Winovich have spoty starting history's.
Even if we get Clowney back I'd like us to grab a decent DT if there are any good ones left.
And both of our UDFA DTs' signing project to NT.
Winovich was also playing out of position with NE ... he is not a LBer ... so this move should be good for him and the team as a rotational player and Wright will be give opportunities too.
Keeping Clowney around is preferred ... and his resigning would ease some concers about the state of our DL.
AB is kind of known for finding that mid round talent..
I'm just curious, who are all of these great mid round talents Berry is known for finding? I understand fans wishing to be optimistic but one of the big complaints I've seen on this board has been the lack of ability to develop mid round talent. I do think there are some players that the jury is still out on.
2020
Round 3, pick 88: Jordan Elliott, DT, Missouri
Round 3, pick 97: Jacob Phillips, LB, LSU
Round 4, pick 115: Harrison Bryant, TE, Florida Atlantic
Round 5, pick 160: Nick Harris, C, Washington
Round 6, pick 187: Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan
The 2021 class is still leaving a lot to desire by comparison, but there is still Togiai, LeCounte, Hudson, Felton. I'm leaving Schwartz and Fields off that as they're not showing to be much.
That's not a bad track record right there, though. You have more than a handful of starters on a good roster coming from Day 2 and Day 3 picks.
jc….
Anyone hear any updates on McDowell’s legal issues? Is he completely out of play for coming back?
So much upside… so many mental health issues… is the balance still there enough to give another chance?
I haven't heard anything. Based on this past incident and the one where he went berserk in college, I'd say he is pretty much done.
I hope the guy is under medical supervision for his own good and the safety of others.
I have googled current legal status.
Nothing.
The only thing I remember reading was. He was not offered a contract. He was on a one year deal.
So, I guess he is history. From what I read. He was in a ATV accident that cause brain trama.
He played last year. He was in a gym working out. All was fine. Then the incident.
That is it. Nothing since.
It is a shame. He showed promise and I am sorry that it has gone the way it did.
That's really not a bad list at all.
https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/browns-malik-mcdowell-will-not-be-tendered/''The Browns will not tender McDowell as an exclusive-rights free agent because of an arrest in January, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
McDowell was arrested on three charges in Florida, which triggered Cleveland's decision to move on from the 25-year-old defensive tackle. The Browns began to revamp the interior of their defensive line when they agreed to terms with Taven Bryan. McDowell and Malik Jackson served as the starting defensive tackles in 2021, but neither is expected to return this coming season.''
Thanks for the info, Cleats.
Yup. I don't know if he's hitting home runs there, but he's definitely hitting singles and doubles pretty consistently.
Yup. I don't know if he's hitting home runs there, but he's definitely hitting singles and doubles pretty consistently.
You win baseball with base hits.
AB is kind of known for finding that mid round talent..
I'm just curious, who are all of these great mid round talents Berry is known for finding? I understand fans wishing to be optimistic but one of the big complaints I've seen on this board has been the lack of ability to develop mid round talent. I do think there are some players that the jury is still out on.
First off I never said great, I said finding mid round talent, to answer your question Pit it would be ..
Rnd 4 pick 110 Hudson
Rnd 4 pick 132 Togiai
Rnd 5 pick 153 Fields
Rnd 5 pick 169 LeCounte
Rnd 6 pick 211 Felton
Shwartz was a 3rd rounder at pick 91 that one is still a question, the others contributed.
Seems to me like most of Berry's picks have been good, except for his 3rd round picks:
Schwartz
Jordan Elliott
Jacob Phillips
You'd like a little more production out of your 3rd round picks. Hopefully that doesn't carry over into this year's picks, though I didn't like them much (I did like the Bell pick though).
All the other rounds, I feel like he's done a pretty good job finding talent.
If the price of him hitting on his 1st, 2nd, and 4th thru 7th round picks is that he completely whiffs on his 3rd rounders, I'll take it.
Think about the baseballs' love of stats; think "slugging percentage" here as well. We are on base much more with some of Berry's body of work.
As Savage said, homeruns are great, but singles and doubles are good as well.
Too bad he didn't get many of those either.
This draft is growing on me. A lot of these guys, Winfrey, Thomas, Bell etc. seem very intriguing and wee great picks where we got them. I love the York pick. The one I can’t get my head around is the cornerback with our first pick. Don’t understand going CB and that particular guy seemed like a reach. Berry is a lot better at than I am, but am I missing something?
This draft is growing on me. A lot of these guys, Winfrey, Thomas, Bell etc. seem very intriguing and wee great picks where we got them. I love the York pick. The one I can’t get my head around is the cornerback with our first pick. Don’t understand going CB and that particular guy seemed like a reach. Berry is a lot better at than I am, but am I missing something?
I think they drafted Emerson to defend against stronger TEs like Kelce and Kittle. He can play press-corner on bigger receiver-type tight ends.
If you are playing a 4-2-5, you have corners covering two receivers and a tight end.
I do know it is difficult finding press-cover corners. Even though Emerson is not fast he is good at covering the big "slower" receivers.
I can say I would have made a different pick. It is obvious Berry is seeing this differently. It is hard arguing against the picks. Everyone has their favorites. I guess time will tell who is right.
No doubt time will tell.
I trust that Woods and Stefanski will work the different combinations and settle in on the combinations that works the best.
This draft is growing on me. A lot of these guys, Winfrey, Thomas, Bell etc. seem very intriguing and wee great picks where we got them. I love the York pick. The one I can’t get my head around is the cornerback with our first pick. Don’t understand going CB and that particular guy seemed like a reach. Berry is a lot better at than I am, but am I missing something?
I think they drafted Emerson to defend against stronger TEs like Kelce and Kittle. He can play press-corner on bigger receiver-type tight ends.
If you are playing a 4-2-5, you have corners covering two receivers and a tight end.
I do know it is difficult finding press-cover corners. Even though Emerson is not fast he is good at covering the big "slower" receivers.
I can say I would have made a different pick. It is obvious Berry is seeing this differently. It is hard arguing against the picks. Everyone has their favorites. I guess time will tell who is right.
Interesting take. I had not before heard the angle of Emerson covering TE's...but it makes sense.
He does seem to be more of a safety than a corner at this level.
I think we are looking for DBs that can play any of the corners and slot as well as come in at a safety position on passing downs. versatile DBs
j/c,
Most of the scouting reports on Martin Emerson talk about him being a good press man CB, but if he fails to get his hands on them and they get a free release, then because he is so big, receivers can easily stack him and come backs and curls are not going to be his strong suit (which the opponents will think to exploit if given the chance. ) ... this to me is worrisome and it can also lead to penalties in an attempt to recover.
But, whenever I listen to AB and the coaches talk about Emerson, they talk about him being a good fit for our zone schemes, which makes this selection make more since ... because then he can then use his length now and (as he shows on tape) keeping his head on a swivel, quickly diagnosing the play and use his physicality in pursuit ... now this would be using him to his strengths, and this makes me like this pick more, because it sounds like we know how to use him, being contrary to what the scouting reports believe.
Martin will be asked to play man coverage from time to time, perhaps even as matchup with a bigger WR, but we are not a press man defense the majority of the time and that's not why we drafted him ... which I like.
Yeah, we run a lot of zone coverages. Cover 3 and Quarters seem to be the most prevalent.
Yeah, we run a lot of zone coverages. Cover 3 and Quarters seem to be the most prevalent.
I agree w/you about us already having Ward and Greedy, who are suited to play press-man. I didn't mention Newsome because I haven't watched him closely enough to know, but maybe he is good at it, too? Just not sure.
Press-man can be effective, but NFL OC's will destroy it if you run it too much of the time. Mixing up coverages is essential in making the QB make the correct pre-snap reads, forcing QBs and receivers to make sight adjustments and hot reads, and slowing down a QB's progressions. Something we are seeing more and more of in the NFL are teams who are playing mixed coverages. For example, playing Cover 2, which is playing Cover 4 on one side and Cover 2 on the other side. I really think forcing a QB to take more time to recognize the Coverages is a huge key into stopping an offense.
Here is a simple, easy to understand, example of what I am talking about.
![[Linked Image from cdn.vox-cdn.com]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oL9lhGsmEPOyxHGyh9FOrkh0PMU=/0x0:420x315/1920x0/filters:focal(0x0:420x315):format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3833348/qtrqtr.0.jpg)
I agree w/you about us already having Ward and Greedy, who are suited to play press-man. I didn't mention Newsome because I haven't watched him closely enough to know, but maybe he is good at it, too? Just not sure.
Press-man can be effective, but NFL OC's will destroy it if you run it too much of the time. Mixing up coverages is essential in making the QB make the correct pre-snap reads, forcing QBs and receivers to make sight adjustments and hot reads, and slowing down a QB's progressions. Something we are seeing more and more of in the NFL are teams who are playing mixed coverages. For example, playing Cover 2, which is playing Cover 4 on one side and Cover 2 on the other side. I really think forcing a QB to take more time to recognize the Coverages is a huge key into stopping an offense.
I was typing fast........see the part where I said, "For example, playing Cover 2, ..." That should have read as "Cover 6." You can see what I wrote afterwards how it makes sense. Cover 4 on one side and Cover 2 on the other. I really apologize if I confused anyone. Sorry.
Just to note 100% of the Browns drafted players in 2022 appear to be 100% biological, with no bionic parts yet! I wonder if that will always be the case.