Cleveland Browns (Last Year: 11-6)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
C- GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: With no picks in the first or fourth rounds, the Browns would do well to trade down from their first pick, which is at No. 54. Cleveland has to focus on upgrading the defense, which improved last year with some short-term solutions. Better players for the long term are needed.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Cleveland made just two selections in the first 155 picks, so it hurt that the initial choice wasn’t very exciting. That was Michael Hall, a talented player with off-the-field issues. Hall was expected to slip into the third round, so the Browns reached at No. 54. They at least made up for it with the third-round choice, Zak Zinter, who would have been drafted earlier if he didn’t have a recent injury.
I can’t say I’m excited about Cleveland’s draft class. Of course, it’s difficult to be in general with just two picks in the top 155, but there wasn’t a single selection made that will definitely help the team in 2024. I liked the Nathaniel Watson pick at No. 206 the most, but he’s a sixth-round pick, so he’s not expected to produce as a rookie either. There’s a chance that Watson, Zinter and Hall contribute later in their careers, but the Browns are an expected playoff team, so the wait isn’t exactly ideal.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
54. Michael Hall, DT, Ohio State – C- Grade
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.
85. Zak Zinter, G, Michigan – B+ Grade
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.
156. Jamari Thrash, WR, Louisville – B- Grade
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.
206. Nathaniel Watson, LB, Mississippi State – A- Grade
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.
227. Myles Harden, CB, South Dakota – B+ Grade
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.
243. Jowon Briggs, DT, Cincinnati – B Grade
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.
Season Summary:
The Browns went through a myriad of quarterbacks last year in the wake of Deshaun Watson’s injury before settling on Joe Flacco. Things were promising until a blowout defeat in the opening round of the playoffs. Watson will be back next season, but he didn’t exactly look great prior to his injury last year.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Wide Receiver: Elijah Moore wasn’t quite the No. 2 receiver the Browns were hoping for, so they’ll need to find someone better to complement Amari Cooper. Traded for Jerry Jeudy
- Defensive End: Za’Darius Smith was a great complement to Myles Garrett last year, but he’s due to hit free agency.
- Linebacker: Anthony Walker is another key free agent-to-be. He was sorely missed late last season when he suffered an injury. Signed Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush
- Defensive Tackle: Cleveland has a couple of defensive tackles who will leave if they’re not re-signed, namely Shelby Harris and Maurice Hurst. Signed Quinton Jefferson
- Quarterback: The Browns need to figure out their backup quarterback situation behind Deshaun Watson. Joe Flacco is an impending free agent. Signed Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley
- Cornerback Depth: Depth is needed at the position just in case Denzel Ward gets hurt again like he did at the end of the year.
- Punter: Corey Bojorquez will need to be replaced if he leaves as well.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Cleveland Browns Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
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