The Cleveland Browns Offseason
The Good: Signing John Johnson III
The Cleveland Browns front seven has been monstrous the past two seasons with their only real issues being the secondary. The Browns have slowly but surely improved the secondary through the draft and free agency but John Johnson III could be the final piece to their defensive puzzle. He'll make the back end of the defense one of the best in the AFC and could push the Browns over the edge as a Super Bowl contender.
The Bad: Losing Larry Ogunjobi
The Cleveland Browns lost Larry Ogunjobi in free agency which does leave a considerable hole in the middle of the front seven. Ogunjobi proved himself to be an above average defensive lineman in the NFL with Cleveland with a good presence against both run and pass defense. The Browns will have to find his replacement in the draft and hope said player can quickly fill the space left behind.
The Ugly: Signing Troy Hill
The Browns have done a great job in free agency but the Troy Hill move to me is confusing. Troy Hill is a decent slot cornerback in the NFL but paying slot corners has yet to be a reliable investment in the pros. Troy Hill played in a defense that featured star talent all around him like Jalen Ramsey, Aaron Donald, and his teammate in John Johnson III. Hopefully he carves out a big role in Cleveland's defense but he's certainly going to have to do more on the Browns than he did in LA.
Offseason Grade (Pre Draft): B+
NFL Draft Summary
Day 1 Grade: C+
Selection: Greg Newsome IIThe Browns had a need at cornerback and drafted Greg Newsome II on Day 1 of the draft. Greg Newsome II is a decent pick in Day 1 as he brings good coverage skills and exceptional athleticism but he needs considerable refinement in his technique, he's only had one year of solid production, and he doesn't appear to have the ball skills required to be a game changer in the pros. He'll carve out a role as a rotational outside cornerback but will need to prove in games that he can come down with the football.
Day 2 Grade: A+
Selections: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Anthony SchwartzThe Browns easily had the best pick in Day with the selection of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah late in the 2nd round. Owusu-Koramoah is a freakish athlete at linebacker that plays with exceptional vigor and aggression and only fell because he's an undersized linebacker. He'll be a menace in the front 7 and will be a playmaker early for them. Anthony Schwartz is believed to be the fastest offensive player in this draft and could make an impact in the return game but he'll struggle to find playing time early with the Browns packed receiving corps.
Day 3 Grade: B
Selections: James Hudson, Tommy Togiai, Tony Fields II, Richard LeCounte III, Demetric Felton
The Browns made good picks in Day 3 of the draft that will provide quality depth for their talented roster. James Hudson is an athletic offensive tackle with a mean streak but is currently very raw and will need time to develop, luckily though the Browns currently have a talented group which means he has plenty of time to sharpen his game. Tommy Togiai is a run stuffing 1-tech in its purest form and could carve out a role early in short yardage scenarios. Tony Fields III is a fast hard hitting linebacker that is going to be decent depth in their rotation as well as a potential special teams ace. Richard LeCounte III is a good depth pick at safety who's going to struggle to find time with the investments the Browns have made at that position. Demetric Felton might carve out a role on special teams if he proves himself in camp and will likely find action as a return man.
Selection: Greg Newsome IIThe Browns had a need at cornerback and drafted Greg Newsome II on Day 1 of the draft. Greg Newsome II is a decent pick in Day 1 as he brings good coverage skills and exceptional athleticism but he needs considerable refinement in his technique, he's only had one year of solid production, and he doesn't appear to have the ball skills required to be a game changer in the pros. He'll carve out a role as a rotational outside cornerback but will need to prove in games that he can come down with the football.
Day 2 Grade: A+
Selections: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Anthony SchwartzThe Browns easily had the best pick in Day with the selection of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah late in the 2nd round. Owusu-Koramoah is a freakish athlete at linebacker that plays with exceptional vigor and aggression and only fell because he's an undersized linebacker. He'll be a menace in the front 7 and will be a playmaker early for them. Anthony Schwartz is believed to be the fastest offensive player in this draft and could make an impact in the return game but he'll struggle to find playing time early with the Browns packed receiving corps.
Day 3 Grade: B
Selections: James Hudson, Tommy Togiai, Tony Fields II, Richard LeCounte III, Demetric Felton
The Browns made good picks in Day 3 of the draft that will provide quality depth for their talented roster. James Hudson is an athletic offensive tackle with a mean streak but is currently very raw and will need time to develop, luckily though the Browns currently have a talented group which means he has plenty of time to sharpen his game. Tommy Togiai is a run stuffing 1-tech in its purest form and could carve out a role early in short yardage scenarios. Tony Fields III is a fast hard hitting linebacker that is going to be decent depth in their rotation as well as a potential special teams ace. Richard LeCounte III is a good depth pick at safety who's going to struggle to find time with the investments the Browns have made at that position. Demetric Felton might carve out a role on special teams if he proves himself in camp and will likely find action as a return man.
