2020 Browns Draft : Welcome to the Andrew Berry era. Time to protect the quarterback :
Coming off the Freddie Kitchens disaster, Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry took the reins. The goal was to fix the offensive line, help Baker, and build a functional team
1. Jedrick Wills Jr. (10th overall, OT - Alabama)
The Browns needed a left tackle badly, and Wills was the pick. He transitioned from right tackle in college to the left side in Cleveland. His rookie year was solid, and he's been mostly okay since, some flashes of potential, but also inconsistency, effort questions, and injuries. Definitely not a bust, but hasn’t quite lived up to being a top 10 pick
2. Grant Delpit (44th overall, S - LSU)
Missed his rookie year with a torn Achilles, but came back in 2021 and has improved each season. By 2023, he was arguably the team’s best safety. Physical and a reliable tackler. Injuries are still a concern, but the talent’s real
3. Jordan Elliott (88th overall, DT - Missouri)
Never lived up to the hype. Started a bunch of games due to lack of depth but consistently got pushed around in the run game. A couple splash plays here and there, but mostly underwhelming
4. Jacob Phillips (97th overall, LB - LSU)
Tons of athletic upside, but couldn’t stay healthy. Flashed when he was on the field, but multiple injuries (including a torn pec) derailed his development
5. Harrison Bryant (115th overall, TE - FAU)
Solid TE2/TE3 option. Good hands, decent route runner, and a red zone weapon at times. Not a game-changer, but very useful in Stefanski’s multi-TE schemes
6. Nick Harris (160th overall, C - Washington)
Undersized but technically sound center. Looked like he might replace JC Tretter, but a knee injury wiped out 2022, and he hasn’t quite earned the starting job back. Decent quality depth though
7. Donovan Peoples-Jones (187th overall, WR - Michigan)
DPJ was a sixth-round gem. He developed into a reliable target with great hands and made some clutch plays, especially in 2022 when he had nearly 900 yards. Traded to Detroit in 2023, but the value here was excellent
Final Thoughts:
This was a grown-up draft. No wild swings, no risky personalities, just solid football players. Wills and Delpit were foundational pieces, and DPJ was incredible value in the 6th. The middle rounds were more miss than hit, but the philosophy somewhat worked
2021 Browns Draft : Browns start drafting like a playoff team, but did they :
The Browns were coming off their first playoff win in forever. We weren’t drafting to fix a disaster. Instead, drafting to add depth and build for the future. And it actually looked like a front office that knew what it was doing. Well so I thought
1. Greg Newsome II (26th overall, CB - Northwestern)
Newsome was a polished, versatile corner who could play inside and out. He looked great as a rookie and has continued to be a solid, sticky cover guy. Injuries have popped up occasionally, but when he’s healthy, he’s a major asset
2. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (52nd overall, LB - Notre Dame)
Stole him in the second round after some medical concerns caused a slide. JOK has elite burst and instincts, flying around the field like a heat-seeking missile. He’s not built for every scheme, but in Jim Schwartz’s system, he’s found a great fit. One of the most impactful defenders on the team in 2023
3. Anthony Schwartz (91st overall, WR - Auburn)
Never developed as a route runner or consistent pass catcher. Flashed once or twice on jet sweeps, but mostly looked overwhelmed. Cut before his third season
4. James Hudson III (110th overall, OT - Cincinnati)
Developmental swing tackle who’s had to step in multiple times due to injuries. Still growing, but has shown flashes as a capable backup. No longer on the team as he recently joined the Giants
5. Tommy Togiai (132nd overall, DT - Ohio State)
The Browns were thin at DT, so this made sense, but Togiai never really stood out. Struggled to anchor, didn’t generate pressure, and ended up getting waived
6. Tony Fields II (153rd overall, LB - West Virginia)
High-energy special teamer and solid depth piece. Not a full-time starter, but gave the Browns a few big moments in 2022. Eventually got moved on
7. Richard LeCounte III (169th overall, S - Georgia)
Had some flashes in preseason, but didn’t last. Off-field questions and poor practice habits reportedly played a role
8. Demetric Felton Jr. (211th overall, RB/WR - UCLA)
Versatile gadget guy who had a few fun moments in 2021, but never carved out a defined role
Final Thoughts:
Newsome and JOK are the clear hits, legit starters with playmaking upside. Schwartz was a total whiff, and the rest were mostly role players or misses. Still, two impact defenders from one draft is a win. You saw Berry’s strategy here : value, versatility, and athletic upside
2022 Browns Draft : Building for the Future With No First Round Pick :
The 2022 draft was all about filling needs with young talent, but it also came with its fair share of question marks. Let’s dive into how each pick played out
1. Martin Emerson (68th overall, CB - Mississippi State)
This pick has worked out well. Emerson showed he could be a long-term starter at corner, providing solid coverage and physicality. He quickly earned a starting role and had a productive rookie season. Emerson’s versatility and ability to make plays have turned him into one of the stronger picks from this class
2. Alex Wright (78th overall, DE - Alabama-Birmingham)
Wright came into the league with athletic traits but was still raw. He’s shown flashes of being a quality rotational edge rusher and could develop into a more consistent pass rusher with time. Needs to refine his technique, but his physical attributes give him upside. I still believe he'll play a big role in Cleveland if he can overcome the injury that hampered he's 2024 season
3. David Bell (99th overall, WR - Purdue)
Bell didn’t get much playing time as a rookie in a crowded receiver room. While he has great hands and is a polished route runner, his lack of speed and separation kept him from making an immediate impact. He still has the potential to carve out a role as a possession receiver or slot guy
4. Perrion Winfrey (108th overall, DT - Oklahoma)
A big disappointment. Winfrey came with a lot of hype after a strong senior season at Oklahoma, but he struggled to find his footing in the NFL. He played sparingly in his rookie year and showed very little disruption on the field. Off-field concerns didn’t help his case either, and the Browns released him after one season
5. Cade York (124th overall, K - LSU)
York had a rollercoaster rookie year. He showed off a big leg and some clutch moments but was too inconsistent, missing key kicks in tight games. He was quickly moved on
6. Jerome Ford (156th overall, RB - Cincinnati)
Ford showed some flashes in his rookie year, but it wasn’t until 2024 that he started to carve out a more significant role. As a backup to Nick Chubb until Chubb got hurt, Ford got more opportunities to carry the ball. While he had some solid moments, particularly in a more featured role in 2024, it became clear that he’s better suited for a backup role rather than being a future starter
7. Michael Woods II (202nd overall, WR - Oklahoma)
Woods didn’t see much action and didn’t make much of an impact in 2022. He was a developmental pick who was placed on the practice squad, but injuries and lack of production have kept him off the field. It's too early to call it a complete bust, but the odds are against him making a significant impact
8. Isaiah Thomas (223rd overall, DE - Oklahoma)
Another developmental edge rusher. Thomas didn’t get much time on the field but showed enough promise as a rotational piece to keep him around. If he can develop a more consistent pass-rush plan, he could contribute in the future, but he’s mostly a depth piece
9. Dawson Deaton (246th overall, OL - Texas Tech)
Deaton was a depth pick and ended up being a camp body in 2022. He didn’t see any meaningful playing time and was mostly a project who’s still in development. The Browns have plenty of depth along the O-line, so it’s unclear if Deaton will actually make an impact
Final Thoughts:
The 2022 draft is still in its early stages, but there are a few clear wins, like Martin Emerson, who looks like a building block. Alex Wright and David Bell both have the potential to carve out roles, but there were plenty of question marks with some of the picks, especially Perrion Winfrey and Michael Woods, who didn’t contribute much. Cade York’s rollercoaster rookie season didn't really work out. Overall, the class is still a work in progress
2023 Browns Draft: A Blend of Talent and Depth :
The Browns 2023 draft was focused on reinforcing both sides of the ball, with picks to help the offense and defense long term. There were solid selections that addressed needs, especially with depth on the O-line and D-line
1. Cedric Tillman (74th overall, WR - Tennessee)
Tillman came into Cleveland with great potential as a big-bodied receiver with solid hands and the ability to create mismatches in the red zone. His rookie season saw limited opportunities, but after a year of development and gaining a better understanding of the NFL game in 2024, Tillman showed considerable improvement. Heading into 2025, he’s expected to play a more significant role in the offense, possibly as a key contributor in the receiving corps. His size and ability to make plays down the field could become a valuable asset for the Browns, and his development in Year 2 sets him up for a bigger impact going forward
2. Siaki Ika (98th overall, DL - Baylor)
Ika came in with high expectations as a run-stuffing defensive tackle, known for his massive size and ability to clog up lanes. While he showed flashes of being able to eat up blockers and stop the run, his pass-rush abilities and overall impact were limited. Ika never fully lived up to his potential in Cleveland and was eventually moved off the roster. Although he was a solid depth option when he was on the team, his departure marked the end of his short stint with the Browns. His role on the team was never fully defined, and the Browns moved on after giving him a chance to develop
3. Dawand Jones (111th overall, OL - Ohio State)
Jones entered the NFL with the size and potential to be a dominant force on the offensive line. While expected to start as a depth piece early in his career, injuries to other players pushed him into a larger role sooner than expected. He quickly showcased his ability to protect the quarterback and create lanes in the running game. With his impressive size and skill set, Jones has proven to be more than just a backup, and it’s clear that he has the potential to be a starting tackle moving forward. Expecting him to continue developing into a key piece of the Browns’ O-line for years to come
4. Isaiah McGuire (126th overall, DL - Missouri)
McGuire brings a motor and edge-rushing ability that the Browns are looking for. He’s never going to replace Myles Garrett, but McGuire could continue to contribute as a rotational pass-rusher in the defensive line rotation. His ability to get after the quarterback is solid, and he could continue to help provide pressure from the opposite edge. His role might be situational, but if he continues to be consistent, McGuire could continue to be an impactful piece down the line
5. Dorian Thompson-Robinson (140th overall, QB - UCLA)
Dorian Thompson-Robinson entered the NFL with intrigue due to his mobility and arm strength, but he struggled to establish himself in Cleveland’s quarterback room. Despite his potential, he didn’t get significant playing time and was eventually traded to the Philadelphia Eagles
6. Cameron Mitchell (142nd overall, DB - Northwestern)
Mitchell is a versatile and physical corner who should bring depth to the secondary. His competitive nature and solid technique has given him the chance to contribute in sub-packages and special teams early. The Browns are building a deeper and more talented cornerback room, and Mitchell could continue to carve out a role in the rotation, especially in passing situations. While he’s not an immediate starter, he has the tools to be a valuable depth piece
7. Luke Wypler (190th overall, OL - Ohio State)
Wypler joined the Browns with solid potential as a versatile interior offensive lineman. However, he has yet to see significant playing time with the team. While his role has been limited so far, he still has the upside to develop into a depth piece for Cleveland’s O-line, or possibly even for another team down the line
Final Thoughts:
The 2023 draft class has the potential to contribute both now and in the future. Cedric Tillman showed promise and could play a bigger role in 2025, while Dawand Jones stepped up earlier than expected and is likely to be a starter moving forward. Siaki Ika didn’t work out, but the Browns moved on quickly. Players like Isaiah McGuire and Cameron Mitchell provide depth and could make an impact in the rotation. Luke Wypler has potential as a versatile depth piece on the O-line. Overall, this draft strengthened the Browns roster and provided valuable depth for the future
2024 Browns Draft : A Focus on Depth and Potential :
The 2024 NFL Draft was a key moment for the Browns, with no first round pick, the team looked to bolster both sides of the ball. After a year of development, here’s how the rookies performed and what we can expect moving forward
1. Michael Hall (54th overall, DT - Ohio State)
Hall showed impressive flashes during his rookie season, quickly becoming a rotational piece on the defensive line. His combination of strength and explosiveness allowed him to contribute in both run defense and passing situations. By the end of the season, Hall had established himself as a reliable depth option, and his role is expected to grow in Year 2. If he continues to develop, he could emerge as a starter in the near future
2. Zak Zinter (85th overall, OL - Michigan)
Zinter had a solid rookie season, showing good versatility and earning a spot in the O-line rotation. He was able to step in and contribute when injuries hit the offensive line, showcasing his ability to play both guard positions. While he wasn’t a starter, his development during his first season has set him up for a more prominent role in the future
3. Jamari Thrash (156th overall, WR - Louisville)
Thrash had a quiet rookie season, seeing limited playing time but still flashing potential as a deep threat. He didn’t make a significant impact on the offense, but his speed and ability to stretch the field were evident in practices and a few game appearances. With further development, Thrash could become a more prominent role player for the offense, especially in deep ball situations
4. Nathaniel Watson (206th overall, LB - Mississippi State)
Watson saw limited action during his rookie season, primarily contributing on special teams. While he didn’t have much of an impact on defense, his energy and leadership were noticed. Moving forward, Watson will need to continue refining his skills, but he could eventually earn a bigger role in the linebacker rotation if he shows continued growth
5. Myles Harden (227th overall, DB - South Dakota)
Harden spent most of his rookie season as a practice squad player, getting a feel for the NFL game. He showed promise with his athleticism but lacked the necessary experience to see significant action. It’s still early in his development, and he’ll need more time to adjust. However, he remains a long-term project for the Browns secondary, with the potential to contribute in the future if he develops his technique
6. Jowon Briggs (243rd overall, DE - Cincinnati)
Briggs saw a small amount of action as a depth piece on the defensive line but didn’t make a major impact in his rookie season. He has the size and strength to contribute in a rotational role, but he’ll need to refine his skills to become a more consistent factor
Final Thoughts:
The 2024 draft class showed some promise in its first season, with Michael Hall leading the way as an immediate contributor on the defensive line. Zak Zinter proved to be a reliable depth option on the O-line, while Jamari Thrash’s potential as a deep threat was evident, even though he didn’t make a huge impact right away. Nathaniel Watson, Myles Harden, and Jowon Briggs had quiet rookie seasons but still offer developmental upside. Overall, this class has the potential to contribute more in the coming years
2012 Browns Supplemental Draft :
The Browns took a chance by selecting Josh Gordon, bringing in a talented but raw wide receiver from Utah. Gordon had a troubled past, including a college suspension, but his potential was undeniable
Gordon quickly made a name for himself in Cleveland. In 2013, he put up an amazing 1,646 receiving yards in just 14 games, becoming one of the top wide receivers in the league. He was a major part of the Browns offense and could stretch the field like few others. However, his career was derailed by multiple off-field issues, including suspensions for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Even with those setbacks, when he was on the field, Gordon was clearly one of the most talented receivers the Browns ever had
While his time in Cleveland was short-lived due to his off-field problems, there’s no denying Gordon’s talent. The Browns took a gamble on him in the Supplemental Draft, and for a while it really paid off
His 2013 season, in particular stands out as one of the most impressive individual seasons in Browns history, even if his overall career didn’t live up to its full potential
Ranking the 20 Biggest Browns Busts Since 1999 :
So I’m doing what any lifelong fan with too much time and emotional damage would do, ranking our biggest draft busts. This isn’t a celebration. It’s a therapy session
Every one of these picks added another layer to the pain. And I’m not just looking at stats here, I’m factoring in where they were picked, who we passed on, how bad the miss was, and how much false hope they gave us before crashing and burning
I don’t care what these guys did after they left Cleveland. If they figured it out later, great, but it doesn’t erase what they didn’t do here
Could I have ranked every pick since 1999 from best to worst. Sure, but I still value my mental health a little bit
Here's my 20 biggest Browns draft busts since the return. Grab a drink. Let’s suffer together
1. Justin Gilbert (1st round, 8th overall - 2014)
The Manziel drama stole the headlines, but this was the bigger disaster. Gilbert had elite measurables, fast, long, smooth, but he played like someone who didn’t care. Zero instincts. Bad effort. Completely checked out. He was more interested in Call of Duty than covering receivers. This is what happens when you draft pure athleticism without the mindset. He flamed out fast and made almost no impact
2. Brandon Weeden (1st round, 22nd overall - 2012)
The second-oldest player on the roster the day we drafted him. That should’ve been a clue. He had a big arm and nothing else. Couldn’t handle pressure, stared down receivers, moved like he was stuck in cement. His rookie debut ended with him getting trapped under the giant American flag. That pretty much summed up his career. Never looked like an NFL QB, let alone a first-round one
3. Johnny Manziel (1st round, 22nd overall - 2014)
We talked ourselves into the swagger, the highlights, the magic. But it was all noise. Johnny was more committed to partying than preparing. Showed up late (or not at all), made zero progress reading defenses, and flamed out in embarrassing fashion. Talent was real, but the mentality was miles away from NFL-ready. Just a mess from start to finish
4. Courtney Brown (1st round, 1st overall - 2000)
Looked like the prototype defensive end: long, powerful, explosive. But his body never cooperated. Injuries were constant. He totaled just 17 sacks in five seasons. The Browns took him #1 overall over guys like LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Urlacher, and John Abraham. That’s tough to swallow. Could’ve been special, but we never saw it
5. Trent Richardson (1st round, 3rd overall - 2012)
Built like a truck, ran like a lawnmower stuck in mud. For every highlight at Alabama, there were two “what is he doing?” runs in Cleveland. He had zero vision, no explosion, and looked worse every game. Somehow, the Colts gave us a first-round pick for him
6. Gerard Warren (1st round, 3rd overall - 2001)
“Big Money” had all the tools but none of the drive. He was supposed to be a dominant interior lineman. Instead, he coasted. We passed on Richard Seymour to take him. Never played with urgency, never developed any real consistency, and always felt like a guy who should’ve been better than he was. Coaches bought in, fans didn’t
7. Brady Quinn (1st round, 22nd overall - 2007)
Looked like the next face of the franchise. Hometown kid. Said all the right things. But once the games started, he was just bad. Mechanics broke down, missed open guys, couldn’t throw with anticipation. Traded up to get him and got almost nothing back. Ended up benched behind Derek Anderson. Huge letdown
8. Corey Coleman (1st round, 15th overall - 2016)
Speed for days, hands made of stone. Couldn’t stay on the field and couldn’t catch when he was. In he's final moment he dropped the game-winning touchdown in Week 17. That was his Browns career in a nutshell. We took him over Michael Thomas
9. Tim Couch (1st round, 1st overall - 1999)
This one hurts. Couch had talent, quick release, toughness, leadership, but we threw him to the wolves. No O-line, no weapons, no support. He got hit more than any QB I’ve ever seen. His confidence and body broke down. He’s not a bust by talent. He’s a bust because we ruined him
10. Kellen Winslow Jr. (1st round, 6th overall - 2004)
Could’ve been elite. But the attitude and the injuries wrecked him. He was already clashing with teammates and coaches before that brutal motorcycle accident. Then came the famous “I’m a soldier!” press conference and the inconsistent play. Just never put it all together. Wild talent, wasted opportunity
11. Barkevious Mingo (1st round, 6th overall - 2013)
Looked like a freak athlete. But he was allergic to contact. An edge rusher who couldn’t shed blocks or get to the QB. Had no pass-rush moves. Zero impact despite being a top-10 pick. Somehow stayed in the league for years, but never came close to being what he was supposed to be
12. William Green (1st round, 16th overall - 2002)
Flashes of promise early, but way too inconsistent. Off-field problems piled up. Never became the feature back we needed. The low point was getting stabbed by his fiancee with a steak knife during the season. Yeah, it was that kind of era
13. David Veikune (2nd round, 52nd overall - 2009)
This one still makes no sense. Raw linebacker from Hawaii. Wasn’t productive in college, wasn’t projected to go this high. Played 10 games, didn’t record a single stat. Not one. Just a total bust. The Mangini years were something else
14. Brian Robiskie (2nd round, 36th overall - 2009)
The “NFL-ready” wideout from Ohio State. Never got open. Never made plays. Just kind of ran routes and disappeared. He looked like a guy who should’ve had a solid 8-year career. He didn’t. Brutally forgettable
15. Montario Hardesty (2nd round, 59th overall - 2010)
We traded up to get him, and his knees fell apart instantly. Every time he flashed some talent, another injury followed. Had all the tools to be productive, but his body just said no. Classic “if he stayed healthy” guy. But he didn’t
16. Dwayne Rudd (Not a draft pick, but an all-timer - 2002)
I know, he wasn’t a draft pick. But he’s on here because of that moment. The helmet toss against the Chiefs cost us a win, and maybe the playoffs. That single play deserves to be in the Pain Hall of Fame
17. Shon Coleman (3rd round, 76th overall - 2016)
Supposed to be the right tackle of the future. Played one full season, looked lost most of the time. Penalties were constant. Struggled in both pass pro and the run game. Just never looked ready
18. Travis Prentice (3rd round, 63rd overall - 2000)
Drafted to be a mid-round steal. Wasn’t. Got traded after one year and never did much again. Another name in a long line of early 2000s guys who didn’t pan out and faded quickly
19. Greg Little (2nd round, 59th overall - 2011)
Big, athletic receiver with major upside. But he couldn’t catch the ball. Simple as that. Every game featured at least one brutal drop. Never developed, never improved. Just another “what could’ve been” guy in a long list
20. D’Qwell Jackson (2nd round, 34th overall - 2006)
This one’s controversial. Jackson was solid. Racked up tackles. But we passed on Nick Mangold to trade down and take him, and Mangold would’ve anchored our O-line for a decade. Jackson was fine. Mangold would’ve been a game-changer. That’s the regret
Final Thoughts:
From Couch to Manziel to Gilbert, this team has turned premium draft capital into pain like no one else. Some guys never had a chance. Others had all the tools and just didn’t care. Different reasons, same results, same heartbreak
Conclusion :
Looking back at all 219 picks, it’s honestly crazy how the Browns kept finding new ways to mess up the draft. New coaches, new front offices, new plans, but the same results. Too many reaches, too many guys who didn’t belong, and not enough patience to build things the right way. It wasn’t just bad luck. It was bad decisions, plain and simple
And still Browns fans keep showing up. We keep watching, hoping, arguing over mock drafts and highlight reels, because we know that all it takes is one great draft class to flip the whole thing. We’ve seen it happen in other cities
This years draft is so important. For the first time in what feels like forever, the Browns actually have a first-round pick. No excuses. No waiting around while other teams add blue-chip talent. This is Andrew Berry’s shot to prove he can hit on a full draft class, not just find late-round steals or patch holes with trades
Because let’s be real, Berry’s done a mixture of good and bad things, yes the drafts haven’t been perfect. Outside of a few solid picks like JOK and Martin Emerson, we haven’t seen enough long-term impact.
Now, with a real chance to land a difference-maker at 2nd overall, the pressure is on. Berry’s not just drafting for depth this time. He’s drafting for his job. This roster has talent, but it needs youth, upside, and real contributors on rookie deals if we want to be competitive long-term.
This class could define the next few years, for better or worse.
Join our mailing list and we'll keep you posted on everything the land has to offer!
