Browns Draft Grades
Now that all 7 rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft have been completed, it’s time to take a quick look back at the Cleveland Browns picks. The biggest needs coming into the weekend were along the defensive front, as well as wide receiver. The Browns ended up making nine selections, none in the first two rounds, so let’s see how they did and look at the Browns Draft Grade.
68th Overall Selection (Rd3) Martin Emerson, CB, Miss. St.
Emerson is a tall, long corner that has below-average timed speed. During his career at Mississippi St. he only managed one interception, and that was during his freshman season. However, he still managed to finish with an 89.6 coverage grade, according to PFF, which was 2nd best in the SEC. He’s also a solid tackler, who isn’t afraid to come and help out in the run game. I personally feel like this was a bit of a stretch, especially considering players like Chad Muma, Travis Jones, and Tariq Woolen were still on the board.
Grade: C
78th Overall Selection (Rd3) Alex Wright, DE, UAB
Wright is a long DE with good speed and bend. He also does a good job of setting the edge, and showed the ability to play anywhere along the defensive front. However, with just 11.5 sacks in three seasons, he still has room to grow as a pass rusher. Wright should get plenty of one-on-one chances though, playing opposite of Myles Garrett. Still, in this spot, I would have been more of a fan of Cameron Thomas or Jalen Tolbert.
Grade: C+
99th Overall Selection (Rd3) David Bell, WR, Purdue
With their final third round pick, the Browns snagged Purdue’s David Bell who was the best available wide receiver at the time. While he’s more quick than fast, Bell is a good route runner and possesses excellent hands. With Amari Cooper and Donavan Peoples-Jones already in the room, he should slide nicely into the slot role.
Grade: A
108th Overall Selection (Rd4) Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
Winfrey was a guy I had my eyes on as soon as the third rounded ended, as many had mocked him as a potential second round selection. With long arms, active hands, and good initial quickness, Winfrey is a problem in the run game. He’s also more serviceable with his pass rush than his stats show. Perrion also turned heads at the Senior Bowl, turning in what most considered a MVP performance over the week.
Grade: A
124th Overall Selection (Rd4) Cade York, K, LSU
This was a tough selection for me to process. Yes, York was considered the best kicking prospect in the draft. And yes, we did watch the Bengals get to a Super Bowl with their rookie kicker coming up clutch in the playoffs. And no, the Browns haven’t had consistent kicking since they let Phil Dawson walk away. And yes one more time, there was a small run on specialist after this selection. But I had to watch the Ravens select Isaiah Likely just a few picks later, and it really hurt. Still York was 15 of 19 on kicks greater than 50 yards at LSU, and even has experience with punting and kickoffs.
Grade: B
156th Overall Selection (Rd5) Jerome Ford, RB, Cincinnati
If there was one position that the Browns shouldn’t have been worried about, it was running back. With Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, D’Ernest Johnson, and even 2021 pick Demetric Felton the RB room seemed set. Even more confusing considering the solid options of D’Marco Jackson and Damone Clark being on the board at the time. Regardless, Ford brings good awareness and has the ability to hit an extra gear in the open field. But, he’ll need to improve as a pass catcher out of the backfield.
Grade: C+
202nd Overall Selection (Rd6) Michael Woods II, WR, Oklahoma
While lacking elite top-end speed, Woods is still at his best on vertical routes. He does a good job of tracking the ball on deeper throws, and competes well on 50-50 balls. He’ll have a chance to compete for a spot on the backend of a revamped WR room.
Grade: B-
223rd Overall Selection (Rd7) Isaiah Thomas, DE, Oklahoma
Thomas was one of the first reports I worked for Draft Dive. So seeing his name pop up on the screen for my favorite team was a cool experience. Isaiah is serviceable against both the run and the pass. However, he can struggle when attacked directly and always left me wanting a little more. I had Thomas projected higher, so I think the value at this spot is tremendous.
Grade: A-
246th Overall Selection (Rd7) Dawson Deaton, C, Texas Tech
Deaton does a nice job of latching on and staying with his defender in pass protection. In the run game he shows a good feel for angles. However, he does have short arms allowing the defenders to get in one his body. He’ll have a chance to compete with Nick Harris for the starting Center role.
Grade: C
Browns Draft Grade Overall: B
While I would have liked to see a linebacker and/or tight end selected, I give the Browns credit for addressing their biggest needs. I easily see four names that I believe should be able to contribute this season, as the Browns attempt to bounce back from a disappointing 2021 campaign.
Browns Draft Grade, Analyst-Brandon Claburn
