How I Feel about the Browns’ Draft
After several months of reports, smokescreens, and debate – the 2017 NFL Draft is in the books. The Browns came away with ten selections and have improved their team overall (but all franchises can say that). Let’s go a little more in depth regarding their selections.
Day 1 Picks:
Myles Garrett was a no brainer selection; I am glad the Browns made him their choice and look for him to play well immediately. I am eager to see him coming off the edge opposite Emmanuel Ogbah and disrupting opposing quarterbacks. Jabril Peppers was a bit of a stretch when taken at the twenty-fifth selection, but I will give him a chance. After thinking about it, Gregg Williams should be able to find a role for Peppers (likely at strong safety). I have no doubts he can support the run and can make plays with the football in his hands. However, I still worry about his pass coverage. David Njoku was a value pick and his athletic ability is unmatched. He might take a year to develop but he might be a dominant tight end in this league. At the end of the day, how much better are O.J. Howard and Malik Hooker than the two guys the Browns chose? If the orange and brown secured a pair of athletes with little drop-off than the two aforementioned players – the trade down was worth it.
Day 2 Picks:
I will admit that I have never been a huge Deshone Kizer fan, but as is the same with Peppers – I will give the signal caller a chance. The fact that the team waited and did not force the pick for a quarterback speaks volumes about the front office. If he isn’t the guy, then try it again next year. At least the team did not mortgage the future in the process of the draft. Larry Ogunjobi is a guy I really did not whole a ton about prior to the draft. After hearing his story, I am pulling for the guy and would like to see him line up opposite Danny Shelton at some point.
Day 3 Picks:
Two guys who stand out are Howard Wilson and Caleb Brantley. The former is a cornerback who, despite being a one year starter, could compete in this secondary. I do not have tremendous faith in him immediately, but he could surprise me and the coaching staff alike. Brantley is an enigma; he has a second round talent but his pending misdemeanor for assault is something to worry about. I hope the team did their homework, as wasting a draft selection is not anything this franchise can afford.
Conclusion: I would rate the Browns draft as a B overall, but looking at the values (of the players) they got – an A is not out of the question. I’m already for the group to suit up and begin practicing, but I know I now have to wait several months…