Cleveland Browns NFL Draft Grade and Recap
By Joe Wedra
Nov 29, 2014; Evanston, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Mike Dudek (18) is pushed out of bounds by Northwestern Wildcats safety Ibraheim Campbell (24) during the first half at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Northwestern. Ibraheim Campbell. 115. player. 53. With their first pick in the 4th round, this seemed like just a bit of a reach. Campbell can play in the box, but his athleticism and overall ability to keep up in the NFL is questionable. The question is simple: can he keep up in coverage? Playing near the line of scrimmage with passion will be his forte. Ultimately, too many questions linger regarding his NFL-readiness. Not to mention, the Browns have two impressive safeties already in line. <strong>Grade: C</strong> . SS
player. 53. Do you think the scouting department did their work on Washington State this year? The second prospect from the school, Mayle has a tremendous amount of upside. With very good size and ability to grow as a receiver, the kid can play on special teams right away. Good value, good fit = good grade. <strong>Grade: A</strong>. WR. Washington State. Vince Mayle. 123
CB. Louisville. Charles Gaines. 189. player. 53. More value here. Gaines suffered a serious fall, but the Browns were ready to snatch him here when he fell into their laps. Despite size, it’s hard to a find a knock that would be big enough to analyze a slide like this. Either way, Cleveland couldn’t go wrong here. <strong>Grade: A</strong>
195. player. 53. Johnson was relatively unknown to the media-based scouts, making it tough to give an evaluation. The great Dane Brugler of CBS Sports had limited notes as well, but <a href=. TE. Mississippi State. Malcolm Johnson
TE. USC. Randall Telfer. 198. player. 53. There’s limited tape that shows that Telfer can do in the passing game, but his blocking abilities are unquestioned. Adding a piece to assist the running game is a good move here, regardless of not adding a true passing game weapon. <strong>Grade: A-</strong>
player. 53. Have a weekend, Cleveland Browns! Pullard was an integral part of the Trojans defense for much of his time at USC, giving the middle of the unit an excellent leader and presence. For Cleveland to add talent of Pullard’s level at #219 is unfair. The grade will be labeled accordingly. <strong>Grade: A+</strong>. LB. USC. Hayes Pullard. 219
241. player. 53. Unreal. Let’s just leave it at that. Ekpre-Olomu will need a redshirt year, but may emerge as one of the best corners of this class. If his knee holds up and he morphs into the player he was at his peak at Oregon, he’ll go down as the most successful #241 pick in NFL Draft history. <strong>Grade: A</strong>. CB. Oregon. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu
Fantastic. There’s no other way to put it. Cleveland did their scouting, and had prospects fall right into their laps through the entire process.
Absolutely incredible job by the Cleveland brass, taking steps to compete in the AFC North.
FINAL GRADE
A. It’s hard to see this class dwindling down to simply one or two great picks. One of the best groups in the league.