2019 NFL Draft Review: Cleveland Browns

An interesting offseason for the Cleveland Browns got even more interesting at the conclusion of the 2019 NFL Draft. Here is a review of their draft haul.

After what appeared to be a turning of the tide for the Cleveland Browns during the 2018 season, now a franchise laced with losing season after losing season is on the verge of something. On the verge of something great.

Last year’s draft class for the Browns brought them a franchise quarterback (Baker Mayfield), an old school running back capable of engineering a productive run game (Nick Chubb), and an athletic cornerback who can elevate the secondary (Denzel Ward). This year’s class is sure to add more pieces to the puzzle for the Browns and allow the franchise to take another important step back towards the days of winning.

Time to analyze the newest members of the Cleveland Browns from the 2019 NFL Draft.

All selections

1. Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
2. Sione Takitaki, LB, BYU
3. Sheldrick Redwine, S, Miami
4. Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama
5. Austin Seibert, K, Oklahoma
6. Drew Forbes, OL, Southeast Missouri State
7. Donnie Lewis Jr., CB, Tulane

Best Pick: LSU CB Greedy Willams, 2nd Round, 46th Overall

Since Cleveland was not equipped with a first round pick thanks to the retrieval of an elite receiver earlier, their perceived likelihood of landing one of the best in the entire draft was likely minimal. Lo and behold, luck was on the Browns’ side when LSU cornerback Greedy Williams was available for them in the middle of the second round.

Just like Ward in last year’s draft, Williams was considered by many as the cream of the crop at cornerback in this year’s edition. Williams is a tall, lean cornerback with elite 4.37 speed and coverage ability to be special. The red flags are mostly known now (tackling ability, effort level) but there is little debate that he is disruptive as a defender. The Browns walked away with a pot of gold with this selection.

Underrated Pick: Alabama LB Mack Wilson, 5th Round, 155th Overall

The Browns linebacker corps was solid enough prior to the draft but it improved notably afterwards thanks to this selection in my opinion. Wilson was listed as one of the top linebackers in the draft but fell to the fifth round, right into the laps of the Browns.

Wilson is a thumper. A hard-nosed linebacker who brings the hard hat. Something that the Browns fans will appreciate. With the upgrades on the defensive line, Wilson can be allowed to free flow and hunt. The Browns received second round value in the fifth round with this selection.

Analysis: The Browns did not have a load of picks and as mentioned earlier, did not have a first rounder. Yet, they still exited the draft with arguably the best corner in the draft, depth in the secondary in defensive back Sheldrick Redwine, a future starter at middle linebacker in Wilson and one of the best kickers in the draft in Austin Seibert.

This draft class may not be a foundational one as the 2018 class may have been but it plugged a few holes here and there for a team that is gradually rounding into shape as a whole.