CLEVELAND BROWNS POST-DRAFT TEAM GUIDE

The Cleveland Browns continue to revamp the franchise with their analytically driven approach. Last season was a step in the right direction: They earned a trip to the playoffs, even upsetting their rivals in the wild-card round. 

Cleveland also had an outstanding draft, where the team added more pieces to an already talented roster. All of this has left, maybe the NFL’s most passionate fan base, optimistic about the new Cleveland Browns. 

Here are Cleveland's draft picks:

Round 1: Greg Newsome, CB, Northwestern 

In a league that has become increasingly focused on passing the football, a team can ever have too many cornerbacks. Greedy Williams has injury concerns, so adding Greg Newsome to the mix is a great pick. He brings some size and length to the position. He steps in and competes with Williams for a starting role opposite Denzel Ward. While both need to remain healthy—and it may take Newsome two years to develop into the player he can become—Newsome figures to be the starter in the long run.

Round 2: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was slotted to be selected in the first round of the draft. While heart issues caused him to slip to Round 2, Cleveland able to get clearance from its medical staff and draft an electric and exciting weakside linebacker. Owusu-Koramoah will work well in the team’s 4-3 scheme. This is one of those picks where need meets value, as Cleveland’s linebacker corps was arguably the weakest unit on its defense.

Round 3: Anthony Schwartz, WR, Auburn

Anthony Schwartz is one of the most explosive players in this year’s draft class. With his world-class speed, he is a threat to take the top off at any given time. His legitimate speed threat will also help the running game. This feels somewhat like an insurance selection in the event that Odell Beckham Jr. isn’t in the team’s long-term plans with his high salary-cap number.

Round 4: James Hudson, OT, Cincinnati

James Hudson is a converted defensive lineman who is still learning the nuance of the position. He’s raw but has a good foundational base of athleticism to work with. He performed admirably at the Senior Bowl and looks to provide good depth by Year 2 as he continues to develop with the intricate details of the position.

Round 4: Tommy Togiai, IDL, Ohio State

Sheldon Richardson’s absence—after Cleveland released him in April—may initially hurt this defensive line; Richardson was a significant part of the team’s resurgence. However, Tommy Togiai gives them a two-down, interior presence that will help stop the run, which has been Cleveland’s Achilles heel. Cleveland has shown an affinity for Ohio State players, who the fan base revers from their collegiate days.

Round 5: Tony Fields II, LB, West Virginia

Tony Fields II played his first three collegiate seasons at Arizona before transferring to West Virginia. There, he became the team’s leading tackler for the 2021 season. Cleveland linebacker corps was a big concern in 2020 and there’s a reason it double-dipped here; adding another linebacker will provide quality depth and be a good core special teams addition.

Round 5: Richard LeCounte II, S, Georgia

Richard LeCounte is a good but slightly undersized football player. He may have been selected higher in the draft but an injury after a motorcycle accident left his status somewhat uncertain. As we know, medical information has been more difficult to attain after a COVID-19-impacted pre-draft process. Nonetheless, he will be a rotational player by his second year and will provide playmaking ability in the passing game.

Round 6: Demetric Felton, RB, UCLA

Demetric Felton can be classified as an offensive weapon. He played running back at UCLA and, during the Senior Bowl, proved he can also play slot receiver. He is the type of shifty slot receiver that will bring an added dynamic element to this offense. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the roster by Year 1.