Browns 2022 Draft Grades: Boomer Sooner

Browns 2022 Draft Grades

The Cleveland Browns find themselves in an unfamiliar place during the 2022 NFL Draft. They’ve done an outstanding job stacking their roster with young talent and as a result, there are not a lot of areas of need for this team. It worked out, as the Browns didn’t have a pick until the third round due to the Deshaun Watson trade. That being said, they had three third-round picks that helped them add depth to their already talented roster. Here’s how those draft selections fit in Cleveland with the Browns 2022 draft grades.

Browns 2022 Draft Grades

Round 3, No. 68: Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State

With the first of the three aforementioned third-round picks, the Browns selected cornerback Martin Emerson. Many believe they over-drafted here for a player with many limitations. Although he has good size and length, he lacks good ball skills and struggles mightily in off coverage. This is a player that would have likely been available later in the draft.

Round 3, No. 78: Alex Wright, EDGE, UAB

While Wright fills an area of need at pass rusher, he too was over-drafted. Wright has outstanding length and athletic upside, however he really needs to improve his strength to be a consistent inline player. He’s likely two years away from being a consistent, productive contributor.

Round 3, No. 99: David Bell, WR, Purdue

With their final third-round pick, the Browns addressed the offensive side of the ball, taking wide receiver David Bell of Purdue. While Bell was extremely productive, he lacks good speed and dynamic agility. He was again, an overdraft, and would have likely been available on Day 3. Nonetheless, he’s another body to assist with the departure of Jarvis Landry.

Round 4, No. 108: Perrion Winfrey, DL, Oklahoma

With their pick in the 4th round, Cleveland selected defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey, who earned some buzz and momentum after his showing at the Senior Bowl. It was there he displayed his pass rush upside leaving coaches optimistic about his outlook in a single-gap system. This pick offered good value for a good player at a position that’s been depleted for the Browns. Re-signing one of their own veterans may be an intriguing option for Winfrey to learn from.

Round 4, No. 124: Cade York, K, LSU.

Here comes the kicker. While Cade York has a big-time leg, I question the value here. They could have added a more impactful player on either side of the ball, while still selecting York later in the draft or as an undrafted free agent.

Round 5, No. 156: Jerome Ford, RB, Cincinnati

Ford enters a running back room that already has two of the best ball carriers in the NFL: Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. This room also features a part-time role for Demetric Felton but adding Ford allows them to give Felton more time as a slot wide receiver and adds another body to that room. Ford will likely need to roster by way of special teams.

Round 6, No. 202: Michael Woods, WR, Oklahoma

Woods is another wide receiver selection for a room that is in need of quality depth. He is a long shot to make the 53-man roster but could earn a roster spot by year two.

Round 7, No. 223: Isaiah Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

The Browns dipped heavily into the Oklahoma well this draft, selecting Thomas with their first seventh-round pick. Thomas adds another depth piece in a position of need on the edge and gives Cleveland options in the event that Jadaveon Clowney does not return.

Round 7, No. 246: Dawson Deaton, OL, Texas Tech

And with their final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected Deaton out of Texas Tech. Deaton will likely play center and will have a challenging time making the roster as a rookie. However, if he approves that he has the ability to play guard then this pick can develop into a quality depth piece as an interior offensive lineman.

Overall Grade: C