The 2021 NFL season has been underway for a couple of weeks, and most teams only played one preseason game.
However, it has become abundantly clear, at least to Cleveland Browns fans, that the Browns potentially have the best 2021 draft class in the NFL.
https://twitter.com/domgamiero/status/1388694388121948162
The class members are: Greg Newsome II, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Anthony Schwartz, James Hudson, Tommy Togiai, Tony Fields II, Richard LeCounte II, and Demetric Felton.
Of course, the group’s performance should be revisited in February.
However, early indications point to this being a great class.
Cohesive Group
The Browns 2021 first-round pick, Greg Newsome II, talked about how united the group is.
He said:
“It’s kinda crazy. It kinda feels like we knew each other before we came here. Not a lot of us actually knew each other personally but I would call them my brothers now. We’re a tight group and that just shows you the Cleveland Browns culture.”
Greg Newsome on the rookie class: "It's kinda crazy. It kinda feels like we knew each other before we came here. Not a lot of us actually knew each other personally but I would call them my brothers now. We're a tight group and that just shows you the Cleveland Brown culture." pic.twitter.com/kAqf4dr2Uf
— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) August 16, 2021
Being united and engrained in the new and improved Cleveland culture is a definite plus for this group.
Future (Or Current) Superstars
Usually, the draft is about building the team’s roster for future years.
This class looks to be in the mix while still being rookies.
Watching the first preseason game, most of their names were mentioned for making tackles or plays.
Leading the way by making the most plays on Saturday was linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
His draft stock dropped due to an unspecified health issue.
The Browns got him in the second round and likened him to a first-round pick.
He played like a first-rounder on Saturday night.
Some @NextGenStats insight here: JOK was 4.39 yards away from Collin Johnson in the first frame. He closed that gap in 1.3 seconds to tackle Johnson for no gain, registering the top speed of any player on the field at 14.79 mph.
He went from 2.09 mph to 14.79 mph in 1.8 seconds. https://t.co/6D55eksp8g
— Nick Shook (@TheNickShook) August 15, 2021
Greg Newsome II, Demetric Felton, and Richard LeCounte II made plays Saturday also.
#Browns HC Kevin Stefanski said rookie CB Greg Newsome II did a nice job, the one big play he gave up was a pretty good play with throw and catch, overall I think Greg had a nice night
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) August 15, 2021
#Browns rookie Demetric Felton has been impressive as a receiver. Good routes, strong hands. He also won off the line on 4th-and-goal earlier but pass was late getting to him.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) August 15, 2021
Wow. #Browns 5th Rd draft pick Richard LeCounte just made a play from the free safety position that I've never seen Sheldrick Redwine make in 2 years: pic.twitter.com/KqqUwgbdOT
— Roberto Shenanigans (@Rob_Shenanigans) August 15, 2021
All are young players so there is still plenty of room for growth.
#Browns HC Kevin Stefanski said rookie OT James Hudson did a nice job last night, it wasn't perfect, had some nice moments and some he wants back
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) August 15, 2021
Tony Fields II and Anthony Schwartz are dealing with injuries so we have not been able to watch them play yet.
Tommy Togiai has competed well at camp and is fighting for a roster spot at defensive tackle.
The long-term success of this draft class is yet to be determined.
What we have learned is that GM Andrew Berry is very meticulous with his draft picks and does a good job of matching the team’s needs with the collegiate talent available at the time the Browns draft.
This speaks to the changing culture in Cleveland with the players, coaches, and front office working together and committed to achieving the goal of winning a Super Bowl.
There is a lot of work to be done to get there, but picking the right players to do the job is a big step in the correct direction.
NEXT: Richard LeCounte Among Highest Graded Preseason Defensive Backs
