The 2021 NFL Draft is finally behind us, so it’s time to talk about how the Cleveland Browns did over the weekend.
General manager Andrew Berry did an excellent job during the draft last year.
It appears his drafting talent carried over into 2021 as the Browns were finding hidden gems all over the place.
Pro Football Focus recently released their draft grades for all 32 organizations.
To no one’s surprise the Browns graded incredibly well during the 2021 draft.
Day 1
The Browns kicked off the draft with one of the biggest steals in recent memory.
They selected Northwestern defensive back Greg Newsome II with the No. 26 overall pick.
He was projected as one of the best defensive players in the entire draft class, but fell almost out of the first round.
PFF:
“Newsome is also a very good prospect, representing incredible value here at No. 26. He was battle-tested on a small sample of snaps in 2020, facing 34 targets through his first four games. He held his own, allowing just 93 yards and five first downs while making eight plays on the ball”
In 2020, Newsome saw a small sample size of only three games during the entire season.
Despite that, he is a gifted player and someone who can be helpful both in off-coverage or press-man.
There is certainly plenty of upside in Newsome, so the brilliant Andrew Berry strikes again.
Browns select #Northwestern CB Greg Newsome in the first round (via @JeffRisdon)
📰: https://t.co/wyN06vDjKC | #Browns | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/vX3pSoGDb5
— The Browns Wire (@TheBrownsWire) April 30, 2021
It’s worth noting that the Browns have Denzel Ward, Greedy Williams, and Troy Hill as their notably defensive backs already on their roster.
Although, Newsome is expected to compete with Williams for the No.2 starting spot at corner.
Nonetheless, this was an excellent pick by Berry and Newsome should’ve been taken in the teens, but somehow fell into Cleveland’s arms.
Day 2
Cleveland continued their highway robbery during the second day of the draft.
They traded up and selected Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu Koramoah with the No. 52 overall pick.
He was graded as the second-best linebacker in coverage, but somehow almost fell into the second round.
PFF:
“JOK is a smooth, explosive athlete who can fill multiple roles for Cleveland defensively. This is tremendous value for a top-20 player on PFF’s Big Board.”
An off-ball linebacker who could have a bit of a learning curve at the professional level.
It’s tough to pinpoint a clear role for Owusu-Koramoah in the NFL, but he has enough talent to contribute somewhere.
The Browns also selected Auburn wide receiver Anthony Schwartz during the third round.
A speedy wide receiver who could quickly become the fastest player in the NFL.
At No. 91, the #Browns select #Auburn WR Anthony Schwartz who can absolutely fly. Maybe the new fastest player in the NFL.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 1, 2021
It was a strong Day 2 for the Browns, even if these players might not make a huge impact right away.
The Browns are snagging quality depth with the upside of being starters at the professional level.
Day 3
There seems to be a pattern of Andrew Berry finding the under-the-radar players and snagging them before anyone notices.
That continued on Day 3 with the selection of Ohio State defensive tackle Tommy Togiai.
A Day 2 valued prospect who fell into the fourth round and into the arms of the Cleveland Browns.
PFF:
“Cleveland continues to commit highway robbery by getting Tommy Togiai, a Day 2 pick, here on Day 3. He has a powerful bull-rush and can be a forceful 3-technique in both facets. He posted an 87.8 run-defense grade and 77.0 pass-rush grade for the Buckeyes in 2020.”
The young tackle is certainly excited to begin his career with the Browns.
Let’s ride Cleveland‼️
— Tommy Togiai (@Big_Tom72) May 1, 2021
The later rounds in the draft are usually mainly for extra depth or developmental talent.
Someone like Togiai is a player that could contribute on the team from Day 1, which normally isn’t the case with a player selected in the fourth round.
There is no denying that the Browns front office did a fantastic job once again.
Pro Football Focus graded the Browns with an A+ and that certainly seems appropriate given the talent Cleveland was able to acquire.
NEXT: 3 Things To Know About New Browns DT Tommy Togiai
