Cleveland Browns 2022 NFL Draft Grades
Cleveland Browns went into the 2022 NFL Draft with seven draft picks, the team came out of the draft with nine selections. Andrew Berry flipped a second-round pick for additional picks, which paved the way for how Cleveland would attack the draft.
It is safe to say Berry and co. spent a lot of time getting familiar with Norman, Oklahoma. Cleveland drafted three players from Oklahoma.
Let’s get to the grading part. This is an instant grade, far before any player touches the field. Here’s where we stand:
68. Martin Emerson, CB Mississippi State
C+
I get the point of drafting Emerson, especially with moving on from Troy Hill. Emerson is talented and was quietly one of the better corners in the SEC over the last couple of years. There wasn’t a heavy need there, so the choice was a surprise. But, the Browns stuck to their board and went with the best player available. This team’s secondary is talented. Expect Emerson to battle for CB2.
78. Alex Wright, DE UAB
B
Cleveland was able to grab Wright at about the earliest point I would have taken him. He’s a large defensive end that had good production in his last year in college. Ideally, Wright will have a specific role year one, then grow into a larger ole. Cleveland tried to move up for Drake Jackson, this was the next best choice.
99. David Bell, WR Purdue
B+
Bell should offer some upside to the slot position right away and it will benefit the wide receiver room. As productive as a wide receiver you will find. I could care less about the 40-yard dash time, he moved fine when he was on the field.
108. Perrion Winfrey, DT Oklahoma
B+
I would have been okay with drafting Winfrey in the third round. Cleveland got him earlier, that’s a plus. Berry said he projects Winfrey to be the team’s 3-tech. A physical pass rusher up the middle on tape should have a role in year one.
124. Cade York, K LSU
B
Anytime you draft a kicker, you are taking a chance. That chance is a little bit more in your favor when he is as talented as York. The hope is York can adjust to the winds on the lake — if he does, the team has their kicker of the future.
156. Jerome Ford, RB Cincinnati
B
Ford benefited from transferring to Cincinnati where he was solid last year. Productive on the ground and as a pass-catcher. Ford is going to make someone in the room expendable.
202. Michael Woods II, WR Oklahoma
C-
Another case of the Browns going BPA on their board. Woods played his best ball at Arkansas and didn’t do a ton with Oklahoma last year. Potential special teams player with upside as a deep threat. Woods could have a tough task ahead of him to make the roster.
223. Isaiah Thomas, DE Oklahoma
B
I like the idea of grabbing Thomas and bringing him in with his teammate, Winfrey. Thomas was consistent over his Oklahoma career and could provide younger depth.
246. Dawson Deaton, C Texas Tech
B-
Deaton could battle for a backup center job. Not the strongest player, but relies more on other traits. Deaton played a lot of football at the college level and was a multi-time All-Big 12 pick.
Browns acquired fourth and fifth-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. The team parted ways with CB Troy Hill to obtain the fifth-round pick.
Overall grade: B
Brandon Little is a writer for Sports Illustrated’s Browns Digest website and you can follow him on Twitter here. You can follow Browns Digest on Twitter as well here.
