Browns largely praised by analysts in 2022 NFL Draft grades; David Bell pick impresses
Grading a draft class immediately after the draft itself is, of course, ridiculous.
But it's now part of the annual spectacle known as the NFL Draft. While we won't know the true quality of a draft for years to come, grades are being handed out anyway.
The Browns concluded the 2022 draft by making nine selections this year. Without a first-round pick because of the trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson, Browns General Manager Andrew Berry had to get a little creative.
Browns 2022 NFL Draft pick tracker: See every pick Cleveland made starting with Martin Emerson
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He traded the team's first pick — No. 44 overall — for a trio of picks. Later in the draft he moved back in the fourth round with the Minnesota Vikings and got an extra fourth-round pick in 2023.
Berry even traded veteran cornerback Troy Hill after just one season in Cleveland. In return he got a fifth-round draft pick in 2023.
So how did football analysts judge Berry and the moves he made in the 2022 NFL Draft? Here's a look at the way-too-early grades.
Browns pick of Alex Wright impresses Pro Football Focus
Pro Football Focus — the analytics-centered website — gave the Browns a "B" grade for the draft. The site seemed to especially like the selection of UAB pass rusher Alex Wright in the third round.
He had 51 pressures and some of the most dominant reps of any prospect. He has real size and power and has flown under the radar throughout the process.
Mel Kiper's draft grades are positive for the Browns
ESPN's Mel Kiper came away moderately impressed with what the Browns did in the draft, giving them a "B" grade. The selection of defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey at No. 108 was notable for Kiper, who thought the Oklahoma product would go 50 picks earlier.
It's tough to get starters without picks until Round 3, but I thought Cleveland did a good job with what it had.
USA TODAY gives Browns an "A-" 2022 NFL Draft grade
Nate Davis of USA TODAY was favorable toward the Browns in his draft grades, giving them an "A-" grade.
Mid-round DE Alex Wright (Round 3), WR David Bell (Round 3), DT Perrion Winfrey (Round 4) and K Cade York (Round 4) could all pay off right away. And don't forget they essentially surrendered a fifth-rounder to get WR Amari Cooper. But this draft and future ones will ultimately be defined by what QB Deshaun Watson, and all the baggage he comes with, provides to this franchise.
New York Post pans Browns draft for 'strange' trade
The New York Post was not so kind, giving the Browns a "C-" grade for their draft. That was good for the 24th-best draft in the NFL this year.
Strange trade from No. 44 down to No. 68 after not having a first-rounder. Out of the running for a lot of more promising receivers by the time their first of three third-round picks was made.
David Bell pick by Browns seen as a bargain
Who was the best draft pick made by the Browns? An argument could be made for Purdue wide receiver David Bell in the third round. Chad Reuter of NFL.com was particularly a fan. He gave the Browns an "A" for their Day 2.
Bell is a productive receiver who lacks great speed (much like former Brown Jarvis Landry) and I expect him to be a bargain.
Browns praised for adding defenders in 2022 NFL Draft
Doug Farrar of USA Today's Touchdown Wire was a fan of what the Browns did this year, giving them a "B+" grade for their haul. Farrar particularly liked the pieces the Browns added to their defense.
But they managed to add some talented players on defense with their first two picks, adding cornerback Martin Emerson from Mississippi State and Alex Wright from UAB.