The Cleveland Browns 2023 NFL Draft is finally wrapped up. The Browns were short on draft picks due to the Deshaun Watson trade from last offseason. They spent their premium picks adding to serious positions of need on defense and at wide receiver.
All in all, the Browns added the following players:
- Third round, 74th overall: Cedric Tillman, WR
- Third round, 98th overall: Siaki Ika, DT
- Fourth round, 111th overall, Dawand Jones, RT
- Fourth round, 126th overall, Isaiah McGuire, DE
- Fifth round, 140th overall, Dorian Thompson-Robinson QB
- Fifth round, 142nd overall, Cameron Mitchell CB
- Sixth round, 190th overall, Luke Wypler C
Cleveland Browns NFL Draft Review Grade: 5/10
Cleveland Browns 2023 NFL Draft Review: Doing More With Less
The Best Player: Siaki Ika
The Browns did not have the opportunity to pick from the blue-chip players of the class. No first or second-round picks left them with the next wave of rookies. Luckily for them, one of the top defensive tackles in the class was sitting there waiting for them at 98. Siaki Ika brings a run-stuffing ability the Browns need to play the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens twice a year, and his pass-rushing ability should be at least a nuisance for Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. A plug-and-play starter in the third round is always a win.
The Head-Scratcher: Dorian Thompson-Robinson
This team has traded their heart and soul for Deshaun Watson. If he’s not the answer, why take a quarterback? Yes, they need a backup and another arm at training camp. But Thompson-Robinson is more of a project for a starter, rather than a steady backup.
The Surprise: Dawand Jones
There was a time in life when Dawand Jones was projected in the first round. He dominated at the Senior Bowl, for one day. Then he sat out of all of his Pro Day drills. He’s a surprise both because he was there, and because he was selected by the Browns at that point.
The Steal: Luke Wypler
Cleveland’s whole identity is running the ball. They were able to add a starting caliber center in the sixth round. He is a run-blocking mauler with a mean streak. In any mock draft, he was supposed to be going in the top three rounds. Instead, he falls into the Browns lap in the sixth round. Nick Chubb is a big winner with this pick.
Most Likely to Turn Heads at Mini Camp: Cedric Tillman
The Browns added a contested catch specialist to pair with Deshaun Watson. Now he’s going to make highlight plays throughout the offseason. Amari Cooper is the locked and loaded wide receiver one in Cleveland for now. But outside of him, there is a huge opportunity for targets. Tillman can win anywhere on the field, and is a big body and a highlight reel waiting to happen. Just look at some of his best plays.
Don’t believe me? Ask Steve about Cedric Tillman pic.twitter.com/cgzisbwTM1
— FF Mike Kash (@FFMikeKash) April 30, 2023
The Rest
Isaiah McGuire can definitely make an impact. He is likely to fill in a rotational role in 2023 and can be a solid backup on the defensive line. On tape, his athleticism shines, but he isn’t a finished product. Right now he’s not a difference-maker, but could grow into something more.
Cameron Mitchell adds a body at mini camp at corner. He is already in the midst of fighting for a roster spot, whether he knows it or not. The Northwestern Alumni has a run-stopping attitude and is physical when jamming receivers. Unfortunately, he lacks the top-end athleticism to keep up with NFL-level receivers. He is a special teams defender at best, with injury fill-in potential.
Main Photo: Brianna Paciorka – USA Today Sports
