The 2024 Cleveland Browns draft class is finalized. Last year, for the first time in the Deshaun Watson era in Cleveland, the Browns made the playoffs. Oddly enough, it wasn’t Watson who led the team into the postseason, it was the hodge-podge of quarterbacks finally capped off by 39-year-old Joe Flacco! In total, the team started five different quarterbacks: Watson (six), Flacco (five), Dorian Thompson-Robinson (three), AAF star P.J. Walker (two), and Jeff Driskel (one).
In addition, the Browns lost franchise running back Nick Chubb in Week 2. It wasn’t the greatest season in franchise history. Despite that, the team finished second in the best division in football and made the playoffs as a wild card. Sure, they were unceremoniously ousted by the Houston Texans, but the Browns had plenty to be proud of and a solid foundation to build upon.
This year, NFL.com had the Browns’ biggest draft needs at offensive tackle, linebacker, defensive tackle, wide receiver, and tight end. Cleveland did not have a first-round pick in the draft as part of the Watson trade. With their six picks, the team didn’t really address their needs. However, they found a number of best players available who will fortify depth and a couple will even contribute right away.
Grading the Cleveland Browns 2024 NFL Draft Class
Round 2, Pick 54: Michael Hall, DT, Ohio State
There’s something about the Browns and Ohio State. Denzel Ward was a Buckeye and has lived up to every bit of hype that came with his fourth-overall selection. Plus, Ronnie Hickman Dawand Jones, Tanner McAllister, and Luke Wypler have found their way up I-71 to Cleveland. This year, it’s stud defensive tackle, Michael Hall.
Hall was perhaps the top defensive lineman for the Buckeyes over the last two seasons but the productivity did not follow. In total, he only managed 43 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and a recovered fumble as a full-time member of the rotation. He flashed on occasion but also disappeared at times.
The draw for Hall is his incredible athleticism. When it comes to defensive tackles who weigh more than 290 pounds, only four players have run a sub-4.75 40-yard. One of those was Geno Atkins, a player the Cleveland faithful are well-accustomed to as he made a name for himself in Cincinnati.
He’s a tad undersized but he has just about everything else the Browns were looking for. Hall is a bit of a liability in the run game. However, when you rush him with the likes of Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith and he will be well worth the pick.
Grade: A-
Full Michael Hall Scouting Report
Round 3, Pick 85: Zak Zinter, G, Michigan
For as much jubilation the intersection of Browns and Buckeyes had for the Hall selection, there were some raised eyebrows. Cleveland went out and brought in guard and Michigan stalwart, Zak Zinter. Oddly enough, Zinter recently commented on the fact that it was the Browns’ first pick who accidentally fell on his ankle which resulted in his injury.
Zinter has been a three-year starter for what can be considered to be the top offensive line in college football. As a sophomore, he was a Second-Team All-Big 10 selection. As a junior, he was selected as a First-Team All-Big 10 honoree. Finally, last year, Zinter was a First-Team All-American selection to go with another First-Team All-Big 10. He was part of a unit that won the Joe Moore Award for the top offensive line in both 2021 and 2022.
The biggest hit to Zinter is probably the fact that he is coming off of a gruesome injury suffered late last year. That and the whole knowing the defensive plays thing, but in terms of his playing ability, Zinter was a very solid guard in his time. He comes to Cleveland incredibly experienced with a strength in the run game.
He will likely not be ready for the 2024 season. Even with the loss of Bill Callahan, the Browns offensive line is as good and as deep as any. Zinter, after “redshirting” in 2024 should develop into a regular starter on the Browns offensive line.
Grade: B-
Full Zak Zinter Scouting Report
Round 5, Pick 156: Jamari Thrash, WR, Louisville
The starting trio for the Browns at wide receiver can go toe-to-toe with most receiver corps in the NFL. Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore, and Jerry Jeudy have this team set up for success. However, depth is always necessary and Jamari Thrash should be that.
Thrash started his career in the Sun Belt at Georgia State. It took him a second to break out but when he did, it was in a big way. In his fourth year with the Panthers, Thrash amassed 1,122 yards and seven touchdowns off of 61 receptions. He parlayed that success and made the jump to Louisville. In his lone season with the Cardinals, Thrass accounted for 858 yards and six scores as he hauled in 63 passes.
When it comes to Day 3 picks, teams prioritize athleticism. Oddly enough, he had a slightly above average RAS at 6.77 but he had a fantastic Senior Bowl workout. He has the speed to make things happen and is great when it comes to catches in traffic.
He’s not likely to challenge the top three for snaps, he’s battling Cedric Tillman and David Bell. With development, Thrash should be a fine depth piece.
Grade: B-
Full Jamari Thrash Scouting Report
Round 6, Pick 206: Nathaniel Watson, LB, Mississippi State
The Browns draft class chugs along with a veteran presence in Nathaniel Watson. Linebacker was a need heading into this draft and the Browns could have done a lot worse than Watson.
He was a sixth-year player at Mississippi State with four years of double-digit appearances. In total, he logged 377 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, 21 sacks, two interceptions, five pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. he was a finalist for the Butkus Award last year and was honored with a Third-Team All-American selection.
Watson is regarded as an old-school type of linebacker. He comes downhill to defend the run and is as sure of a tackler as you’ll find in this class. He is a bit older but if he’s going to be a rotational piece, that’s no worry. Considering how good the starting linebackers are, the Browns could do worse with Watson as a depth piece.
Grade: B-
Round 7, Pick 227: Myles Harden, CB, South Dakota
The Browns did not go into this draft with a need for a starting corner as they have one of the better duos in the NFL. However, depth is always welcome and they got themselves a steal out of the FCS in the seventh round.
Myle Harden was a key member of the back-to-back FCS champions and was a first-team All-American for South Dakota. He finished his career with 143 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, a sack, six interceptions, 26 pass breakups, five forced fumbles, and four recovered fumbles.
As a prospect, NFL.com actually believed him to be a fourth-round talent while NFL Mock Draft Database had him as the consensus 191st player. Getting Harden at 227 is a steal.
He likely won’t be a massive contributor right away but his ability to track the ball and impressive tackling will help his cause. There will be an acclimation period jumping from the FCS to the NFL but Harden should be fine.
Grade: B+
Round 7, Pick 243: Jowon Briggs, DT, Cincinnati
Perhaps one of the late risers in this year’s class, Jowon Briggs is an interesting selection. After transferring to Cincinnati from Virginia, Briggs was a regular member of the Bearcats’ defensive line. In three seasons, Briggs started 30 games with appearances in nine others and started the CFP Semifinal against Alabama back in 2021.
In his time in Cincinnati, Briggs logged 129 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and blocked a kick.
Nose tackles are not the most popular players in draft classes but you can still find diamonds in the rough late on Day 3. That could be Briggs. He’s an athletic prospect with a quick get-off that will help in pass-rushing scenarios.
It might be an uphill battle for Briggs to make the roster behind Dalvin Thomlinson or Quinton Jefferson and the rest of that solid defensive line.
Grade: C+
Main Image: Kyle Robertson-USA TODAY Sports
