Cleveland Browns: Emmanuel Ogbah Is Team’s Top Rookie For 2016
By Ryan Rosko
Despite the very poor season, the Cleveland Browns did find a building block for the future.
The 2016 season for the Cleveland Browns has officially ended. There were countless ups and downs (mainly downs), but that was understandable given the type of rebuild their current regime is planning.
There’s the famous adage that “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. That is exactly what the Browns organization must continue to think. Even though it will take multiple years to get the Browns in a position to contend again, there were bright spots with their 2016 draft class.
Now, as a whole it wasn’t the best, but there were a few players that the Browns hit on. No hit was bigger than that of defensive end/linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah. First round wide receiver Corey Coleman also looks promising, but he has a way to go after missing multiple games due to injury.
More from Factory of Sadness
- Bet $1 on ANYTHING to Unlock $200 Guaranteed with Crazy Bet365 Ohio Promo!
- 3 reasons why the Cleveland Cavaliers have a good shot to win the East next year
- It might be too soon to say it but it looks like the Cleveland Guardians are back
- Are the Cleveland Browns a Top 10 roster heading into the 2023 season?
- Eastern Conference Solidarity: Back the Heat with $5 Bet, Win $200 Bonus INSTANTLY with DraftKings Promo
Ogbah simply was the best rookie Cleveland played this season.The former Oklahoma State product was moved around in various roles throughout the season, but as the season progressed, progress and improvement was evident.
Ogbah was Cleveland’s second round pick, 32nd overall. Wherever Ogbah lines up, he will make an impact. Whether that is standing up as an EDGE or along the line, Ogbah is going to be relied on heavily. As part of a young core, Ogbah’s play should continue to improve going forward with more playing time and experience.
Cleveland has locked up the first overall pick. That pick should be Texas A&M star DE/LB Myles Garrett. He would complement the talent the Browns will build their foundation with very well.
However, just because a player should be a specific pick, does not mean he actually will be; Especially with Cleveland in control of said draft pick.
Ogbah’s stats were very solid, not only for a rookie, but any younger player. His 2016 campaign was broken down with the following production: 16 games played, 53 tackles, six sacks, and three passes deflected.
When Ogbah initially was drafted, I felt Cleveland could have had gone with someone of better value atop the second round. I am glad to see that my initial thought was wrong. Still, no player should be properly evaluated until they have played three seasons in the NFL.
That said, Ogbah has shown promise and there is no reason to not think he will not become a special player on Cleveland’s defense next year and especially after three seasons. If the Browns can hit on more players like Ogbah, then their rebuilding project will be completed much sooner than what is currently expected!