Cleveland Browns: Which Player Was Named As The “Biggest Draft Bust” In Team History?

The Cleveland Browns have not drafted well over the years and their selection for worst draft pick emphasizes that fact even more.

Regardless of the regime, the Cleveland Browns have not always had the best luck drafting. For some front offices, they tried, but really had no direction as they built their roster.

For the current regime, the hope is that fortunes will change with EVP Sashi Brown in charge. He led a complete overhaul last offseason and in a few seasons we will be able to properly see if he has succeeded. Should Brown actually act on a possible temptation to not draft Texas A&M EDGE Myles Garrett, then his legacy could all be cemented.

Looking back over the years, multiple draft picks could be viewed as Cleveland’s worst draft selection in their organization’s history.

Earlier today, ESPN listed each team’s “biggest draft bust”. The people naming each team’s worst pick were ESPN’s NFL Nation Reporters. For Cleveland, that is Pat McManamon.

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So, who did McManamon select? If you guessed quarterback Johnny Manziel, running back Trent Richardson, or defensive end Courtney Brown, all are very good choices. They each have a strong case to be in this discussion, but McManamon actually selected cornerback Justin Gilbert.

After getting dealt to the Pittsburgh Steelers last year, Gilbert is now a free agent. I am fine with McManamon’s choice. Gilbert would not have been my first choice, but he is not far from being on top of my list.

Gilbert was the Browns’ first round pick, eighth overall, in the 2014 NFL Draft. He was not the only first rounder that year if you recall, as Cleveland also traded back into the round to take Manziel.

"Gilbert was the first choice in the Ray Farmer-Mike Pettine era. The Browns traded down, then up to acquire him. Gilbert was supposed to be a key part of Pettine’s defensive approach, but the Browns learned they had an immature, disinterested player."

Gilbert had quite a bit of potential coming out of Oklahoma State. His skill set as a unique athlete, impacting their return game would have been a great sight to see. Unfortunately, for multiple reasons, Gilbert was not as dedicated to football as teams would have liked.

Next: Adoree Jackson Could Be An Under The Radar Pick

Cleveland could have drafted EDGE Khalil Mack, defensive lineman Aaron Donald, wide recievers Odell Beckham Jr. and Mike Evans, or linebacker Anthony Barr. Oh, what could have been for Cleveland! Had they drafted one of those players, perhaps the Browns would have been in a better spot right now.