Cleveland Browns: Greatest 15 first-round NFL Draft picks of all time

The Cleveland Browns have been making NFL Draft picks since 1950, but these 15 players make up the cream of the crop to ever hold first-round status.

The Cleveland Browns have a storied history that dates back to the franchise’s inception in 1946, and have been making picks in the NFL Draft ever since joining the league in 1950.

The Browns have had a lot of misses–especially in recent vintage–when it comes to draft day decisions, but not all have been all bad.

The Browns had 71 first picks spanning from 1950-1995, 1999-2017..

On seven occasions, the Browns did not have a first-round selection, with the last time coming in 2008. The Browns had traded up back into the first round during the 2007 draft to acquire Brady Quinn.

The Browns wisely coughed up two first round picks in trade with the Buffalo Bills to ensure they landed Kosar in the 1985 supplemental draft. Kosar is the last franchise quarterback the Browns have had, and he hasn’t played a down with Cleveland since 1993.

15. Thom Dardon, DB: The Browns found their all-time interceptions leader in Thom Darden with the 18th pick of the 1972 NFL Draft.

He was the NFL’s interception leader in 1978 and earned Pro Bowl recognition for his efforts.

14. Alex Mack, C: Alex Mack, the center out of Cal, was the player then Browns coach Eric Mangini finally settled on after plummeting out of the top five during the 2009 draft. Mack had a stellar career in Cleveland before finally leaving as a free agent after the 2015 season.

Mack, who was the 21st overall selection, has been to five Pro Bowls, three of which came in a Cleveland Browns uniform. He was also named to the NFL’s All-Rookie offensive team after his debut season.