The Best Player in each Cleveland Browns NFL Draft Class since 1999
By Chad Porto
2006 – LB D’Qwell Jackson (Round 2: Pick 2, 34th overall)
One of the best linebackers in the Cleveland Browns modern era was the second linebacker taken by the team in the 2006 NFL Draft. The Browns, coached by Romeo Crennell were attempting to make waves defensively. They signed Willie McGinest, drafted first-round bust Kamerion Wimbley and then went on to draft D’Qwell Jackson.
Wembley had a good rookie year, getting 62 total tackles and 11 sacks, but fell off considerably, to the point where he’d be traded to Oakland. Jackson, on the other hand, would start off strong and get stronger. He’d rack up 94 combined tackles in his rookie year, then save for an injury-plagued 2009 and 2010, would not drop below 100 combined tackles until 2016 with the Indianapolis Colts.
Jackson got screwed out of three Pro Bowl seasons in 2008, 2011 and 2013. The Browns went 4-12 in all three seasons, so it’s clear why he got overlooked. Yet, the minute he got to the Colts, he was elected to his first and only Pro Bowl, despite having better seasons previously.
Jackson, alongside fellow-drafted Pro Bowl player TJ Ward, would be let go in 2013 for the more expensive, less talented and older players in Karlos Dansby and Donte Whitner. The move was widely criticized in hindsight, while Whitner played well-enough, both Ward and Jackson would go on to have some of their better seasons outside of their time roaming Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Honorable Mention: Lawerence Vickers
Shoutout to Lawerence Vickers who was phenomenal as a fullback and was a second alternate for the 2007-08 Pro Bowl. He also has a unique honor of having every single touchdown during his Browns career come against the Pittsburgh Steelers.