Browns: Grading each drafted rookie through the first half of the year

Third Round: Jordan Elliott

Grade: D-

The Browns are awful defensively and frankly save for two or three players, no one on the defense deserves a good grade. Some will say “well he’s just a rookie” and to that, the response is “if you play, you better play well”. Jordan Elliot has not played well when he’s played. It’s telling that the Browns would rather use guys like Adrian Clayborn, Porter Gustin, and even once in a while Myles Garrett as a defensive tackle than Elliot. No, Elliot is not a bust, and no, he shouldn’t be cut. Hell, he might be the best player next season on the team. This isn’t next season though. The defense is one of the worst in the league and it’s in part due to Elliot.

Third Round: Jacob Phillips

Grade: D-

Same verse, same as the first. Jacob Phillips is in the worst linebacking corps in the league and yet still can’t get reps away from the starters. Part of that is that he’s just not ready or good enough to do so. The other part is the fact he’s injured so much. Some don’t like to count injuries against guys, that’s not an issue I have. If you’re not on the field making plays, you’re not helping the team. If you’re not helping the team, you’re hurting it. If you’re hurting the team you’re not getting a good score. Phillips needs to up his play and needs to get healthy. The Browns basically have three spots up for grabs. He needs to start yanking at them.

Fourth Round: Harrison Bryant

Grade: B+

The best rookie so far this season for the Browns is Harrison Bryant. His less than impressive numbers come from a lack of opportunities, not a lack of execution. Bryant has stepped up in the passing game when called upon and has been a very good blocker on the offensive line when he’s stayed home to block. He’s not as good as a run blocker as Austin Hooper but he’s good enough that if Hooper weren’t a Brown the team would be just as well off.