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Browns: Grading each rookie through the first 12 games

By Chad Porto

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 11: Offensive tackle Jedrick Wills #71 and offensive tackle Kendall Lamm #70 of the Cleveland Browns watch from the sidelines during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Colts 32-23. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 11: Offensive tackle Jedrick Wills #71 and offensive tackle Kendall Lamm #70 of the Cleveland Browns watch from the sidelines during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Colts 32-23. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Browns Harrison Bryant (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Third Round: Jordan Elliott

Grade: F

The Browns defensive line has been ravaged by injuries and positive COVID-19 cases but despite everyone at some point either being unable to play (Myles Garrett or Porter Gustin) or being inconsistent with their play (Sheldon Richardson and Adrian Clayborn), Jordan Elliot can’t crack the starting lineup. This is concerning when you realize he’s a third-round pick, and third-round picks are supposed to be able to start as rookies if need be. Yet, no matter the position or player who’s out, Elliot can’t seem to find consistent time. When he does, he doesn’t make an impact. Even worse, in his one start this year against Tennessee, Elliot only played 32% of the snaps on defense.

Third Round: Jacob Phillips

Grade: F

The Browns defensive line is their best group on defense. Their worst is the linebacking corps. Despite rotating in and out four linebackers for most of the year, including one who was a late arrival, the Browns have never really looked at Jacob Phillips, another third-round pick. Not even a full-time special teams player, Phillip hasn’t really been much use for the Browns. Had the team had a strong linebacking corp, sure, at least you’d have that excuse. The Browns don’t, however, and Phillips can’t crack the lineup still. Added to that is his injuries and his grade is greatly earned. If you feel this is too harsh, remember, most fans thought the defensive picks taken early would be starters for this team, because everyone agreed the defense was trash. The defense is still trash, and none of the rookies on defense has made any impact whatsoever.

Fourth Round: Harrison Bryant

Grade: C-

Harrison Bryant has played well at times but other times he’s not even a blip on the radar. It appears as though the offense doesn’t rely on the tight ends as much as everyone wanted to believe heading into the season. Either that or Baker Mayfield has no faith in them, so he avoids throwing to them more often. Bryant still has potential so there’s no reason to run him out of town but after some brief glimpses, you were hoping for more.

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