The rookies of Andrew Berry’s first draft class have a mixed bag. Some have played well, some haven’t played at all but how do they rank after 12 games?
The Cleveland Browns rookies have been, at best, inconsistent in their inaugural year as pros. Whether it’s top-ten picks not playing up to their draft stock or a wide receiver making the most of his time after injuries ravaged the position, the Browns rookies could have had a better run of it.
In some cases, it’s not completely their fault. Two of the rookies never really saw any field time but for different reasons. Several others have had opportunities but never made the most of them. Some have played well at times but other times haven’t. Inconsistent is the perfect word to describe these rookies so far.
So let’s take a look at the rookies through 12 games.
First Round: Jedrick Wills
Grade: C-
Some fans may not like this, but Jedrick Wills has not been all that he’s been marketed to be through 12 games. He’s given up the most sacks on the team so far, four, and is the most penalized player on the line. The worst part of Wills penalties is that they’re not usually action penalties. If you get caught holding, no big deal. You don’t worry too much about that. Yet, Wills big issue is the false starts. That, and his slow lateral step has really hindered his rookie year.
Second Round: Grant Delpit
Grade: Incomplete
No grade will be given for Grant Delpit until he can actually play.
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.
Fifth Round: Nick Harris
Grade: D
This may seem harsh, but it’s been his grade all year. Wyatt Teller and Jack Conklin have missed time. Yet, no Nick Harris. Jedrick Wills has struggled, yet no Nick Harris. J.C. Tretter had some lingering injury issues to start the season but was rushed back instead of letting Harris have a spin. Clearly, Harris isn’t good enough to start. Even as a spot starter like Chris Hubbard. If you’re not good enough to start, why would you warrant a better grade? The only reason it’s not an ‘F’ is that admittedly the offensive line is the best part of this team, and Harris hasn’t been as needed as say, Jordan Elliot or Jacob Phillips.
Sixth Round: Donovan Peoples-Jones
Grade: D+
Donovan Peoples-Jones is still an iffy returner and an even more iffy receiver. He only has seven receptions on the season, but two of them were for touchdowns. While his grade may seem bad, it’s only because he’s just now getting opportunities. If he’s able to have another game or two down the stretch as he did against the Titans, then Peoples-Jones could every easily be the best rookie out of the class in terms of production. Still, he’s only had seven receptions on nine targets. You really can’t demand much more than his current grade.