Browns: Grading each rookie through the regular season

Fifth Round: Nick Harris

Grade: F

Nick Harris single-handily killed the teams running game. There was a reason Chris Hubbard was the immediate backup and not Harris. The Browns seemingly didn’t miss a beat with Hubbard in the lineup. Harris though couldn’t move anyone in front of him. He was so bad that when Michael Dunn came in from the AAF and XFL, he significantly outperformed Harris. The whole purpose of a backup is to be able to do the job when called upon. As previously stated;

"There are those who would argue that because (Harris) is a rookie he should get a pass. Yet, Harris is supposed to be a pro player. He’s not an 11-year-old kid learning to mow the lawn for the first time. He needs to be effective at his job, which he isn’t. You can argue that he “could” turn into that kind of player, but why would you chose the one who “could” one day be a good backup, when you have Dunn, who already proved he is a good backup."

Dunn came in against the No. 1 defense in the NFL and dominated their All-Pro. Dunn proved he can play in this league, Harris didn’t. Dunn deserves to stick around and if that means Harris is the one who goes to make room, so be it.

Sixth Round: Donovan Peoples-Jones

Grade: C-

For someone who wasn’t very well known coming out of Michigan, Donovan Peoples-Jones was really impressive all things considered. Peoples-Jones wasn’t even a starter in Michigan, but considering how he added a whole new level to the passing game, you can’t help but be impressed. It may take a year or two but Peoples-Jones could possibly be a top-three receiver for the Browns.

As a returner, however, he was a disappointment. He didn’t really make a play on special teams all year, and he did have some botches that he needs to tighten up. It’s actually a better idea to just bring in another returner and let Peoples-Jones worry about developing his skills as a receiver.