Grading the Cleveland Browns 2021 NFL Draft picks

Team Draft Grade

For the most part, the Browns did four things with this draft.

1. They went out and got young prospects who could potentially replace veterans.
2. They went out and got versatile players who could play multiple spots and probably will.
3. Maximized the value of each player, even if they came with risks.
4. Got faster on both sides of the ball.

This draft will get a much better review over the 2020 Draft class. The Browns last year were looking to end their 20-year playoff drought and needed to hit on their players. Honestly, a few of them didn’t make a difference. Some did, some have high ceilings, but a couple was just average if that.

This year, the Browns didn’t have the same pressure to hit home runs across the draft, as they had fewer holes to address. This year, the Browns weren’t as desperate and were able to be riskier with their picks. Beyond that, the team won 11 games last year and defeated the Steelers in back-to-back contests.

So the expectations and needs of the draft no longer have the same weight as they did last year. It’s still important, but the feeling of desperation is gone. Most of the 2021 NFL Draft class for the Browns was really good, but the last few picks left something to be desired.

So we’re going to grade the Browns overall draft and remember, this is the mean average of the draft grades. A’s are four, B’s are three, and so on. So, with that said; this is the Browns first grade post-draft.

Grade: B-

The team did a great job setting themselves up for the future.