Ranking every Cleveland Browns first round draft pick since 1999

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CHICAGO, UNITED STATES: Cleveland Browns defensive end Courtney Brown (R) runs for a touchdown with blocking from teammate Gerard Warren (L) after recovering a fumble by the Chicago Bears on their first drive of the game 04 November 2001 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. AFP PHOTO/John ZICH (Photo credit should read JOHN ZICH/AFP via Getty Images) /

16. DT Gerard Warren 2001 – 3rd

Let’s get some things straight about Gerard Warren. Firstly, he was not the third-best player in the 2001 NFL Draft. He was absolutely a bust compared to the guys that came after him. Dan Morgan, Richard Seymour, Justin Smith, and some guy named LaDanian Tomilson.

Secondly, he had the best nickname on the team at the time. Dubbed “Big Money” Gerard Warren, Warren helped the NFL make a case for no longer paying draft picks huge contracts they didn’t earn. Warren was absolutely not worth the money he was paid, which soured him in the eyes of management and the fanbase.

Thirdly, Warren was a good player. Not great, but not a lot of NFL players have 10-year careers as a starter in the NFL. He was an efficient player, but that third-overall position and massive contract made it impossible to justify keeping him. Even if he was a solid starter.

He did give Browns fans one final parting gift, however. When he left, he got traded to the Denver Broncos for a fifth-round pick. He ended up joining a Broncos team that also acquired Michael Myers, Ebenezer Ekuban, and Courtney Brown from Cleveland as well. For one glorious year, everyone in the NFL called Denver the Browncos.

And I loved every minute of it.

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