Ranking the Cleveland Browns rookies based on perceived impact for 2022

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NORMAN, OK – SEPTEMBER 18: Defensive lineman Perrion Winfrey #8 and outside linebacker Nik Bonitto #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners sack quarterback Adrian Martinez #2 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers late on the last drive of the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 23-16. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK – SEPTEMBER 18: Defensive lineman Perrion Winfrey #8 and outside linebacker Nik Bonitto #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners sack quarterback Adrian Martinez #2 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers late on the last drive of the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 23-16. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

2. DT Perrion Winfrey

The Browns’ defensive tackles have not been good since Andrew Berry took over the team, and he’s attempted to address that issue by drafting Jordan Elliot in 2020, Tommy Togiai in 2021, and now Perrion Winfrey in 2022. Elliot has yet to break through into the starting lineup since being drafted, and that’s with a turnstile of guys ahead of him.

If Elliot hasn’t succeeded by now, he likely won’t. Hence why Winfrey was taken, as the interior pass-rush specialist has the speed to be a real problem for opposing offenses. If Togiai and Winfrey can live up to the hype both men had/have, then the Browns’ front four may have some serious issues for opposing offensives to deal with.

Winfrey will likely start, simply due to the lack of talent ahead of him, but the Browns could always go get a veteran or two to put ahead of him. If that does happen who knows how much time Winfrey ends up getting in 2022 but assuming things stand pat then you can count on Winfrey to at least get a shot at starting this season. If not actually starting.

Even if he is a rotation guy, his pass-rushing skills should make him very valuable.