The Cleveland Browns draft defensive end Isaiah McGuire

The Cleveland Browns have selected Isaiah McGuire with their 126th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Cleveland Browns have opted to focus on the defensive line in the 2023 NFL draft, using their 126th pick on Missouri defensive end Isaiah McGuire. McGuire is a 6’4, 270 lbs defender, with decent speed (4.75 40-yard), and was an SEC All-First Team defender at his position.

McGuire isn’t known for his big sack numbers, just 14.5 over the last two seasons, but according to PFF, McGuire rates out well, putting up a score of 78.4 in 2021 and a score of 81.2 in 2022. He also posted a pass-rush score of 82.0, all very good numbers.

What’s even more impressive if you’re a fan of McGuire’s, is that the defensive end saw his play improve against better-quality teams. He stepped up big against Auburn, Florida, and Tennessee. Though he was inconsistent against some of the lesser teams, so maybe that’s a point of concern.

Previous picks so far

The Cleveland Browns take Cedric Tillman.

The Cleveland Browns take nose tackle Siaki Ika.

The Cleveland Browns take offensive tackle Dawand Jones.

Isaiah McGuire gives the Cleveland Browns options at defensive end

I wouldn’t be expecting a lot out of Isaiah McGuire as a rookie but knowing the Browns bolstered the defensive end position sure takes some concerns off of the team. While a lot of people are very optimistic that 28-year-old, undersized, and untested Ogbonnia Okoronkwo is guaranteed to break out for the Browns, I don’t think that’s likely to happen. He is what he is at this point.

Getting someone like McGuire, who can at least give you some pressure from his position, is not a bad move at all. While I’d gone in a different direction with the player, the placement of the pick is spot on. The Browns needed a defensive end and they got one.