Cleveland Browns 2018 Draft Class Review

With the 2018 NFL Draft behind us, it’s time to begin the review process on how each team stacks up with the selections they’ve made. The Browns had quite a haul with nine picks in this year’s draft including first overall, let’s review… 

Cleveland Browns 2018 Draft Class Review:

Round 1 – Pick 1 (1)

Baker Mayfield (QB)

While ADF isn’t the biggest Baker Mayfield supporter and the pick came as quite a shock to us believing Cleveland would’ve drafted Sam Darnold with the first pick, this is an intriguing selection to say the least. In reviewing Baker’s college tape it was clear the system in Oklahoma was geared toward finding avenues to exploit Mayfield’s talent rather than pigeon-holding him into a program that could produce failed results. ADF does believe in Baker’s ability to throw precise balls with pin-point accuracy and perfect touch allowing his receivers to make plays after the catch, which happened a lot in Oklahoma. While Backer did prove he was able to stay in the pocket, he tends to favor rolling out to his right when trouble comes his way. Throwing off his back foot far too often with average arm strength could get him into trouble in the NFL. Mayfield also tends to stare down receivers and could be in for a rude awakening in the NFL as complex defensive systems will punish him if he can’t look off defenders.

Overall taking Baker first overall in the 2018 NFL Draft is an intriguing choice for the Browns who haven’t been able to figure out the quarterback position for quite some time. He should benefit from playing behind Tyrod Taylor in his first year learning how to be a leader and a professional.   

ADF Prediction: Potential high celling, extremely low floor.          

Round 1 – Pick 4 (4)

Denzel Ward (DB)

The Browns stunned most if not all draft boards selecting the best defensive back in the draft with the fourth overall selection. Denzel Ward is an ADF favorite with the potential in being an NFL cover island with his fantastic ability. Though Ward is slightly undersized compared to how the NFL appears to be selecting its cornerbacks these days, he makes up for that with his supreme athletic ability. Ward is a better tackler then most scouts give him credit for, and should be a viable option in defending the run game. As Ward will ultimately prove that his shadow cover ability will become a nightmare for quarterbacks in the coming years, the potential could be for teams to not target his side altogether providing great assistance for the Browns defense to be multifaceted in their schemes. While Bradley Chubb would’ve been a great counterpart for Miles Garrett, Denzel Ward is a true difference maker on the backend.

ADF Prediction: Future All-Star.          

Round 2 – Pick 1 (33)

Austin Corbett (T/G)

Knowing the Browns had to address their offensive line issues with the retirement of long time tackle Joe Thomas, Cleveland chose to select Austin Corbett at the top of the second round. While Corbett was primarily a tackle in Nevada he more than likely won’t take on that role with the Browns. Most scouts have Austin pegged as a better fit at Guard or Center helping to establish a sound presence in the middle. If Austin can improve his overall abilities he could become a full time starter for many years in the NFL.

ADF Prediction: Potential solid career.           

Round 2 – Pick 3 (35)

Nick Chubb (RB)

The bulldozer from Georgia has found a home with the Browns with their second of two picks in the second round. While some are higher on Chubb, ADF isn’t overly impressed with the 230 pound runner as a full time answer at the position. His appeal definitely gives the Browns another option as a change of pace runner with more power to punish defenders. Chubb will have a lot of upside in goal line work this season provided he can use his ability to plow forward engaging defenders. Chubb appears to be a one cut downhill runner without possessing great breakaway speed. ADF will be very interested in if Chubb can produce in the passing game as his hands are a large question mark to this point. Still a solid pick for the Browns, his expectations should be tempered.

ADF Prediction: Above average player.          

Round 3 – Pick 3 (67)

Chad Thomas (DE)

On paper the Browns appear to be a unit on the rise as ADF was a big supporter of this defense from last season. Needing a rushing mate on the other side of the defensive line to support Miles Garrett, Cleveland chose the tall athletic talent of Chad Thomas. Thomas stands a fantastic 6’5” tall and topped a 40 time of 4.92, rather impressive. At this point Thomas probably won’t be the best in assisting in stopping the run, but should provide enough for offensive lines to take notice with his rushing ability. Still viewing as a little raw, traits will have to be developed to become a true impactful player.    

ADF Prediction: Moderate potential, good upside.            

Round 4 – Pick 5 (105)

Antonio Callaway (WR)

ADF is a big fan of the on-field ability of the former Florida Gators product Antonio Callaway! Standing at 5’11” with a beefy frame of 200 pounds while running an eye opening 4.41 40 time, leaves us drooling at the potential of star ability. His route running is above average as his speed purely allows him to dictate defensive backs on a regular. The largest red-flag comes with all his off-field issues marking him as a headache and a potential lose cannon with NFL money in his pocket. His athleticism is off the charts with maturity concerns providing the biggest question marks. If off-filed wasn’t a concern, Callaway could’ve garnered a potential first round grade. 

    

ADF Prediction: High celling, off-field red flags.          

Round 5 – Pick 13 (150)

Genard Avery (LB)

Teams always require a true line backer to man the middle of the field. Avery will provide Cleveland with adequate depth at the position potentially fitting in nicely in the Browns 4-3 defensive system. Avery should be able to carve out a special team’s role from day one with good upside with rotating in with specific packages.   

Round 6 – Pick 1 (175)

Damlon Ratley (WR)

Cleveland is banking on straight physical traits from this selection hoping they can develop his all-around game in the process. Standing a whopping 6’3” tall could provide value as a pure red zone target out jumping the competition.  

Round 6 – Pick 14 (188)

Simeon Thomas (DB)

With the last pick in the draft class, the Browns selected former Louisiana-Lafayette product, defensive back Simeon Thomas. His height screams “wow” off the board standing 6’4” tall providing the chance to show what he can do. A potential longshot to make the roster but if Thomas shows out - he could find himself on special teams as a gunner.

2018 Undrafted Free Agent Signings  

Erick Wren, OL, Oklahoma

D.J. Calhoun, LB, Arizona State

Da'Mari Scott, WR, Fresno State

Montrel Meander, DB, Grambling

Darvin Kidsy, WR, North Texas

Desmond Harrison, OL, West Georgia

Trenton Thompson, DL, Georgia

Zaycoven Henderson, DT, Texas A&M

Evan Berry, KR/PR, Tennessee

Micah Hannemann, DB, Browns