Depth Was The Big Takeaway From 2024 Cleveland Browns Draft
Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
After months of anticipation, the 2024 NFL Draft has now come and gone. The draft was far bigger for some teams compared to the Cleveland Browns due to their lack of picks from trade activity, but it was still a great opportunity for Andrew Berry to add depth to this roster.
This was an interesting draft as the Browns didn’t have any glaring holes compared to years past, which allowed Berry to not have a need to move up and take the best available player when his pick came around.
Overall, I thought it was a great draft with only one minor question mark. Here is a glance and report on each pick.
Round Two, Pick No. 54 – Michael Hall Jr., Defensive Tackle
I’ll admit I’m a bit biased of this pick as an Ohio State fan, but I think this was a great fit for the Browns. If a team were in desperate need of a day-one starter who can play all three downs, Michael Hall isn’t the guy.
But the Browns need a pass rushing specialist who can have a few years to develop his game for all three downs and that is exactly what they got. Hall is long and active and can collapse the pocket. If he can make sure he gives 100% effort on each play, he’s going to have a major impact on the 2024 season.
Round Three, Pick No. 85 – Zach Zinter, Guard
This is perhaps my favorite pick of the draft. Zach Zinter was the heart and soul of the Michigan Wolverines offensive line in 2023 that was dominant, and had it not been for a serious leg injury vs. Ohio State, he could have gone as early as the first round.
Zinter is the whole package, he’s athletic, strong, and has the brains to play all five positions if needed. The injury is concerning, but the Browns don’t need him to be ready to play in 2024, but his progression gives them a ton of flexibility on Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller moving forward who have both had their struggles.
Round Five, Pick No. 156 – Jamari Thrash, Wide Receiver
It wouldn’t be an Andrew Berry draft if there wasn’t at least one wide receiver drafted. But unfortunately for the Browns, wide receiver is a position where Berry has struggled to evaluate talent and hit on picks.
Of all the receivers he’s drafted which includes Anthony Schwartz and David Bell, Jamari Thrash might be my favorite. He’s never going to be an outside elite wide receiver in the NFL, but he has the speed, length, and route tree to be a really good slot in the NFL.
Thrash will have a season to learn from Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore which should only benefit him to see some field time in the 2025 season.
Round Six, Pick No. 206 – Nathaniel Watson, Linebacker
Because it was round six, I’ll let it slide, but the Nathanial Watson pick was my biggest question mark. It’s not the position in question but the player. Watson was a fantastic SEC linebacker with 137 tackles last year, but there are a lot of off-the-field question marks.
The truth is, the Browns need some depth at linebacker so if this guy fizzes out quickly which very well could happen, Berry will be going to the streets looking for someone to join this roster.
This pick could end up being the steal of the century if Watson can get his act together, but to me, the need at the position was too big to take this risk.
Round Seven, Pick No. 227 – Myles Harden, Cornerback
In round seven the Browns went with Myles Harden out of South Dakota. His stock would have been higher, but there is an injury history that comes with him that likely has teams worried. For some reason, Berry loves to draft secondary members with a history of injuries.
While it’s doubtful that Harden sees the field in a defensive capacity in 2024, I love this pick because of his potential on special teams. Harden is an aggressive defensive player and an above-average tackler in the open field. He could potentially be an elite special teamer in this league given his big motor.
Round Seven, Pick No. 243 – Jowon Briggs, Defensive Tackle
For some reason defensive tackle has turned into a position where Berry loves to throw a bunch of guys at the wall and see what sticks. Nothing has changed as the Browns currently have seven players and five spots. Keep in mind, only one of those seven guys (Jowon Briggs), wasn’t an early draft pick or recently signed a free agency deal.
My gut says it’s going to be really hard for Briggs to make this roster, but he has a huge motor so having him at training camp feels like a great move to bring out the best in everyone. Briggs is undersized and will likely struggle to hold his ground at the next level, but effort can sometimes make up for the lack of skill so Berry is willing to give him a shot.
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