After the dust settled and a few trades were executed the Cleveland Browns ended up making 9 selections in the 2022 NFL Draft. They surprised many by trading back from pick 44 in the 2nd round to number 68 in the third round. GM Andrew Berry stated that they thought the best value picks would be in the mid rounds. Let's take a look at the 2022 NFL Draft class for the Cleveland Browns.
Round 3 (68): Martin Emerson - CB - Mississippi State - 6'1", 201 lbs
The Browns surprised a lot of people when they traded back from pick 44 in the 2nd round to 68 and selected Emerson passing over a few highly touted wide receivers. Emerson has great size for the position. Last season with the Bulldogs he allowed only one reception of 25+ yards. He was very productive in college despite only one career interception. Emerson is versatile and can be effective in either zone or man coverage. With the trade of Troy Hill back to the Rams, Emerson will compete for the 3rd CB spot with Greedy Williams and A.J. Green.
Round 3 (78): Alex Wright - DE - UAB - 6'7", 270 lbs
With their 2nd pick in the 3rd round the Browns snagged UAB defensive end Alex Wright. He has all the physical traits to be a pass rushing force at the next level. Wright should be able to help right away on a rotational basis and could be the long term answer on the other side opposite Myles Garrett. It is expected that Jadeveon Clowney re-signs which would allow the Browns to bring Wright along at their own pace.
Round 3 (99): David Bell - WR - Purdue - 6'2" - 205 lbs
The Browns got their receiver with their 3rd choice in the 3rd round in Big Ten Receiver of the Year David Bell. While he does not possess ideal speed for the position, Bell has good size and is a polished route runner with great hands. He will have an opportunity to play right away as a slot receiver. If the Browns do not re-sign Jarvis Landry then Bell will have a chance to make a big impact in 2022.
Round 4 (108): Perrion Winfrey - DT - Oklahoma - 6'4", 290 lbs.
The Browns grabbed their first of three Oklahoma Sooners with their first pick in round four. Winfrey is an exciting prospect who has already won over the hearts of Browns fans with his post draft interview videos on social media. He has tremendous burst and power that a lot of times results in him pushing offensive lineman backwards into the play. He had 5.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for a loss last season for the Sooners. Winfrey is ideal for the 3-technique position and will have a chance to play major snaps in 2022.
Round 4 (124): Cade York - K - LSU - 6'2", 206 lbs.
The kicker position has been an issue for the Browns since the great Phil Dawson. The Browns decided to address this need in the 4th round grabbing LSU standout Cade York who is most famous for his game winning 57-yard FG in the fog. York was the top kicker in the draft. He hit on 82% of his field goals in his three years at LSU. Today the Browns cut kickers Chase McLaughlin and Chris Blewitt after drafting York.
Round 5 (156): Jerome Ford - RB - Cincinnati - 5'10", 205 lbs.
In a surprise move the Browns drafted Bearcat running back Jerome Ford in the 5th round. It was a surprise because they already have Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, D'Ernest Johnson and Demetric Felton on the roster. Ford is a speed back with a high football IQ that could provide a nice change of pace from the physical runners like Chubb and Hunt. The Browns will not go into the season with five running backs. Hunt or more likely Johnson could be moved in a trade to a RB needy team.
Round 6 (202): Michael Woods II - WR - Oklahoma - 6'1", 198 lbs.
The Browns took their 2nd receiver of the draft in round 6 as they snagged Michael Woods II out of Oklahoma. Woods does not have the greatest speed but he does have very good hands and route running ability. A lot of his big gains came on over the middle crossing routes. He will compete for the last receiver spot on the roster.
Round 7 (223): Isaiah Thomas - DE - Oklahoma - 6'5", 258 lbs.
Cleveland drafted their 3rd Oklahoma player of the night in edge rusher Isaiah Thomas. He had 8 sacks and 11.5 tackles for a loss in his senior season with the Sooners. He has good football IQ, speed and upper body strength. Thomas could serve as a pass rush specialist in passing situations.
Round 7 (246): Dawson Deaton - C - Texas Tech - 6'6", 305 lbs.
The Browns rounded out their 2022 draft taking Texas Tech center Dawson Deaton. After moving on from JC Tretter the Browns could use a young developmental center and that very well could be Deaton. He possesses the tangibles to be an NFL center. Needs to work on his pass protection techniques to have a chance to succeed in the NFL.
Undrafted signees:
QB- Felix Harper
WR- Isaiah Weston
WR- Travell Harris
WR- Mike Harley Jr.
TE- Malik Smith
TE- Zaire Mitchell-Paden
OL- Brock Hoffman
OL- Ben Petrula
DT- Roderick Perry II
DT- Glen Logan
LB- Silas Kelly
CB- Julius Faulk
CB- Shaun Jolly
S- D'Anthony Bell