by Cleveland Browns
Selection 26th overall pick
Greg Newsome II out of Northwestern
Reason for pick – With the AFC North loading up on offensive talent, the Browns were smart to select a lockdown corner with this pick. He has no injury history that should concern anyone, and to play at Northwestern you have to be smart and tough! I personally love this this pick. Our Cole McDaniel breaks it down below as to why the Browns made this choice as he nailed it in his mock draft.
“I have been all about getting a linebacker myself, but that is not the biggest need for this team. After the acquisition of Troy Hill, we should expect the team to play a ton of nickel. Only two linebackers will even be on the field much of the time. Anthony Walker and Jacob Phillips will be just fine holding down the fort. SAM linebacker is important don’t get me wrong, but the Browns can hold off until day two because outside corner opposite Denzel Ward should be the primary focus.
Greedy Williams has too many questions surrounding his health and Terrance Mitchell is in Houston. Even if Greedy is healthy, he is not a reliable tackler. Greg Newsome II is not only a fantastic cover corner, but possibly the best tackling corner in this draft. He is excellent at wrapping up the ball carrier. A starting five in the secondary of Ward, Newsome, Hill, Grant Delpit and John Johnson III with Ronnie Harrison providing depth… That is a COMPLETE group.”
Grade A
Not only did the Browns fill a need, but they did with a great player. As Cole McDaniel mentioned, even with a healthy Greedy Williams (which he isn’t), this is still an upgrade. The combination of Newsome and Ward will be deadly and what the Browns need in a pass happy league.
Go Browns