Browns mid-season rookie report card

The Cleveland Browns’ 2023 draft class hasn’t had to do a ton as rookies. Just one player from the most recent draft is playing consistently for the Browns as a starter. At least three of the players have been healthy scratches almost weekly. It’s an example of what I see as a good problem for […]

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer

Nov 6, 2023 11:54 AM EST

The Cleveland Browns’ 2023 draft class hasn’t had to do a ton as rookies.

Just one player from the most recent draft is playing consistently for the Browns as a starter. At least three of the players have been healthy scratches almost weekly. It’s an example of what I see as a good problem for Cleveland.

The Browns have a nicely built roster that has not had to lean on rookies to contribute right away. It is a good problem to have. Nonetheless, let’s look at how these rookies should be graded.

WR Cedric Tillman

This past game against the Cardinals was the first game that Tillman saw extended time out there with Donovan Peoples-Jones traded and David Bell injured. Tillman was good for one catch resulting in three yards.

Cleveland hasn’t really needed Tillman this year until now when they’re going to get a great look at who he is. Coming out of Tennessee, Tillman was a talented rather large receiver threat. He hasn’t done much with his limited opportunity, I have a good feeling we’ll soon see more.

Letter grade: C+

DT Siaki Ika

Cleveland hopes that Ika is a future run plugger for them, fortunately, they do not need him right now. Ika hasn’t appeared in a game this season and is a healthy scratch week in and week out.

The Browns look more content developing Ika and getting his body ready. It’s not a bad avenue to take.

Letters grade: N/A

RT Dawand Jones

The plan for Ika was for him to be a backup tackle who hopefully did not have to play as a rookie. That was blown up in the first week when Jack Conklin went down and it has worked out fine.

Jones has stepped in and immediately been peen a plus in pass blocking. His run-blocking ability has a long way to go, but it can be worked around.

The play that Jones has given the Browns this season is more than they could have asked for. Cleveland found a starter in the fourth round.

Letter grade: A

DE Isaiah McGuire

In Week 9, we saw McGuire active which has been rare. He was a productive pass rusher in the SEC that the Browns haven’t really needed yet. Cleveland is four deep at defensive end and they don’t really go deeper than that.

McGuire is a player we basically have nothing on at the pro level outside of some preseason snaps.

Letter grade: N/A

QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson

The plan wasn’t for DTR to see a snap when the Browns drafted him. When the rookie impressed in camp, he took over the backup job.

In Week 4, Thompson-Robinson had his debut and tossed three interceptions. Kevin Stefanski opted to make P.J. Walker the backup following that game.

DTR likely flashed in the preseason and just wasn’t quite ready. It doesn’t mean he can’t eventually be that guy. He can.

Letter grade: C-

CB Cameron Mitchell

Mitchell is the backup slot corner that made his first start in the position during Week 9. He held up against the Arizona Cardinals and it didn’t look like it was his first time out there. That’s because it wasn’t, the rookie has played in seven games this season.

When targeted, Mitchell was allowing 13.4 yards per reception going into Week 9. He hasn’t been the strongest in coverage but has had an impact on special teams. As a late draft pick, if Mitchell develops into depth it’s a nice win.

Letter grade: C+

C Luke Wypler

Wypler is yet to appear in a game this season, as the Browns are taking the Ika approach with him. In the preseason, Wypler looked solid as a potential center prospect of the future.

This season, Wypler hasn’t been active. Nick Harris backs up starter Ethan Pocic, so the Browns don’t really need him right now. I believe Wypler may eventually be the guy at center.

Letter grade: N/A