Grading the Browns’ 2024 Draft Class: Cleveland fills out multiple needs with their selections

The dust has settled and the 2024 NFL Draft has come to a close for the Cleveland Browns and the rest of the league. Cleveland ended up making six selections during the draft with all of them coming after the first round. With that being said, let’s jump in and grade the picks instantly. While […]

Brandon Little Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK

The dust has settled and the 2024 NFL Draft has come to a close for the Cleveland Browns and the rest of the league.

Cleveland ended up making six selections during the draft with all of them coming after the first round.

With that being said, let’s jump in and grade the picks instantly. While you never know how a pick will turn out, things can be projected.

Round 2, No. 54 overall: DL Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State

Nov 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. (51) celebrates a sack of Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium.
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Breaking down the pick: Following a run of defensive tackles in the second round, the Browns had to grab their guy before he was the next one gone. Throughout the draft process, I’ve penciled in Hall to the Browns for an obvious reason, they need the interior pass rush.

Hall does not turn 21 until June, the guy is not even old enough to legally drink alcohol. The age had to of been attractive to the front office who eyes younger players in the draft.

Hall is a mean pass rusher in the middle who brings a high motor at times and is athletic as they get in the middle. His first step is one that Jim Schwartz is going to talk about often, speaking of Schwartz he is thrilled with the pick.

Final grade: B+


Round 3, No. 85 overall: G Zak Zinter, Michigan

Michigan offensive lineman Zak Zinter (65) watches warm up ahead of the Rose Bowl game against Alabama at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif., on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Breaking down the pick: The Browns came into the draft needing to continue to add depth in the trenches and they’ve done that through two picks. Zinter made 42 career starts in college and that definitely means something to the Browns.

Zinter was dependable for Michigan up until the 2023 matchup with Ohio State when he suffered a broken leg. Andrew Berry already said they have no injury concerns with him and that he will be ready to go this spring.

Cleveland needs to plan for life after Joel Bitonio and maybe this is one crack at it, either way, Zinter is solid depth and a very good run blocker.

Final grade: B


Round 5, No. 156 overall: WR Jamari Thrash, Louisville

Sep 16, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver Jamari Thrash (1) catches the ball against the Indiana Hoosiers iin the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Breaking down the pick: I thought the Browns may pick a wideout earlier, but they find solid value in the fifth round here with Thrash, who showed out at Georgia State before having a nice final season with the Louisville Cardinals.

I believe the Browns will extend Amari Cooper, but they had to continue to add to the room with Jerry Jeudy their top wideout on the roster under contract after the 2024 season.

Thrash brings speed and a nice route tree to the field when he steps on it. There are some concerns with his drops, but overall an intriguing prospect.

Final grade: B-


Round 6, No. 206 overall: LB Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State 

Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Nathaniel Watson (14) celebrates sacking Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Zach Calzada (10) (not pictured) in the second quarter at Kyle Field.Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Breaking down the pick: Coming into the draft, the Browns needed a linebacker and Watson serves as their answer in the draft. The Mississippi State product is a box linebacker that works best sideline to sideline getting after the ball carrier.

Once Watson gets moving he is a fast linebacker that has a 40-time of 4.63 to show it, but he’s not explosive and his reaction is not all that great. A late pick that you hope can be a sound football player.

Final grade: C+


Round 7, No. 227 overall: CB Myles Harden, South Dakota

Myles Harden, right, runs a defensive drill during the first football practice of the season at the University of South Dakota on Thursday, August 4, 2022, in Vermillion. Usd Practice 00Erin Woodiel / Argus Leader-USA TODAY NETWORK

Breaking down the pick: With their first of two seventh-round picks, the Browns added to their cornerback room. Harden had six interceptions over four seasons and is listed at 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds. Cleveland could have taken flyers in places where they needed it more with this pick. Harden will try to make the team as an impact on special teams.

Final grade: C+ 


Round 7, No. 243 overall: DT Jowon Briggs, Cincinnati

Jowon Briggs
Oct 14, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats defensive end Jowon Briggs (middle) rushes from the line of scrimmage against Iowa State Cyclones defensive end David Caulker (left) and offensive lineman Jim Bonifas (right) in the second half at Nippert Stadium.© Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Breaking down the pick: If I were the Browns, I probably go tight end or running back here. Briggs is a powerful player who has a productive college resume over the last three seasons at Cincinnati. Unfortunately for him, it would take a real surprise for him to make the roster, like beating out one of the veterans.

Final grade: C