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 […]
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

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

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

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

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

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

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