Oct 26, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Duke Johnson (8) reacts after scoring the game winning touchdown in the fourth quarter as Wake Forest Demon Deacons cornerback Kevin Johnson (9) looks on at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
The 2015 NFL Draft has come and gone and there is little doubt that the Cleveland Browns are in a better place today than they were at this time last week.
But while the Browns improved the roster with an NFL-high 12 selections, the franchise doesn’t operate in a vacuum, as the competition in the AFC North Division was working hard to stay competitive in the NFL’s version of the Group of Death.
Now that the draft grades are in, we thought we’d take a look at how a few respected sites graded not only the selections the Browns made, but also what Baltimore, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh accomplished over the three-day weekend in Chicago.
We looked at Sports Illustrated, NFL.com, CBSSPorts.com and Pro Football Focus to find out what they had to say about the work done by Ray Farmer, Ozzie Newsome, Mike Brown and Kevin Colbert.
We’ll start off with Chris Burke from Sports Illustrated.
Next: Sports Illustrated Draft Grades
Sep 20, 2014; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars defensive lineman Xavier Cooper (96) interacts with the crowd going during a game against the Oregon Ducks during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns: B-
Taken on their own, there are some strong choices in Cleveland’s draft class. How does it all fit together, though? DT Danny Shelton was a no-brainer for a team that was embarrassed against the run last season. At least he would have been had the Browns not passed on WR DeVante Parker to take him. Vince Mayle (No. 123) is a long way from Parker’s skill set, and he was a reach in Round 4 as it was.
If Shelton can help keep teams from steamrolling this defense, OLB Nate Orchard can seal the deal on passing downs. The picks of Cam Erving (No. 19) and Duke Johnson (No. 77) are interesting. Erving had emerged as a virtual lock for Round 1, but where are the Browns planning to play him? Johnson also will have to battle for playing time, with Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West on the depth chart. The obvious sleeper is seventh-rounder Ifo Ekpre-Olomu. His pre-Rose Bowl knee injury caused a devastating draft slide. He was en route to Round 1 before that setback, so look out if he ever reclaims his old form.— Chris Burke
Baltimore Ravens: B+
It was a classic Ozzie Newsome draft, in that the meat of it may come from the mid-round selections. Defensive tackle Carl Davis (No. 90) played like a first-rounder at the Senior Bowl and could be a fixture up front for years if the Ravens can get him to be more consistent. One round after nabbing Davis, Newsome found a powerful edge presence in Kentucky’s Za’Darius Smith, and Buck Allen, a running back who looks like a terrific fit for Marc Trestman’s offense. Don’t sleep on sixth-round receiver Darren Waller either. He was stuck in Georgia Tech’s option attack, but at 6’6″ he could be dangerous in the red zone.
Of course, Baltimore also drafted a pair of high-upside pass-catchers early: receiver Breshad Perriman in round 1 and tight end Maxx Williams in round 2. Both were expected to go before the Ravens’ picks came up at No. 26 and No. 55. Together, Perriman and Williams add a dangerous downfield element to Baltimore’s offense. How rapidly they develop from the talented but unpolished products they are now will determine this group’s success.— Chris Burke
“Together, Breshad Perriman and Maxx Williams add a dangerous downfield element to Baltimore’s offense.” – Chris Burke
Cincinnati Bengals: B+
While opening with back-to-back offensive tackles (Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher) was a tad unexpected, it’s no secret that the Bengals like to stay in house to replace departing players when they can. Both LT Andrew Whitworth and RT Andre Smith’s contracts are up after 2015. Fisher’s ready to play now on the right side, if the Bengals want him to; Ogbuehi can take advantage of the tackle depth and ease his way back from a season-ending knee injury. Not sure they needed both guys, no matter how talented they are.
Cincinnati addressed a handful of needs from there, starting with TE Tyler Kroft in Round 3. He and fifth-rounder C.J. Uzomah could see tons of snaps if Tyler Eifert is not 100%. LB Paul Dawson, DT Marcus Hardison and S Derron Smith were all relative values where they were selected—Dawson (No. 99) once had Round 1 buzz; Smith (No. 197) was our second-ranked safety. CB/S Josh Shaw might pay off as a value selection, too.— Chris Burke
Pittsburgh Steelers: B+
Of the Steelers’ eight draft selections, seven came pretty close to hitting the mark, on paper. The eighth was the third-round choice of WR Sammie Coates, who looks to be almost an exact replica of 2014 fourth-rounder Martavis Bryant. Coates, a raw receiver prospect, is now where Bryant was ahead of last season. Pittsburgh has done well in the past taking WRs around this spot, so perhaps the Coates selection deserves some benefit of the doubt.
Beyond that, GM Kevin Colbert had to upgrade his pass-rush and restock his secondary. Check and check. OLB Bud Dupree goes down as a slight steal at No. 22. CBs Senquez Golson and Doran Grant could earn starting nods. Golson’s a ballhawk, Grant a physical presence. TE Jesse James gives the Steelers someone to replace Heath Miller down the road, too.— Chris Burke
Next up is Bucky Brooks from NFL.com.
Next: NFL.com Draft Grades
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Breshad Perriman (Central Florida) poses for a photo with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number twenty-six overall pick to the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns: B+
While some folks were screaming for the Browns to move up the board and nab a quarterback or electric receiver, general manager Ray Farmer proved he was intent on building a blue-collar team that doesn’t rely solely on the performance of the QB. Thus, Farmer focused his efforts on upgrading the defensive front with the selections of Danny Shelton, Nate Orchard and Xavier Cooper. The trio will augment a solid front line and help the Browns play the kind of physical football that coach Mike Pettine desires. Offensively, the Browns took a versatile interior blocker (Cameron Erving) and a dynamic running back (Duke Johnson), which will allow the offense to pummel opponents behind a “ground and pound” approach. The Browns threw a couple of late-round darts with the selections of cover corners Charles Gaines and Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, two guys with big-time potential. If both guys play up to their collegiate flashes, Cleveland could have one of the deepest defensive backfields in the NFL in a few seasons. – Bucky Brooks
“Paul Dawson is arguably the most instinctive linebacker in the draft, but character concerns and questionable athletic traits led to his drop down the charts.” – Bucky Brooks
Cincinnati Bengals: B+
When a team is loaded due to superb player acquisition, the decision makers are free to draft with an eye toward the future. After putting together one of the most talented rosters in the NFL over the past few seasons, the Bengals used the 2015 draft to further cement a foundation that should allow them to remain perennial contenders for the next five years. Offensive tackles Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher are developmental prospects poised to take over as starting bookends in the next year or two. Paul Dawson is arguably the most instinctive linebacker in the draft, but character concerns and questionable athletic traits led to his drop down the charts. If he takes care of business off the field, he could become a difference maker in the middle alongside Vontaze Burfict (who, by the way, was a very similar prospect when he went undrafted out of Arizona State). Keep an eye on receiver Mario Alford. Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson could use him as the vertical stretch playmaker who deters opponents from playing press-man on the outside. – Bucky Brooks
Baltimore Ravens: B
The Ravens consistently have landed talented players at every stage of the draft because GM Ozzie Newsome and his staff rely more heavily on film evaluation than they do on workout numbers and pro-day performances. Thus, it’s not a surprise that Baltimore acquired a number of prospects with the potential to make immediate contributions. Receiver Breshad Perriman, tight end Maxx Williams, defensive tackle Carl Davis and running back Javorius “Buck” Allen could step on to the field and provide big-time contributions as first-year pros. Perriman and Williams, in particular, are expected to anchor a Ravens passing game that will look drastically different under new offensive coordinator Marc Trestman. If Perriman can eliminate the drops that plagued his collegiate career, he could give the Ravens the big-bodied playmaker they need as a WR1. Defensive end Za’Darius Smith could be a sleeper pick who emerges as a useful player for the Ravens down the road. – Bucky Brooks
Pittsburgh Steelers: C+
The Steelers skew toward the conservative side on draft day, valuing productive players with size and athleticism. This has been the formula for the team since the Chuck Noll era. Defensively, the Steelers plucked Alvin “Bud” Dupree to give the team a much-needed pass rusher with speed and quickness. He isn’t a polished player, but has tremendous potential as a DPR (designated pass rusher). The Steelers also landed a pair of cover corners in Senquez Golson and Doran Grant. Golson, as mentioned above, is a bit of a question mark based on his diminutive physical dimensions — in addition to potentially struggling against bigger-bodied receivers, he could have some trouble against the run. Receiver Sammie Coates is a “boom or bust” prospect with enticing physical tools who needs to develop better consistency as a pass catcher. – Bucky Brooks
Next, we hear from Rob Rang at CBSSports.com.
Next: CBSSports.com Draft Grades
Dec 31, 2014; Atlanta , GA, USA; TCU Horned Frogs linebacker Paul Dawson (47) sacks Mississippi Rebels quarterback Bo Wallace (14) during the second quarter in the 2014 Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns: B+
Given all of the talk about a colossal trade up for Marcus Mariota, the Browns standing pat and building along the line of scrimmage might be the kind of ripple rather than splash the franchise needed. Danny Shelton is the best run-stuffer in this draft, which was the No. 1 need for the Browns considering that the club finished dead last against the run last season. Cameron Erving‘s versatility makes him an ideal fit for a club with questions about the longterm future of center Alex Mack and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz. Edge rusher Nate Orchard may lack the tools that prompted Cleveland to invest in Barkevious Mingo a few years ago, but he’s a more polished and instinctive defender. The Browns added speed at running back with the dynamic Duke Johnson and physicality at wide receiver with Vince Mayle. Fellow Washington State product Xavier Cooper could surprise, as well. The steal of Cleveland’s draft, however, will be seventh round pick Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, who was viewed as a possible first round pick before tearing his ACL in January. – Rob Rang
Baltimore Ravens: A
Few teams plug holes better than the Ravens, who landed Breshad Perriman — remarkably similar vertical threat as departed speedster Torrey Smith — at No. 26 overall. Like Smith, who left for big money in San Francisco, Perriman will occasionally drop an easy pass but his extraordinary speed is an ideal match for an offense built around Joe Flacco’s big arm. Similarly, the Ravens nabbed the draft’s best tight end in Maxx Williams and wisely doubled down on the position with Nick Boyle late. Filling other holes left by free agent defections happened in the middle rounds with stout defenders Carl Davis and Za’Darius Smith. Cornerback Tray Walker could surprise as a developmental press corner. The real steal, however, could be running back Buck Allen, who could take snaps from Justin Forsett as a rookie. Just another ho-hum brilliant draft in Baltimore. – Rob Rang
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Cincinnati Bengals: B
Like the Ravens, the Bengals do a nice job of using the draft as it is intended – to develop young talent to fill holes left by free agent defections. Tackles Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith are each entering the final year of their respective contracts, which gives the club time to let Cedric Ogbuehi — a top 10 talent — heal from the torn ACL that ended his 2014 season prematurely. The Bengals assured that tackle wouldn’t be an issue with Jake Fisher in the second round, a prospect many clubs viewed as a first-round talent. Linebacker Paul Dawson could prove the next version of Vontaze Burfict — a future starter who slid because of poor workouts and off-field issues. Watch out for hard-hitting defensive back Josh Shaw and up-and-coming defensive lineman Marcus Hardison to surprise as middle-round picks. – Rob Rang
Pittsburgh Steelers: B
With age creeping up on the Steelers, adding youth and athleticism was Job One for general manager Kevin Colbert, and Bud Dupree adds both. A dynamic athlete with speed, agility and flexibility, he checks off a lot of boxes athletically speaking and has the work ethic and selflessness Pittsburgh values. Athleticism was the focus for Pittsburgh in this draft with the Steelers gambling on undersized (but playmaking) cornerback Senquez Golson, “tool-sy” wideout Sammie Coates and cornerback Doran Grant. Thorpe Award-winning safety Gerold Holliman will get the buzz despite his shoddy tackling landing him in the seventh round, but versatile tough guy Anthony Chickillo is the Day Three pick to watch for the Steelers. – Rob Rang
Finally, we turn to Pro Football Focus.
Next: Pro Football Focus Draft Grades
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Bud Dupree (Kentucky) poses for a photo with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number 22nd overall pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Pro Football Focus did not hand out overall team grades, but rather individual grades for each player selected through the first three rounds of the draft. The site then added comments for each player drafted after the third round.
Cleveland Browns:
Danny Shelton, the first of the team’s two first-round selections, earned an A because he is “a disruptive force and more mobile than you might expect at his size, Shelton was an easy choice for the Browns to improve their defensive line in both facets. Only one player at the position had more than Shelton’s 50 defensive stops (and that player went Top 10), while he finished with the sixth-highest overall grade.” Fellow first-round pick Cameron Erving earned a B- as he “spent time at both tackle and center last season, so it’s probably reasonable to assume he also fits at guard. Ervin is a fluid athlete with great hand use, consistently getting the first punch on defensive lineman. Really stood out in run blocking with an exceptional finish to the season against Georgia Tech and in the playoffs versus Oregon.”
“Danny Shelton is a disruptive force and more mobile than you might expect at his size, Shelton was an easy choice for the Browns to improve their defensive line in both facets.”
Second-round pick Nate Orchard earned a B for being “extremely productive in run defense with 52 stops, a figure that led all edge defenders in this class. Also good as a pass rusher where he gave Andrus Peat particular trouble against Stanford and few players matched his 55 combined pressures (60 including the Senior Bowl). But he didn’t grade as well as the pressure count might indicate with many coming either unblocked or cleanup.”
The Browns had two picks again in the third round, with Duke Johnson earning a B as “Cleveland bolstered its backfield with this pick, taking a player who finished with the third-highest grade at the position. Johnson has home run ability if he makes it to the second level, which was evident by his fifth-ranked 50.3% Breakaway Percentage, leading to 826 of his 1,641 rushing yards. Should also contribute as a receiver; he forced more missed tackles in the passing game (15) than any other back in this class.” Fellow third-round Xavier Cooper also earned a B even though “more than 50 defensive interior players finished with a better overall grade, but Cooper displayed a very quick first step to beat blockers, though he had trouble finishing at times and lacked the hands to effectively counter. Still managed the fourth-best Pass Rushing Productivity rating against Power 5 opponents at 9.0.” – Pro Football Focus
Baltimore Ravens:
First-round selection Breshad Perriman received a B as “the Ravens came into this draft looking for a deep threat at wide receiver and it took them just a few hours to find one. The concern with Perriman is that he had questionable hands in college, with eight drops from 58 catchable passes, but this was about the right spot for him. The deep threat they were looking for, he registered 525 yards and five touchdowns on passes traveling 20 or more yards in the air.” Maxx Williams, selected in the second round, earned an A- as “the consensus number one tight end in the draft, and a borderline first round draft pick in our eyes, Williams selection raises questions about the future of Dennis Pitta in Baltimore. A standout receiver at Minnesota, Williams averaged 2.71 Yards Per Route against Power 5 Opponents, the second highest mark in this class.”
Finally, third-round selection Carl Davis was handed an A as “arguably the best pick made by Ozzie Newsome & Co. over the weekend, Davis is a player who many felt was worthy of a first-round draft pick. Davis didn’t always live up to his potential at Iowa, but when he was good, he was very good. A productive pass rusher, he finished the year with a Pass Rushing Productivity Rating of 9.4 against Power 5 Opponents, tied for second in the class.” – Pro Football Focus
Cincinnati Bengals:
First-round selection Cedric Ogbuehi earned a B as “sometimes it’s better to draft the best player available than to draft for need. The Bengals won’t need him to start in 2015 barring injury, allowing Ogbuehi, who graded positively both as a pass blocker and as a run blocker, to prepare for 2016.” Second-round pick Jake Fisher was given a B- because he “didn’t dominate like you’d like him to have in 2014, but like Ogbuehi, he graded positively both in pass protection and as a run blocker. Finishing the year the 21st highest Pass Blocking Efficiency at 97.4, Fisher could also be a fit at guard, with his versatility likely an asset going forward for the Bengals.”
Finally, the Bengals selected two players in the third round, with Tyler Kroft earning a C because it while it was “a little early to be drafting a tight end who is mainly a blocker, there’s no denying he is good at what he does. Our third-highest graded run blocker at the position, he fits with what the Bengals used Jermaine Gresham for in the past. Still, with just 269 yards as a receiver in 2014, he’s a bit one-dimensional for this spot in the draft.” Paul Dawson picked up an A+, however, as he was “one of the steals of the draft, Dawson had the production on the field to warrant going a full two hours earlier than this. His Run Stop Percentage mark of 23.2% was far ahead of any other linebacker in the country, with Michigan’s Jake Ryan the nearest draft eligible linebacker at 14.5%. His 74 tackles resulting in a defensive stop were also a full 16 more than Zach Vigil in second place.” – Pro Football Focus
“Bud Dupree has the measurables of a star but the tape of a guy who should have been nowhere near Round 1.”
Pittsburgh Steelers:
Not a fan of Bud Dupree (D-), as the site wrote that “someone was going to draft Dupree high and it just had to be the Steelers. Dupree has the measurables of a star but the tape of a guy who should have been nowhere near Round 1. He didn’t generate much pressure and what he did came against guys who won’t end up anywhere near the NFL. Joey Porter has his work cut out to turn him into the next great Steelers linebacker. Thirty-three edge defenders had more quarterback disruptions than him last year. Second-round selection Senquez Golson earned a B as he “made a name for himself with his playmaking ways this year and showed as a game competitor. A little lightweight against the run and isn’t your press corner type guy, but is very quick with excellent change of direction ability and a knack for making things happen with the ball around him. Ratio of 10 picks to three pass breakups show how dangerous it is throwing around him.”
Samme Coates, the team’s third-round selection earned a B+ as he “looks the part. Is big, strong and extremely fast which shows up with how he handles being pressed at the line. Brings some power after the catch but needs to do better job locating and tracking the ball. Really disappointing return catching just 45.9% of balls thrown his way. Should be a more productive player than he is.” – Pro Football Focus
What do you think of the draft grades? How would you grade the picks?