5 Best Cleveland Browns first round draft picks since 1999
By Clay Goodwin
2. Joe Haden, Cornerback
Cornerback, Joe Haden from the University of Florida is the pick for number two on this list for best first-round picks for the Browns since 1999. Haden was a true fan favorite for the team from 2010 to 2016. He was a shutdown corner for Cleveland for most of his tenure.
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When Haden was not injured, he was very reliable and could shut down the opposing team’s best receiver. He was a two-time Pro Bowler for the Browns and has since earned his third trip with Pittsburgh — and it’s still hard to see him in that ugly uniform.
Joe Haden was a fun player. He brought fans something to cheer about during some rough times to be a fan. The Browns went 29-83 during Haden’s seven years, but that was not his fault. He was one of the bright spots for the team and was a legitimate NFL talent.
Haden seemed to slow down at the end of his stint with Cleveland and was failing to keep up with receivers. The team cut Haden to save cap space. But since joining the Steelers, he has seemed to find a second wind.
He sits second on this list as he was a great player for Cleveland and did so for seven good seasons. He was someone to root for week after week and that was apparent when seeing all of the No. 23 Browns jerseys.