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The 5 worst first round draft picks for the Cleveland Browns since 1999

By Frank Teriaca

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 20: Quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns leaves the field after a football game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 20, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks won the game 30-13. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 20: Quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns leaves the field after a football game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 20, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks won the game 30-13. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – OCTOBER 04: Justin Gilbert #21 of the Cleveland Browns returns a kickoff against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on October 4, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – OCTOBER 04: Justin Gilbert #21 of the Cleveland Browns returns a kickoff against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on October 4, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Justin Gilbert CB, Oklahoma State: No. 8 overall 2014 draft

Boy did Justin Gilbert give the No.1 worst draft pick a run for his money. Gilbert possessed the size and speed that you look for in a shutdown cornerback but absolutely nothing else. His work ethic was notoriously bad while in college and his body language on the field wasn’t much better.

This draft pick was a classic case of former GM Ray Farmer and former head coach Mike Pettine trying to be the smartest men in the room. And selecting him as a top 10 pick set back a franchise even further than it already was.

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In two seasons with the Browns, Gilbert played in 23 games and managed one interception and 39 tackles with assists included. Stellar numbers from a top 10 pick.

Gilbert is most famous for crashing his car into a ditch on West 130th in Brunswick during a road rage incident. He was also known for sleeping through and missing team meetings on a regular basis.

Gilbert also faced off the field issues that the Browns became aware of as time went on. This is what Ray Farmer had to say back in 2015:

"“Initially when Justin came to Cleveland everything seemed standard. As times went on, the coaching staff became more aware.” -Former Browns GM Ray Farmer, via NBC Sports"

It is astonishing that after all of that the Browns were able to flip Gilbert to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a sixth round draft choice in 2016.

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