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Cleveland Browns get high marks in 2021 NFL Draft grades

By Randy Gurzi

PALO ALTO, CA - AUGUST 31: Michael Wilson #4 of the Stanford Cardinal dives for the endzone scoring a touchdown dragging Greg Newsome II #2 of the Northwestern Wildcats into the endzone during the second quarter of an NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
PALO ALTO, CA - AUGUST 31: Michael Wilson #4 of the Stanford Cardinal dives for the endzone scoring a touchdown dragging Greg Newsome II #2 of the Northwestern Wildcats into the endzone during the second quarter of an NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Greg Newsome II (Northwestern) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell over video call after being selected by the Cleveland Browns as the number 26 overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cleveland Browns wrapped up their 2021 NFL Draft and we look back over all the picks and issue instant grades for the work Andrew Berry did

Andrew Berry has only been a general manager for a short time but has already proven he knows what he’s doing. In his second offseason with the Cleveland Browns, he not only dominated in free agency, but he also just orchestrated his second impressive draft.

With needs all over the defensive side of the field, Berry was able to plug just about every hole in this draft and the instant reaction among fans and media members alike was incredibly positive.

Here, we look back over the picks he made and give our instant grades for the Browns 2021 NFL Draft  — starting with their choice at No. 26.

Round 1, Pick 26: Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern

With Greedy Williams missing the entire 2020 campaign, the Browns knew they had to get better at cornerback. Williams hopes to return in 2021 but with his injury being a nerve issue, there’s no guarantee he will be back to himself.

On top of that, Denzel Ward has also struggled with durability concerns so the Browns also needed depth even if they believed Williams could be back to 100 percent. That’s why it was no shock to anyone when the name Greg Newsome II was announced as their choice at No. 26.

On the surface, this is a perfect move. Newsome is a day one starter who can play against any wide receiver in the league. He was insanely effective for Northwestern — and PFF Cleveland tweeted out that he allowed 0.44 yards per coverage snap last season.

The problem is, he has also missed a lot of time. Newsome has played in 17 games while missing 14 in his career. Cleveland’s medical staff surely gave their stamp of approval but it’s worrisome that they now have three corners who have all missed significant time over the past few years.

That durability concern is the only thing keeping this from being an A+ pick but there’s still a very high grade to be awarded.

Grade: B+

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