Cleveland Browns: 3 rookies who will make the biggest impact in 2021
By Sam Penix
The three Cleveland Browns rookies who will make the biggest impacts in 2021
By nearly all accounts, Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry hit the 2021 NFL Draft out of the park. The class looks great on paper, but none of the rookies must be counted on to start, which is a luxury the team has really never had, ever. Still, many will play big roles this season, and here are three of them.
Notice that first-rounder Greg Newsome II is not on this list. He will no doubt be a part of the outside cornerback rotation, but Greedy Williams is returning from injury. Williams played much better as a rookie in 2019 than many remember, and is the incumbent starter opposite Denzel Ward.
There will of course be a competition, but the track record for the performance of rookie corners is not strong. Newsome will play, but his value for this team is greater in the long term.
3. DT Marvin Wilson
Wilson was not the defensive tackle the Browns drafted, but they were clearly high on him, making him the highest-paid undrafted free agent in NFL history, topping the amount Cleveland gave cornerback A.J. Green last year. Green was cut in training camp and spent most of the year on the practice squad, but that is unlikely to be the case with Wilson.
Injuries and scheme hampered his performance in 2020, but Wilson put up high-level tape in the two seasons prior. He possesses superhuman strength and an impressive toolbox of pass-rush moves.
When healthy and used properly, he has the potential to be a force as a rookie. He may not start, but defensive coordinator Joe Woods is fond of rotating his line in and out constantly to keep everyone fresh and healthy. Wilson will see the field often as the one-tech and should be good for a few highlight-worthy block sheds each Sunday.