Cleveland Browns Rookie Review: Greg Newsome

With the Cleveland Browns 2021 season now in the books, we take a final look at the rookie class. First up in the rookie review: Greg Newsome.

When Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry selected Northwestern standout Greg Newsome with the 26th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, it was widely viewed as a steal. However, there is a massive difference between feeling good on draft night and the player living up to their billing. Newsome bridged that gap with his play in 2021.

The fans and media being high on a rookie is vastly different from fellow teammates being high on a player. As soon as training camp began, veterans like Denzel Ward were speaking highly of the newly drafted Newsome. The coaching staff was echoing the same sentiments whenever the rookie’s name was mentioned in their press conferences.

From Week 1 in the regular season, defensive coordinator Joe Woods made his stance on Newsome abundantly clear, the rookie was entrusted with a starting cornerback role. Newsome was on the field for 97 percent of the defensive snaps in the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, which proves the confidence the coaching staff had in the rookie.

After a solid Week 2 outing, Newsome suffered a calf injury in the second half of Week 3 that cost the rookie the ensuing two games. Newsome returned in week six against the Arizona Cardinals but only played 21 snaps. However, four days later the rookie played 100 percent of the defensive snaps on Thursday Night Football against the Denver Broncos.

From Week 7 through Week 12, Newsome performed at a surprisingly elite level. Over the course of that six-game span, the rookie played 96 percent of the defensive snaps, defended five passes, and logged 18 solo tackles. When you are playing corner opposite a top-tier player like Denzel Ward, you will be exposed if you are not up to the task. Newsome was already playing as if he were a veteran himself.

Cleveland Browns rookie battles injuries, illness

Unfortunately, Newsome suffered a mysterious concussion on the last play of practice before the Week 14 matchup against the Ravens. The concussion mixed with a bout with Covid caused Newsome to miss three games at the most critical point in the season.

Newsome returned for the final two games of the season and ended his rookie campaign on a high note. He logged nine solo tackles with two assists and two passes defended. With a season under his belt, Newsome is heading into his first offseason as a professional with an immense amount of momentum.

Newsome put a ton of good on tape in his rookie season. He trusts his technique and does not panic when the ball is in the air. Newsome employs excellent hand technique at the catch point and is able to maintain his position without drawing interference calls. One of his most impressive qualities is his ability to track down shallow crossing receivers and cut them down short of the sticks.

Rookie Grade: A-

Barring any physical setbacks, Newsome is well on his way to joining Ward as an elite-level corner in the NFL. The Sky is the limit for Greg Newsome.