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Cleveland Browns go against the grain, take Cade York in Round 4

By Randy Gurzi

Apr 17, 2021; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers place kicker Cade York (36) kicks a field goal with place kicker Avery Atkins (32) holding the ball during the first half of the annual Purple and White spring game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2021; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers place kicker Cade York (36) kicks a field goal with place kicker Avery Atkins (32) holding the ball during the first half of the annual Purple and White spring game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns traded down early in the fourth round and once they were back on the clock, they went against the grain and took Cade York from LSU

Entering Saturday, the Cleveland Browns had three picks in Round 4. They kicked things off by taking Oklahoma defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey at No. 108.

Then when they were on the clock at No. 118, they decided to make a trade with the Minnesota Vikings — making a deal with former Cleveland executive Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Cleveland ended up with pick No. 156 as well as a fourth in 2023.

Once on the clock, the Browns decided to take a kicker as they brought in Cade York from LSU.

Typically, teams shy away from taking kickers early in the draft and the Browns have been wary about taking them at all due to the struggles they have had when doing so. Back in 2017, they took Zane Gonzalez out of Arizona State in 2017 and he was gone early in 2018.

The same happened with Austin Seibert who was a fifth-round pick in 2019 but was released early in 2020.

Even with the struggles of former kickers that they drafted, the Browns knew they needed an upgrade at the position. Chase McLaughlin was set to be their guy in 2022 and that was less than encouraging following his struggles down the stretch last season.

As for York, they ended up with a kid who was easily the best coming into the league this season. He hit on 54-of-66 career kicks and was 164-of-168 on extra points.

Reactions to Cleveland Browns selection of Cade York

There will be no shortage of reactions to Cleveland drafting a kicker and some will be irate over it — especially considering remaining holes all around the roster. However, there are those who understand how important a kicker is — since they are often leaned on to decide games.

In the end, this pick should help the Browns. York solidifies a position of need and rather than take a player who would be needing time to develop, Andrew Berry added someone who will contribute from Day 1.

dark. Next. Browns make smart pick with David Bell to close out busy day 2

Sure, it might feel early but it wasn’t likely York would be there at 156.

Grade: B

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