Cleveland Browns Introduce 2022 Draft Class

[Piercewise1]

After a tumultuous and entertaining draft, the Browns walk away with 9 rookies on the roster. Here's a breakdown of their 2022 class,

with an excerpt on each from GM @Piercewise1 's introductory press conference.

 

Round 1, Pick 8

CB Kolton Hayes

 

Overall: B

Potential: A

 

 

"For all the drama around his selection, Hayes is a lockdown corner with exceptional lateral speed and immense toughness. He immediately makes our team better, and his potential is sky-high. We’re delighted to introduce Hayes as our first draft pick of 2022 – properly this time."

 

 

Round 2, Pick 57

WR Marcus Ekstrom

 

Overall: B-

Potential: B

 

 

"Ekstrom stood out in a crowded receiver field for his exceptional route running, something both (Browns QB James) Rivera and the coaching staff value highly. Some scouts knocked him for his 40 time at the combine, but you don’t get 17.5 YPC and 11 touchdowns by being slow."

 

 

Round 3, Pick 72

DT Duncan Terrero

 

Overall: B-

Potential: C+

 

 

"Terrero doesn’t just stop the run by taking up space and absorbing blockers – he routinely breaks through double-teams and wraps up the ball carrier himself. 26 TFL from a 311-pound Nose Tackle? That’s a special athlete right there."

 

 

Round 4, Pick 121

ILB Juante Casilla

 

Overall: C

Potential: B+

 

 

"You can’t have too many good linebackers in a 3-4 system, and Casilla is a good linebacker. He’s smart, fast, can drop into coverage or rush the QB – he’ll be all over the field. I know (veteran ILB Louis) Dell has already been in touch and can’t wait to show him a few things."

 

 

Round 5, Pick 136

SS JC Oliveros

 

Overall: C+

Potential: B

 

 

"Oliveros is one of only 5 safeties in this year’s draft to receive A scores in both Man and Zone coverage. He’s got a nose for the football, but he’s also no slouch in run support and he just never seems to get tired. He was our top target on day 2 and we’re excited to see what he can do."

 

 

Round 5, Pick 138

DE Kendall Lincoln

 

Overall: C+

Potential: A-

 

 

"Lincoln’s a big presence who’s best known for his impact in the run game, but he also out-sacked most of the high-profile speed rushers in the class this year. We believe in him so much we traded with the Lions to get back into the fifth round and bring him to Cleveland."

 

 

Round 6, Pick 185

WR Andre Wood

 

Overall: C

Potential: A-

 

 

"When receivers starting flying off the board in the 6th, we kept expecting Wood to be the next name. And why not? He flashed amazing potential at his pro day: 2nd in his class in shuttle time, 2nd in the cone drill, 5th in vertical, 5th in route running. That’s the kind of high ceiling you want in a late round pick."

 

 

Round 7, Pick 200

TE Marquis Rudolph

 

Overall: C

Potential: B+

 

 

"We didn’t have tight ends on our radar in 2022 – we already have one of the best in Lysek and the class wasn’t very deep. But Rudolph’s great speed and hands offer a lot of upside, and we can always find creative ways to get our offensive weapons into the game."

 

 

Round 8, Pick 249

CB Lou Hechavarria

 

Overall: C+

Potential: B+

 

 

"Hechvarria was on our board in the 7th round before we pivoted at the last minute for Rudolph, so we gladly snatched him up when he was still there 49 picks later. He’s an aggressive cover guy who wants to shut down receivers 1-on-1 and lives for the takeaway. Competition for a roster spot will be fierce but we believe he’s up to the challenge."

 

Introducing the Cleveland Browns Draft Class of 2022!

[SageBow]

Really good draft, I thought your mid-rounds were outstanding. We had high grades on Hayes, Casilla, Olivieros, and Lincoln.