2013 NFL Draft Grades: Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns Draft Grade:
Round 1, #6 – DE Barkevious Mingo – Grade: B+
-The Browns took Mingo here who is an edge rusher with a ton of potential, but also one that may never reach it. There were better pass rushers still on the board, especially those who could make a big impact early on. The Browns also passed on bigger needs at CB and G with this pick.
Round 3, #68 – CB Leon McFadden, San Diego State – Grade: B-
-The Browns get their cornerback here, but this is fairly high for McFadden, he’s a solid corner with a little potential, but there were better options on the board, especially those that could start early on.
Round 6, #175 -S Jamoris Slaughter – Notre Dame – Grade: C
-Safety depth is definitely a need, but they took a bit of a risk here with other better safeties still on the board.
Round 7, #217 – DE Armonty Bryant, East Central OK – Grade: C
-The Browns take a small school edge rusher here, which wouldn’t be too bad except that it is one of the few positions on the roster that are loaded. There were other positions that could have used some more depth that could have easily been addressed.
Round 7, #227 – OT Garrett Gilkey, Chardron St. – Grade: B
-Gilkey is one of the more interesting prospects in this draft. He’s a small school guy, but more than held his own at the Senior Bowl. He’s a great value pick at this spot and will likely project to guard at the next level.
Overall: C
-The Browns get some bonus points for adding Davone Bess and a future 3rd and 4th round pick in a flurry of draft day deals, but the reality is they made this basically a one man draft. Mingo is a promising prospect, but right now he’s more promise than production. And the fact is even if he develops fully it will be really tough to get him, top free agent signing Paul Kruger and former 2nd round pick Jabaal Sheard all on the field together, which limits the value of one of them. McFadden may be able to help in a nickel role and on special teams, but he’s probably a year away from really competing for a starting job. Adding some extra ammo for the future does help, particularly if the Browns need to make a big move up to land a quarterback, but they passed on some talented players from a very strong draft class this year.