With 2023 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to get an idea of how 2023 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let's look at the Cleveland Browns, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
These insights are an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 500+ page book “2023 Football Preview” which is now available for download.
In the book, you can find a comprehensive breakdown of the rookie class for all 32 NFL teams by draft guru Ryan McCrystal.
Who are the Cleveland Browns rookies?
- Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee | Round 3, Pick 74
- Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor | Round 3, Pick 98
- Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State | Round 4, Pick 111
- Isaiah McGuire, EDGE, Missouri | Round 4, Pick 126
- Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB, UCLA | Round 5, Pick 140
- Cameron Mitchell, CB, Northwestern | Round 5, Pick 142
- Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State | Round 6, Pick 190
Cleveland Browns Draft Class Grade:
The Browns received an A- rookie class draft grade from PFF, a B+ from ESPN, and a B- from NFL Network.
Which Browns Rookies Will Make An Impact?
The Browns have a tough history with wide receivers from the Art Briles offense (2016 first-round bust Corey Coleman), but they’ll try to right that wrong with Cedric Tillman (third round).
The offensive scheme oversimplifies the game for its receivers and quarterbacks, hindering their development. Fortunately, Tillman likely won’t be forced into an immediate role.
As an outside receiver and downfield weapon, Tillman fits the same mold as Donovan Peoples-Jones, who is in the final year of his contract. Tillman was limited by an ankle injury in 2022, but the previous season he torched man coverage to the tune of 4.7 yards per route 一 the top rate among all Power Five receivers.
Siaki Ika (third round) was a questionable investment due to the diminished value of nose tackles in today’s game. Even at Baylor, Ika came off the field on passing downs. He played just 19% of the Bears’ snaps on third downs with five or more yards to go.
Dawand Jones (fourth round) has the potential to be a Day 3 steal. Jones is a mountain of a man and makes life difficult on pass rushers simply by forcing them to take a wide path around him.
When the quarterback took a traditional dropback (three or more steps) last season, Jones generated a blown-block rate of just 1.2%, the second-lowest rate in the Big Ten and the lowest rate by an Ohio State offensive tackle over the last five seasons.
He potentially fell due to concerns about his commitment to football, but the upside to landing a starter-quality tackle in the fourth round is obvious.
Isaiah McGuire (fourth round) should challenge for immediate playing time on the edge due to the departure of Jadeveon Clowney, although the addition of Za’Darius Smith closes that path to some degree.
McGuire, who was one of the younger edge rushers in this class at just 21 years old on draft day, ranked ninth in the SEC with a 13.6% pressure rate when lined up on the edge.
Cleveland is fully committed to developing mobile quarterbacks, with Dorian Thompson-Robinson (fifth round) joining Joshua Dobbs and Kellen Mond as backups to Deshaun Watson.
Thompson-Robinson made consistent strides throughout his four years as the starter at UCLA, but he must continue to develop as a downfield passer. He ranked eighth out of 11 qualified Pac-12 quarterbacks in catchable pass rate at 15 or more yards downfield in 2022.
Cameron Mitchell (fifth round) once backed up Greg Newsome at Northwestern and will have an opportunity to do the same in Cleveland. Mitchell made huge strides in his second year as a starter in 2022 and could be an ascending prospect.
Based on route-adjusted numbers, Mitchell allowed a catch rate 16% above expected and generated a ball-hawk rate 26% below expected in 2021, but those improved dramatically to a catch rate 14% below expected and a ball-hawk rate 34% above expected in 2022.
Luke Wypler (sixth round) is another young prospect who entered the draft as a true junior. He’ll attempt to unseat Nick Harris as the backup center behind Ethan Pocic, who was recently signed to a three-year deal as the starter.
Cleveland had limited draft capital due to the Watson and Elijah Moore trades but came away with an impressive haul considering the limitations. At least five prospects from this class have the potential to compete for significant playing time within their first two years.
