NFL Draft Recap: Cleveland Browns: 2023 NFL Draft Outlook

The Cleveland Browns haven’t had a first-round pick since the 2021 NFL Draft when they selected cornerback Greg Newsome 26th overall. Cleveland didn’t make a first-round pick last year or this year because of the Deshaun Watson trade.

Unfortunately, the Browns won’t have their first-round pick next year. However, it is the final first-round pick the Houston Texans will receive for Watson.

Meanwhile, Cleveland made a pre-draft trade with the New York Jets to acquire Elijah Moore. The Browns set pick No. 42 to the Jets for Moore and pick No. 74. Despite not having a first or second-round pick, Cleveland still made seven selections in the 2023 NFL Draft.

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Who Did The Cleveland Browns Draft On Offense?

Even after they acquired Moore from the Jets, the Browns wanted to add to their wide receiver core. They used their top draft pick on Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman. The former Volunteer had 101 receptions for 1,498 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns over the past two years. He could be a starting wide receiver this season, playing next to Moore and Amari Cooper.

The Browns spent a fourth-round pick on Ohio State offensive tackle Dawand Jones. Many thought the former Buckeye could have been a first-round pick, but a rocky pre-draft process impacted his draft stock. Jones should spend his rookie season as the swing tackle behind starters Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin.

Meanwhile, the Browns spent a fifth-round pick on former UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. The former Bruin should push Joshua Dobbs for the backup quarterback role as a rookie. Cleveland then spent their last selection in the draft on Ohio State center Luke Wypler. He likely won’t see the field this year, barring several injuries on the offensive line.

Who Did The Cleveland Browns Draft On Defense?

After spending their top pick on Tillman, the Browns addressed their run defense. They used a late third-round pick on Baylor defensive tackle Siaki Ika. The former Bear had eight tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks over the past two years.

Cleveland also used a fourth-round pick on Missouri edge rusher Isaiah McGuire and a fifth-rounder on Northwestern cornerback Cameron Mitchell. Both players should earn rotational snaps as a rookie.

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