Cleveland Browns 2018 Draft Grade

The only thing left to do for the 2018 NFL Draft is to grade it in retrospect. We begin with the Cleveland Browns, who made nine selections. Here are those picks, and my grades, averaged out to a final score at the end.

1. QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
Mayfield was my number one QB throughout this process, and this was a last minute strategy change from Sam Darnold. I don't hate the pick.
Grade: A

2. CB Denzel Ward, Ohio State
Ward was a top ten prospect, but with Fitzpatrick and James still hanging here, this was a reach for a guy who I see as a career Nickel Corner.
Grade: B

3. OT, Austin Corbett, Nevada
Corbett is an eventual replacement candidate for Joe Thomas, and was a solid value pick at the top of the second round. Underrated player who could do very well here.
Grade: A

4. RB, Nick Chubb, Georgia
Chubb is not an every down back, but will he have to be? Still, even if he was graded as a second round pick, I feel as if there may have been better options here.
Grade: C

5. DE Chad Thomas, Miami
Instead of Ward with the four pick they could have had Bradley Chubb at DE, but they get Thomas in the 3rd, when he was a late 4th round graded player. Not a great look here. Yu go from a big time starter to a rotational guy.
Grade: D

6. WR Antonio Callaway, Florida
He was a first round talent with undraftable off-field issues. I took him out of m y top 10 receivers, but the Browns took him anyway. I hate this pick.
Grade: F

7. ILB Genard Avery, Memphis
Worth a day three pick, Avery could develop into a very useful weapon on defense, for a small investment. This is where the Browns got back on track.
Grade: A

8. WR Damian Ratley, Texas A&M
He was never on our radar, and I am not certain how he elevated to a draft pick from a UDFA. Not a smart use of day three. Back off the rails again.
Grade: F

9. DB, Simeon Thomas, Louisiana-Lafayette
Yet another player drafted in the 6th that nobody had info on. Another player who should have been a UDFA at best. Won't make the roster.
Grade: F

Total Points: 18
Averages Out To: 2.0 (D Grade)