Winners and losers for the Cleveland Browns following the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft is in the rear view and rookie minicamp will soon be here around the NFL.

Every year, each team is impacted in different ways by a draft pick or two in a way they didn’t realize they would be. Sometimes those late-round picks end up being studs, on the other hand sometimes the early-rounders don’t turn out and teams are left scrambling for a backup plan.

For the Cleveland Browns, a few things are already looking obvious. There are going to be some winners and some losers on the team due to this draft.

Winners

DC Jim Schwartz

Since Schwartz joined the Browns last season, they have transformed their defense into one of the better units in the NFL. Coming away from the draft, Schwartz’s defense is an even better unit overall.

With their first pick, the Browns grabbed another weapon for their defense in a spot where they thrive and that is the defensive line. I had Michael Hall Jr. as the second-best interior pass rusher in this draft and the Browns were able to take him in the second round.

Hall will give the Browns a player that can win on the inside. On third down specifically, the browns will be able to lineup four players who thrive at getting after the passer. Schwartz has to be happy about this pick.

TE Jordan Akins

I believed that the Browns were going to take a tight end in this draft and they did not. Harrison Bryant left in free agency and the Browns signed Giovanni Ricci, though he is a full back and blocker for the most part.

Akins is penciled in as the TE2 and he will return to form like he was in 2022 with a career-high 495 yards. Last season, Akins had just 15 catches for 132 yards in 17 games. Expect that number to improve in 2024.

QB Deshaun Watson

Cleveland made picks on the offensive side of the ball but they were at places where they needed to add a body. Michigan G Zak Zinter was the kick in the third round and Cleveland took Louisville WR Jamari Thrash with a fifth-round pick.

Zinter has the upside of being an eventual starter who can help protect Watson, who has a habit of freelancing at times before getting rid of the ball.

Losers

LB Tony Fields II

Fields heading into the final year of his rookie contract with the Browns and will be searching for his second NFL contract next offseason. Over the last two seasons, he’s played in all 34 games and has provided Cleveland with special teams help and depth at the linebacker position.

Cleveland took an intriguing linebacker in the sixth-round, Nathaniel Watson out of Mississippi State who could challenge Fields in the rotation at MIKE linebacker. The Browns have already said they’re intrigued with his bigger frame for special teams too.

If Watson ends up who the Browns think he can be, the Browns may not need to bring back Fields after his contract is up.

DT Maurice Hurst

Hurst was solid for the Browns in 13 games as depth on the interior before he suffered another significant injury. Unfortunately, he could be playing for a roster spot in training camp.

After taking two defensive tackles in the draft, the Browns have seven players in the mix for what is likely five spots for a defensive tackle on the roster. You can count on Dalvin Tomlinson, Quinton Jefferson, Shelby Harris, and the rookie Hall. The guys with guaranteed money and the recent draft pick should all be on the team.

Last year’s third-round pick Siaki Ika should be battling for a spot along with Hurst and seventh-round rookie Jowon Briggs. May the best man take the final spot.

WR Michael Woods II

An Achilles injury before the season last year stopped Woods from taking part in his second NFL season, though he was no lock to make the team. Fifth-round pick Jamari Thrash is now in a position to make sure Woods has no spot on the roster.

Woods is a deep threat but has played in just 10 games in two seasons. Thrash gives the Browns a better route runner, as well as a player that can track the ball downfield too. The days for Woods on the team are likely numbered.