Browns 2017 Draft Recap

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Browns Select 10 Players in 2017 NFL Draft (1/3)​

As the new season is approaching quickly, we here at The Dawg Pound are going to go through the entire 2017 draft class for the Browns. There were some exciting picks, and many of them are going to get a chance to shine on the field as rookies. Without further ado, let's get into it:

Round 1, Pick 1: DE Myles Garrett, Texas A&M

Myles Garrett. The best player in the entire draft class was taken #1 overall, and the Browns couldn't be happier with the selection. Garrett was a dominate force in college, averaging double-digit tackles for loss and sacks in his three years in College Station. Adding Garrett to a defense that already has young talent such as Jamie Collins, Christian Kirksey, Danny Shelton, and Emmanual Ogbah. This defense is young, but adding Garrett makes them very dangerous.

Here's what NFL Network had to say about this special player:

Round 1, Pick 25: S Jabrill Peppers, Michigan

There is one word that defines what Jabrill Peppers is: versatile. He played several positions at Michigan, mostly safety and linebackers, but also took snaps at wide receiver, running back, and out of the wildcat. Not to mention, he was one of the most dangerous kick returners in the entire nation. So that's what the Browns are getting with this pick, a guy who can do it all. Where will he play for the Browns? Coach Hue Jackson said most of his time will come at the strong safety position. In trading back in the draft to get the pick, they Browns also picked up Houston's first round pick in the 2018 draft, which will help them continue to build this roster.

Here's what ESPN had to say about Jabrill Peppers:

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Round 1, Pick 29: TE David Njoku, Miami

Njoku is only 21 years old, but had 43 catches for 698 yards and 8 TDs last season at Miami. The Browns moved back up into the 1st round to select him, as they looked to bolster the TE position after a disappointing season from Gary Barnidge. The thing with Njoku, is he creates matchup problems. He's faster than the linebackers, but bigger than the secondary. Njoku will need some more development, but will look to become a feature part of this Browns' offense in the near future.

Here's what ESPN had to say about David Njoku:

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Round 2, Pick 52: QB DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame

It's well known the Browns don't have the best QB situation in the league right now, but adding DeShone Kizer throws a young guy with some potential into the mix. Will he start day 1? Who knows. It's definitely possible on this team. Kizer has a strong arm, but needs to learn. He's confident, and at times looked like one the best QBs in college football last season. However, he faltered down the stretch. Only time will tell if Kizer can grow into the starting role for the Browns. It's a great pick, simply because Cleveland needed a QB.

Here's what ESPN had to say about Kizer:

 

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Browns Select 10 Players in 2017 NFL Draft (2/3)
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Round 3, Pick 65: DT Larry Ogunjobi, Charlotte

In the 3rd round, the Browns again added to their young defense Larry Ogunjobi is a great fit with this team. He's an extremely aggressive defensive lineman who can get up the field in a hurry. He ran a 4.97 40 at the combine, which is impressive considering he's over 300 pounds. He's strong, explosive, and along with Garrett, will help make a transition over to a 4-3 much smoother. Garrett, Ogunjobi, Shelton, and Ogbah will make for a excellent defensive front. Ogunjobi becomes Charlotte's first ever draft pick.

Here's a quick look at what the Browns will be getting:

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Round 4, Pick 126: CB Howard Wilson, Houston

The Browns had been targeting Wilson for quite awhile, as they traded two 5th round picks to move up into the fourth round and take him. Joe Haden and Jamar Taylor will be the starters, but in the NFL, you can never have enough corners. Wilson tore his ACL in 2015 before returning in 2016 to intercept 6 passes. It's a logjam at the position behind the two starters, and Wilson will get the chance to compete.

Here's some highlights of the Browns' newest cornerback:

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Round 5, Pick 160: OT Roderick Johnson, Florida State

Roedrick Johnson is clearly a project player who is not ready to step in immediately. Don't expect a Joe Thomas trade just because he was taken. Johnson gets knocked around sometimes, but he could develop into a good player. He needs to work on his strength, if he wants to be able to compete at this level. Hopefully down the line, Johnson will be able to grow into a starting role, but for now, he will be a depth player for this Browns team.

Here's a quick profile on the Browns' new tackle:

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Round 6, Pick 185: DT Caleb Brantley, Florida

The Browns once again go defense in the 6th round, selecting DT Caleb Brantley out of Florida. Brantley has a pending misdemeanor charge of simple battery, which means the Browns are taking a chance here. First, he has to be cleared of these charges, otherwise, he won't be on this roster for very long. Brantley was a great player at Florida, and if he's cleared of these charges, this could end up being a steal for the Browns, as many considered him a second-day-draft talent.

Here's some highlights of Brantley's time at Florida:

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Browns Select 10 Players in 2017 NFL Draft (3/3)
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Round 7, Pick 224: K Zane Gonzalez, Arizona State

Zane Gonzalez was the best kicker in college football last season. He's one of the greatest kickers in college football history. And now he's on the Browns. It's pretty simple, either he'll fit or he won't. If Gonzalez can show he is the best kicker on the Browns, he'll have the job. The Browns already have Cody Parkey, who is coming off a strong 2016 season making 20 of 25 field goals, and 12 of 12 from 39 yards and in. Gonzalez will have his shot to make the team. Only time will tell if he does so.

Here's what the Browns are getting with Gonzalez:

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Round 7, Pick 252 RB Matt Dayes, NC State

With their final pick in the 2017 draft, the Browns took RB Matt Dayes out of NC State. Dayes is a versatile back who ran for 1,166 yards and caught 32 passes in his final season at NC State. He was solid for the Wolfpack, but is only 5'9". The Browns already have Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson, so it'll be an uphill climb for Dayes. However, he'll have a chance to impress Coach Hue Jackson at training camp, and hopefully make the roster.

Here's what the Browns will get when Matt Dayes arrives in Cleveland:

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And that concludes our 2017 Browns draft recap here at The Dawg Pound. It's an exciting class, and this team is now brimming with young talent. Coming off a 1-15 season, there isn't really much place to go but up. Look forward to our roster and season previews coming soon here on The Dawg Pound, your #1 source for all things Cleveland Browns.