Cleveland Browns 2017 NFL Draft retrospective

The Cleveland Browns had three first-round picks in 2017 and took DeShone Kizer in the second round. All told, it’s a mixed bag for the franchise.

Entering the 2017 offseason, the Cleveland Browns were in the midst of their dramatic rebuild, led by Executive Vice President of Football Operations Sashi Brown. The Browns were clearing their roster of veterans and focusing on cheaper, younger talent. The emphasis of adding young players made Brown’s front office focus on building through the draft.

After tearing down their roster, the Browns were looking to add the best talent available. They were aggressive during free agency, signing offensive guard Kevin Zeitler, center J.C. Tretter, and wide receiver Kenny Britt. After those additions, the Browns were keyed on building up the rest of their roster before finding their franchise quarterback.

Sashi Brown and his front office bet on athletic ability and potential with their first draft class in 2016. That approach did not change for the 2017 NFL Draft, as they once again were keyed in on athletic stars who had the potential to be good in the NFL if the organization would be patient with their development.

Original grade

FanSided: B+

Not only did Cleveland land arguably the top defensive stud from this year’s draft class, but they hope the addition of DeShone Kizer later in the second round will help solve their issues at quarterback in the long run, even if he still has plenty of areas in need of improvement.

Draft class

Round 1 (No. 1)

CURRENT TEAM: Cleveland Browns

It was widely assumed Garrett would be the first-overall pick, unless the Browns were going to desperately reach for a quarterback with the first selection. However, the Browns were smart and landed themselves a dominant edge rusher.

Since being drafted by the Browns, Garrett has been a weapon off the edge for the Browns. In 37 games, Garrett has 30.5 total sacks and 32 tackles for loss. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2018 and appears ready to compete for the Defensive Player of the Year award for years to come.

Round 1 (No. 25)

CURRENT TEAM: New York Giants

The Browns used Peppers as a pure free safety his rookie season and it was clear he was playing out of position. He struggled in coverage and was unable to be a solid tackler playing away from the line of scrimmage. Cleveland made an adjustment in his second season and played Peppers close to the line of scrimmage. It turned out to be a success as Peppers became a playmaker for Cleveland’s defense.

Peppers seemed to be coming into his own as a box safety for the Browns. He was making an impact in the run game and played well covering the slot. However, the Browns traded Peppers during the 2019 offseason to acquire Odell Beckham Jr. from the New York Giants.

Round 1 (No. 29)

CURRENT TEAM: Cleveland Browns

Three years after being drafted, Njoku has struggled to develop into a top-notch tight end. He is a solid red zone threat and can make plays as an underneath receiver. However, he continues to struggle as a blocker and has had issues with dropping passes. Njoku remains with the Browns but will have a lot to prove in his fourth season with the team.

Round 2 (No. 52)

CURRENT TEAM: Green Bay Packers

The Browns threw Kizer into the fire as a rookie starter, a job that he was clearly not ready for. Kizer struggled with his accuracy and decision making, finishing the 2017 season with the most interceptions thrown. In 15 starts, Kizer did not lead the Browns to one win. Cleveland traded Kizer the next offseason, acquiring Damarious Randall in the deal.

Round 3 (No. 65)

CURRENT TEAM: Cleveland Browns

Ogunjobi played well in his first year as a starter, but struggled in 2019. He remains a key player for the Browns defense and a player the organization hopes can turn it around as they attempt to improve their defensive front.

Round 4 (No. 126)

CURRENT TEAM: Free agent

Wilson never played in a regular-season game for the Browns after suffering multiple injuries, including a major knee injury during offseason workouts in 2017. The Browns released Wilson in April 2019 and the cornerback remains out of football.

Round 5 (No. 160)

CURRENT TEAM: Houston Texans

Johnson was placed on injured reserve during his rookie season and was waived by the Browns the next offseason, never playing in a game for Cleveland. He was claimed on waivers by the Houston Texans and appeared in all 16 games for Houston in 2019.

Round 6 (No. 185)

CURRENT TEAM: Washington Redskins

Brantley played in 12 games for the Browns during his rookie season as a role player, compiling 18 total tackles and two sacks. However, when the Browns made a regime change the next offseason, Brantley was waived during the cutdown to 53 players.

Round 7 (No. 224)

Despite being the most prolific field goal kicker in FBS history, Gonzalez struggled to adjust to the tough kicking dynamics in Cleveland. In 18 games with the Browns, Gonzalez made only 68 percent of his field goal attempts. He was cut during the 2018 season but has landed on his feet with the Arizona Cardinals and has excelled as their kicker.

Round 7 (No. 252)

Dayes’ lack of athletic traits showed in the NFL, as he struggled to make much of an impact with the Browns. Dayes played in all 16 games his rookie season mostly as a special teams player and the team’s kick returner. He was cut when the Browns trimmed their roster down to 53 players in 2018. He has bounced around the league, but is currently a free agent.

Bottom line

The Browns were willing to bet on potential with this class, but the draftees did not develop into the NFL players the front office hoped they would become. The lack of impact from the rookie class played a part in the Browns going winless during the 2017 season.

With the amount of draft ammunition the Browns had in this draft class, they failed to land many players who made impacts on the field. Cleveland drafted only three long-term starters from this class. The lack of production from the 2017 NFL Draft played a big role in the Sashi Brown regime being fired by the Browns before the end of that season.