Cleveland Browns: 2018 NFL Draft grades for Day 2 picks
Cleveland Browns general manager John Dorsey entered Day 2 of the 2018 NFL Draft loaded with picks and got some guys that could contribute right away.
The Cleveland Browns made waves right away in the 2018 NFL Draft when it came to Round 1. They took Baker Mayfield first overall, then followed that up with a shocking selection of Denzel Ward at No. 4.
On Day 2 of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Browns had more big-time selections to really help out their roster moving forward. They needed to hit on them, however, for a roster with plenty of holes on it.
Let’s take a look at how they did with their Day 2 haul.
No. 33: Austin Corbett, OG, Nevada
The Browns have their right-now quarterback in Tyron Taylor and their future quarterback in Baker Mayfield. The ideal thing for any franchise is to protect the quarterback and that starts up front. With their first pick in the second round, the Browns nabbed a guard in Austin Corbett who played multiple positions on the line for Nevada.
The 6-4, 306-pound lineman has been widely considered a flexible player who can line up at guard or right tackle with many praising his football IQ. The Browns need help at left tackle, and maybe he can come in and help out should he fail he could kick inside to guard. With players like Connor Williams and Will Hernandez on the board, some questioned the pick. However, Corbett is a versatile lineman who should help them out right away.
Grade: B+
No. 35: Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
This pick was a bit of a luxury considering that they have so much invested in the backfield. Early in the offseason the Browns signed Carlos Hyde and there were talks that they wanted to extend the contract of Duke Johnson. However, with Johnson set to be a free agent, it looks like they are planning for a life without the former Hurricane.
Chubb is a 5-11, 227-pound power back who plays with a downhill style similar to Hyde, but he does have a little more wiggle and speed to his game. He’d be used the same way he used Isiah Crowell last season and Jeremy Hill in 2016 when he was with the Bengals. Chubb is a talented runner and his addition should give the Browns a boost to the backfield as part of a trio or as Johnson’s replacement.
Grade: B-
No. 67 DE Chad Thomas
At 6-5, 281 pounds, Chad Thomas should come in as a base end to help out on running downs with the ability to kick inside on third down. Thomas will be part of a deep defensive line rotation that could end up being one of the best in the league.
Grade: B
Overall Grade: B