Cleveland Browns select Greg Newsome II in 2021 NFL Draft: Grading the pick

The Cleveland Browns took cornerback Greg Newsome II from Northwestern at No. 26 and while he can ball out, he also has some injury concerns

It was a weird feeling for the Cleveland Browns who had to wait until pick No. 26 in the 2021 NFL Draft to make their selection. After years of picking in the top-10, the Browns were near the end of the draft following an 11-5 season that resulted in a playoff win as well.

Once they finally were on the clock, Cleveland — who is hosting the draft — took Northwestern cornerback Greg Newsome II. It wasn’t shocking whatsoever to see the Browns take a defensive player and just about everyone knew their primary position of need was cornerback.

For Newsome’s school, there was some history as well as this was the first time that Northwestern ever had two players taken in the first round as his teammate — Rashawn Slater — went to the Los Angeles Chargers at No. 26.

As for Cleveland, this was another huge move for them as general manager Andrew Berry continues to add talent to the defense. In free agency, he picked up safety John Johnson III, cornerback Troy Hill, edge rushers Jadeveon Clowney and Takk McKinley, defensive tackle Malik Jackson, and linebacker Anthony Walker.

Their defense was absolutely atrocious in 2020 and that overhaul means they should be able to compete with anyone in the NFL.

If there is any knock on this pick, it’s the fact that Newsome has an extensive injury history. He has missed 14 games in the past three seasons. Making that even more concerning is the fact that their other corners have also missed extensive time.

Denzel Ward missed 11 games in three seasons and Greedy Williams has missed 20 in two years — and there’s no guarantee he will ever be at 100 percent after suffering a nerve injury in his shoulder.

Having said that, the only real risk with Newsome is his injury history as this kid can ball out. And he plays a position of need.

Grade: B+