2021 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year
By Randy Gurzi
![Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/91336b1d1b4f8697a8df03e245210bc21c769815d577119ef6fc4b393a8e24f8.jpg)
Grading every rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft: Greg Newsome II, CB, Cleveland Browns
2021 Stats:
- 37 Tackles
- 9 Pass Defenses
This could be the last Round 1 pick the Cleveland Browns have for the next several seasons, barring any kind of huge trade of course. Cleveland surrendered their picks in the next three drafts for the rights to Deshaun Watson, who then signed a mega-deal worth $230 million guaranteed.
After they lost Greedy Williams for the entire 2020 season due to a nerve issue in his shoulder, the Browns went out and added Greg Newsome II from Northwestern in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Rumors have suggested the front office was deciding between Newsome and Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah but went with the more impactful position — of course, the pick looks even better since JOK slid into Round 2 and landed with the Browns anyway.
When it came to his talent, there were no questions about Newsome. He had all the tools to be a success in the NFL. However, he missed 40 percent of his games in the NCAA and Cleveland already had durability concerns with Denzel Ward and Williams.
In the end, Newsome made it through most of the season, although he did miss five games which is 29 percent — better than the 40 percent missed.
He surrendered just one touchdown all season and has the makings of a long-term starter. But again, the durability remains the one major sticking point.
Grade: B