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Cleveland Browns NFL draft picks 2022: Analysis for every selection

CLEVELAND -- The 2022 NFL draft has concluded.

Here's a pick-by-pick look at how each player the Cleveland Browns selected will fit.

Analysis of every NFL pick | Updated depth chart


Round 3, No. 68 overall: Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State

My take: The Browns had glaring needs at wide receiver, defensive tackle and defensive end (the latter at least until pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney re-signs). And yet, Cleveland traded back out of the second round, then selected a corner with its first pick of the draft in the third round. At first glance, it's difficult to see where Emerson fits in, at least in the short term. The Browns just handed Denzel Ward a massive extension and spent a first-round pick last year on Greg Newsome II. They also have Greedy Williams and Troy Hill in the cornerback rotation. In the QB-loaded AFC, you can never have enough corners. The Browns are putting that theory to the test.


Round 3, No. 78 overall: Alex Wright, DE, UAB

My take: Outside All-Pro Myles Garrett, the Browns don't have much in the form of young, budding talent along their defensive line. Snagging Wright gives them a player that fills a need, both in the short term (pending Clowney re-signing) and in the long term. Wright should get plenty of opportunities to show what he can do with Garrett commanding all the attention from the other side.


Round 3, No. 99 overall: David Bell, WR, Purdue

My take: The Browns entered the weekend needing to give new QB Deshaun Watson another pass-catcher. Finally, at the end of Day 3, they did just that in Bell, who didn't dominate at the combine, but was ultra-productive for the Boilermakers, with an FBS-best 232 receptions since 2019. Cleveland will be counting on Bell to complement No. 1 WR Amari Cooper underneath coverage right away.


Round 4, No. 108 overall: Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma

My take: The Browns currently don't have a defensive tackle on the roster with any notable starting experience, so grabbing a DT with their first selection on Day 3 was obvious. Winfrey, a two-year starter at Oklahoma, was the Senior Bowl MVP and will have an opportunity to start despite coming in as a rookie.


Round 4, No. 124 overall: Cade York,K, LSU

My take: The Browns saw what the rival Bengals did by drafting a kicker in the middle rounds last year, as Evan McPherson made multiple key kicks during Cincinnati's run to the Super Bowl. In taking arguably the top kicker in this year's draft, the Browns are hoping that in York they've finally resolved their recent kicking issues for good.


Round 5, pick No. 156 overall: Jerome Ford, RB, Cincinnati

My take: Despite having Pro Bowler Nick Chubb, former NFL rushing champ Kareem Hunt and 2021 breakout contributor D'Ernest Johnson all under contract in the their backfield, the Browns added yet another running back in Ford. Even as a heavy running team, Cleveland's backfield is crowded, with 2021 sixth-round pick Demetric Felton also in the rotation. It's difficult to see the Browns rolling into the season with this many backs. Johnson, who is looking for a multi-year contract after he was unable to get an offer sheet this offseason, could be the one to watch here.


Round 6, No. 202 overall: Michael Woods II, WR, Oklahoma

My take: The Browns added a second receiver in this draft in Woods, who played at Arkansas before transferring to Oklahoma. Woods had 38 starts in college, so he'll try to compete for a roster spot with plenty of experience.


Round 7, No. 223 overall: Isaiah Thomas, DE, Oklahoma

My take: The Browns draft their third Oklahoma player on Day 3, giving them four Sooners total on the roster, including, well, quarterback Baker Mayfield. Thomas is athletic with speed and will have a chance to factor in Cleveland's future pass-rushing rotation.


Round 7, No. 246 overall: Dawson Deaton, C, Texas Tech

My take: Deaton appears to be center insurance for the Browns, who moved on from veteran JC Tretter this offseason, replacing him with 2020 fifth-round pick, Nick Harris. Deaton was a three-year starter for the Red Raiders.