Alabama's Jahmyr Gibbs is considered the second-best running back in the draft, next to Bijan Robinson of Texas. Gibbs could end up with one of the Browns' divisivion rivals.
Bottom line of first round of draft: Browns rivals will get better
You must have an active subscription to read this story.
Click Here to subscribe Now!
Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
One in a series previewing the 2023 Browns draft …
The first round of this year’s NFL draft is supposed to be one of the most unpredictable in memory. But aren’t they all, really?
Beyond Alabama quarterback Bryce Young being selected first by the Carolina Panthers, there is no consensus on what happens next.
Does Ohio State C.J. Stroud become this year’s Aaron Rodgers (or Brady Quinn), the quarterback imprisoned in the green room waiting for a team to call him?
If Stroud isn’t QB2 in this draft, then who is?
How far does Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter fall after several character red flags?
Who trades up in the top eight to take a quarterback?
Will Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba be the first receiver off the board?
These answers finally will be known Thursday night beginning at 8 p.m. ET when the first round unfolds from Kansas City, MO.
But there is one thing that is undisputed about this year’s first round: The Browns will sit it out for the second year in a row and their division rivals will get better.
Yes, you can pencil in the name of Deshaun Watson as the Browns’ first-round pick if you like. But the fact is the two-time division champion Bengals have their franchise quarterback and also the 28th pick of the first round, and the Ravens have their franchise quarterback (kind of) and also the 22nd pick of the first round, and the Steelers have their franchise quarterback (they think) and also the 17th pick of the first round.
The Browns are in the second year of a three-year the first-round pay-off on the Watson mega-deal, and can only watch proceedings on Thursday night.
They also traded their pick in the second round to the New York Jets for receiver Elijah Moore. So their first pick won’t be made until No. 74 in the third round on Friday night.
But their rivals will be active, and the three teams that finished ahead of the Browns in the AFC North last year figure to improve because of it.
Here’s a look at what the Browns’ rivals might do in the first round of the draft on Thursday night.
No. 17, Pittsburgh Steelers
Do they go offensive line? Cornerback? Or do they call on their pipeline to Columbus and steal another Buckeye receiver, Smith-Njigba?
All options are on the table. The Steelers haven’t taken an offensive lineman in the first round since 2012. But this is the first Pittsburgh draft since 2000 that someone other than Kevin Colbert is in charge.
Colbert semi-retired after the 2022 draft. The new GM is Omar Kahn, who tutored under Colbert since 2001.
So anything is possible. The feeling is that the Steelers will consider a 3-4 edge rusher, an offensive tackle, a receiver, and a cornerback.
Best guess: CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn State.
No. 22, Baltimore Ravens
The contract impasse with quarterback Lamar Jackson has paralyzed the Ravens’ efforts to improve in the transaction season. Their only additions of note have been receivers Odell Beckham Jr. – for $15 million guaranteed! -- and Nelson Agholor.
Through all the offseason turmoil, GM Eric DeCosta always knew the Ravens would be in position to improve the defense in the draft.
The Ravens probably will not be able to re-sign cornerback Marcus Peters. But a ready-made, tall, physical cornerback should be available to them in the first round and he happens to be a native of Baltimore.
Best guess: CB Deonte Banks, Maryland.
No. 28, Cincinnati Bengals
The two-time defending division champions are living a dream. After signing offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. in free agency, they are in the position of having the luxury of being pro-active. Take a player to head off a future need.
They could go defensive line, offensive line, receiver, tight end, or running back.
Best guess: RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama.
