Dawgs By Nature
For an organization that has a reputation for missing on draft picks, it’s worth looking back at the last 25 years to see where the Cleveland Browns have gotten it right. What’s surprising is that three of the top five players on this list are currently on the Browns roster. Even through some challenging seasons, Cleveland has been able to retain elite talent – players who not only perform at a high level but are also great leaders.
5. Denzel Ward – Ward is a four-time Pro Bowler who has been an extremely well-respected cornerback in this league since he was drafted in 2018. One of his biggest challenges in his career has been his availability, as he has missed large stretches of games in multiple seasons. Despite these injuries, he has been a great leader in the secondary for this organization.
4. Joel Bitonio – Bitonio was drafted by the Browns in 2014 and has been a staple on the offensive line for over a decade now. He has been named to seven Pro Bowls and two All-Pro selections and is regarded as one of the best guards in football. One of his greatest strengths has been his durability in Cleveland, having started 102 consecutive regular-season games at one point. He has been with the Browns through many coaching and roster changes, yet he shows up every year to do his job at a high level.
3. Nick Chubb – Before his season-ending injury in 2023, Chubb had established himself as one of the best running backs in the league. His powerful running style and ability to break tackles have led him to four Pro Bowl selections since he was drafted in 2018. Beyond his production on the field, Chubb’s humble and hardworking nature endeared him to fans in Cleveland. He may be the most beloved player in the team’s entire history.
2. Joe Thomas – Thomas is the first Browns player who played in the 21st century to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Much like Bitonio, Thomas’ durability was his greatest strength – his 10,363 consecutive snaps remain an NFL record. As a 10-time Pro Bowler and a first ballot Hall of Famer, his consistency and dominance with the Browns will always be remembered.
1. Myles Garrett – The only Browns player in the 21st century worthy of being ranked ahead of a Hall of Famer is Myles Garrett. Since being drafted in 2017, Garrett has been considered by many of his peers to be the best pass rusher in the league. With his four First Team All-Pro selections and Defensive Player of the Year honor in 2023, it is a near guarantee that Garrett will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Despite the long history of poor drafting in Cleveland, they got things right with the first pick of the draft in 2017.
***Let me know what you think in the comments – Who are your top 5 Browns draft picks in the...
