The Browns enter the 2024 NFL Draft without a first-round pick once more. Cleveland only has five picks as of this writing, too, after trading for Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy in March.
Cleveland surprised many in 2023 when it cruised to the AFC playoffs despite a litany of injuries at nearly every position. The Browns started five different quarterbacks as Deshaun Watson went in and out of the lineup before a season-ending shoulder injury, lost starting running back Nick Chubb to a severe knee injury in Week 2 and endured several key injuries at various other positions throughout the season.
Watson's ability to bounce back from two mediocre and shortened seasons is the biggest question the Browns must answer in 2024, and how they attack the draft could help silence some doubters in the competitive AFC North. That, and how Jim Schwartz's defense responds after putting together a top-2 performance in 2023 will be crucial in Cleveland's chances to make a second consecutive postseason appearance or even snag the division crown away from the Ravens.
The Sporting News is tracking the Browns' 2024 NFL Draft selections, from rounds one to seven. Follow along with the picks below.
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Browns draft picks 2024: When does New York pick?
- Round 2, Pick No. 54: Ohio State DT Michael Hall Jr.
- Round 3, Pick No. 85: Michigan OG Zak Zinter
- Round 5, Pick No. 156: Louisville WR Jamari Thrash
- Round 6, Pick No. 206: Mississippi State LB Nathaniel Watson
- Round 7, Pick No. 227: South Dakota DB Myles Harden
- Round 7, Pick No. 243: Cincinnati DT Jowon Briggs
Browns NFL Draft order 2024
| Round | Pick | Player |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 54 | DT Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State |
| 3 | 85 | Michigan OG Zak Zinter |
| 5 | 156 | Louisville WR Jamari Thrash |
| 6 | 206 | Mississippi State LB Nathaniel Watson |
| 7 | 227 | South Dakota DB Myles Harden |
| 7 | 243 | Cincinnati DT Jowon Briggs |
Browns NFL Draft needs
- Defensive line: The Browns need more depth in the defensive trenches after injuries threatened to derail the season. Myles Garrett, the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is a stalwart on the right side and Cleveland brought back Z'Darius Smith on the left, but the rest of the line leaves a lot to be desired. The Browns could upgrade on the interior or bring in pass-rush help.
- Offensive line: Similarly on the defensive side, the Browns don't have much quality depth on the offensive line. That was a problem in 2023 and a reason why Cleveland fell in the wild card to the Texans. Considering how late the Browns draft, a backup piece at any of the five positions would be fine and give Cleveland some options for the future, especially with Jedrick Wills expected to become a free agent.
- Cornerback: Cleveland's trio of cornerbacks is sound, but that's it. If any of Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson or Greg Newsome II get injured, there isn't a lot of depth behind them to make up ground. That's a recipe for disaster in the AFC.
Browns 2024 NFL draft targets: WR | OL | CB | EDGE
