One could say that the Cleveland Browns sacrificed their opportunities to land potential top-end rookie talent by securing their franchise quarterback in DeShaun Watson. The first-round picks in 2022, 2023, and 2024 exchanged for Watson paved the way for the Browns to have their first difference-maker at the position since their reincarnation in 1999 but also took the franchise out of the first day of the draft for the foreseeable future. The caveat? You can find starter-worthy talent on days two and three… if you look hard enough.
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The Browns had nine picks on days two and three of the 2022 NFL Draft, three of which resided in the third round. With those third-round picks, the Browns addressed depth in the defensive backfield with cornerback Martin Emerson out of Mississippi State, took a flier on a project edge rusher in UAB's Alex Wright, and filled a glaring need at wide receiver with Purdue's David Bell.
Where the Browns arguably got the most value over the course of those two days would be in the fourth round. Cade York, who to some was the best kicker in the draft, was selected with pick No. 124 with the assumption he will be the Browns' starting placekicker to start the 2022 season. With their other selection a pick No. 108, the Browns dipped back into an all-too-familiar program to select what could be their most impactful rookie for the 2022 NFL season.
Browns Rookie Sleeper for 2022 NFL Season
In what can be summarized from his introductory interview with Cleveland media, the Browns selected a “dawg” with pick No. 108, taking defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey out of Oklahoma.
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LIVE: Perrion Winfrey speaks with the media
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— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 30, 2022
Winfrey, who was with the Sooners for the 2020 and 2021 seasons after he transferred from JUCO-level Iowa Western Community College, was a top-five defensive tackle according to most draft analysts. The 6-foot-3 and 290-pound run-stopper added to his draft stock after a Senior Bowl MVP award, but still faced a slide into the fourth round where the Browns took a chance on him.
His bull-rush, run-stuffing style drew the attention of many defensive coordinators in the Big 12, allowing for teammates like fellow Browns rookie Isaiah Thomas to face a lot of one-on-one blockers on the edge. Something that defensive ends Myles Garrett and potentially Jadeveon Clowney could absolutely benefit from, and the Browns lacked severely in 2021. In addition to plugging the middle, Perrion Winfrey is effective getting to the passer, picking up 5.5 sacks in his senior season with the Sooners.
What is even more impressive is the rookie's attitude. Some blue-chip recruits and eventual top-end draft talent would scoff at slipping into the fourth round. Perrion Winfrey on the other hand has a much different approach.
“I expected to go early, but to be honest, I needed this,” Winfrey said. “This was a wake-up call, and this gave me all of the fuel and all of the fire I needed to come into the league and dominate, so I wouldn't change a thing.”
With his pedigree, attitude, and clear excitement for being a member of the Cleveland Browns, Perrion Winfrey immediately positions himself as Cleveland's sleeper rookie heading into the 2022 NFL season.
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