Andrew Berry's NFL Draft Journey: A Critical Analysis
As an expert editorial writer, I've taken a deep dive into Andrew Berry's first six NFL draft classes, and what an intriguing journey it has been. Berry, the longest-tenured general manager for the Cleveland Browns in the expansion era, has had his fair share of successes and misses. Let's take a closer look at each draft, with a focus on the key picks and their impact.
2020: A Mixed Bag
Best Pick: S Grant Delpit
Delpit, a star on LSU's national championship team, was a solid selection. Despite a torn Achilles in his rookie year, he has become a quality starter in the Browns' secondary. His 294 solo tackles, 25 for loss, seven interceptions, and 21 pass breakups are impressive. However, the selection of Antoine Winfield Jr. by the Buccaneers one pick later is a slight regret.
Worst Pick: OT Jedrick Wills Jr.
Wills' inconsistency and injury-prone nature make this pick a bit of a miss. Tristan Wirfs, a two-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler, was available three picks later. The Browns' decision to draft Wills instead feels like a missed opportunity.
Grade: B-
2021: A Bright Spot with a Cloud
Best Pick: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
Owusu-Koramoah's Pro Bowl selection in 2023 makes this pick a strong contender for Berry's best. However, his severe neck injury in 2024 and subsequent absence from the 2026 season cast a shadow over this draft class.
Worst Pick: WR Anthony Schwartz
Schwartz's career never took off, and his time in Cleveland was cut short due to injuries and drops. The Lions' selection of Amon-Ra St. Brown 21 picks later further highlights this pick's shortcomings.
Grade: C+
2022: Solid Value, but Missed Opportunities
Best Pick: DE Alex Wright
Wright's solid performance and three-year contract extension make him a strong choice. He has emerged as a starter, with two seasons of five or more sacks and 21 career tackles for loss. Anytime you can find starters in the third round, it's a good pick.
Worst Pick: DT Perrion Winfrey
Winfrey's lack of contribution and off-the-field issues make this pick a regret. His release after allegedly threatening a woman with a gun further highlights the miss.
Grade: C
2023: Health Issues and Missed Potential
Best Pick: DE Isaiah McGuire
McGuire has been solid as a rotational player, with 16 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles in his last two seasons. His analytics-friendly performance and potential to be more make him a strong choice.
Worst Pick: DT Siaki Ika
Ika's lack of impact and release from the NFL make this pick a clear miss. The Browns' struggle to find a true high-end defensive tackle prospect is a recurring theme.
Grade: C-
2024: A Class in Need of a Spark
Best Pick: DT Mike Hall Jr.
Hall's intriguing tools and potential make him a strong choice. However, his lack of consistent flashes and the Browns' decision to draft another defensive tackle early highlight the need for a spark in this class.
Worst Pick: G Zak Zinter
Zinter's limited playing time and poor performance make this pick a regret. The Browns' decision to draft him despite his recovery from a broken leg and the team's poor offensive line play further underscores the miss.
Grade: D+
2025: A Turning Point
Best Pick: LB Carson Schwesinger
Schwesinger's Defensive Rookie of the Year performance and potential to be a future defensive cornerstone make this pick a strong contender for Berry's best. His 156 tackles, 11 for loss, and two interceptions are impressive.
Worst Pick: QB Dillon Gabriel
Gabriel's struggles as a rookie and the Browns' decision to draft Shedeur Sanders two rounds later make this pick a headscratcher. Sanders has shown more potential despite worse turnover numbers.
Grade: A
Conclusion: A Work in Progress
Andrew Berry's draft journey has been a mix of successes and misses. While some picks have been solid, others have left a lot to be desired. The recurring theme of missed opportunities and the need for a spark in certain classes highlight the work that remains to be done. As Berry continues to build the Browns' roster, the organization must learn from its mistakes and capitalize on its successes to create a winning team.
