After trading for Deshaun Watson in the 2022 offseason, how many picks did the Cleveland Browns have in the 2023 NFL Draft? The move didn’t empty the Browns’ cupboard completely, but there was increased pressure on Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry to make them count.
Want to see how the Browns graded out during the 2023 NFL Draft? Then come check out our full Cleveland Browns draft grades. You can also see the entire 2023 NFL Draft results.
Cleveland Browns Draft Picks by Round in 2023
- Round 3, Pick 73 (from NYG via LAR, via HOU)
Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee - Round 3, Pick 98*
Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor - Round 4, Pick 111
Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State - Round 4, Pick 126 (from MIN)
Isaiah McGuire, EDGE, Missouri - Round 5, Pick 140 (from LAR)
Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB, UCLA - Round 5, Pick 142
Cameron Mitchell, CB, Northwestern - Round 6, Pick 190
Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State
*compensatory selection
How Many Draft Picks Did the Browns Have Entering the 2023 NFL Draft?
The Browns had eight total selections entering the 2023 NFL Draft. Even with that abundance of capital, however, the Browns’ first pick wasn’t until the middle of Round 3. Cleveland has two selections each in Rounds 3, 4, and 5, and they close out the draft with one pick each in Rounds 6 and 7.
The most notable development on the 2023 NFL Draft front for the Browns is their lack of a first-round pick. Cleveland traded that pick — which ended up being the 12th overall selection — to the Houston Texans in exchange for quarterback Deshaun Watson in the 2022 offseason.
The loss of that first-round pick hurts, especially for a Browns team that appeared uneven for most of 2022, even after Watson hit the field. The Browns originally had one top-50 pick, which would have softened the blow of not having a first-round selection. But the Browns sent that pick (42nd overall) to the New York Jets in exchange for former second-round receiver Elijah Moore — who amassed 538 yards and five touchdowns in 2021.
MORE: 2024 FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
Moore’s presence strengthens the Browns’ receiving corps alongside Amari Cooper. In the trade, Cleveland also received a third-round pick (74th overall), in addition to the third-rounder they gained as compensation for the Minnesota Vikings’ hiring of former Browns executive Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as general manager.
Cleveland’s extra picks in Rounds 4 and 5 were both added in April 2022. A trade down with Minnesota netted Cleveland their extra fourth-rounder, while a deal to send Troy Hill back to the Los Angeles Rams gave the Browns their second fifth-round pick.
Who Did the Browns Draft in 2023?
The Browns were able to balance grabbing excellent value and addressing their most pressing roster needs with their draft class. That began right away with their two third-round picks, Tillman and Ika. Both could play rotational roles in 2023 as rookies.
Tillman is a big, 6’3″ body who can dominate on sideline routes for Watson. He was a fantastic playmaker in 2021 who may have been drafted earlier if he had declared last year. An ankle injury limited him to six games in 2022 and he wasn’t quite as explosive as the previous season but at full health, he can be a starting receiver in the future if the Browns let Donovan Peoples-Jones walk.
Ika is a mammoth nose tackle who was often mocked to the Browns before the draft because of their lack of interior depth. His presence will free blockers away from an impressive set of pass rushers in Myles Garrett, Za’Darius Smith, and Dalvin Tomlinson.
The rest of Cleveland’s draft may not have much of an impact until future seasons but good players were added. Isaiah McGuire and Cameron Mitchell join loaded positions but offer great athleticism and experience to units that can never have enough able bodies. With any luck, both can be at least rotational contributors in the coming years.
MORE: After Za’Darius Smith Trade, Cleveland Browns Have No Excuse Not To Contend in 2023
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones and center Luke Wypler also appear to be key pieces for the future. Jones was often viewed as a top-40 prospect prior to the draft and should fill the right tackle spot nicely in 2024 after Jack Conklin’s contract expires. Wypler has a tougher road to playing since the Browns have two quality centers on the roster but was a terrific value in the sixth round.
Fifth-round quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson also has great backup potential. The athletic dual-threat will challenge Josh Dobbs immediately to make the final 53 roster. Though his accuracy needs some work, Thompson-Robinson earned valuable experience in a system similar to what we’re expecting Cleveland to deploy in 2023.
