The Cleveland Browns received mixed reviews for their moves in the 1st round on Thursday night, trading three picks to move up one spot at the top of the draft and then drafting a quarterback at No. 22. Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com gave the Browns a "C" and and "F" for their two picks on Thursday night. On Friday, Browns fans were generally incensed with the two selections Tom Heckert made in Rounds 2 and 3. Cleveland selected relatively unknown offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz from Cal at No. 37 and then, after trading down, selected Cincinnati's John Hughes at No. 87.
Prisco was much more generous with his grades for the Browns second day performance, despite the fans outrage. He praised the toughness of Schwartz, who was consistently cited for his nastiness. He'll be the right tackle, and Prisco assigned a "B+" grade for the 2nd rounder:
I actually have to applaud the Browns for this pick. He is a tough guy. Nice pick.
As for Hughes in the 3rd round, Prisco was ambivalent about the pick. Most scouts had Hughes rated as a third-day, low-round prospect, but the Browns reached up for their man to add defensive line depth. Prisco gave the pick a "C+"and added that Hughes will likely be a solid rotational guy:
Hughes is a squatty defensive tackle who can help give them depth inside. Might be a little high, but should be a decent backup.
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