The Top 5 Gambling Scandals in NFL History

With sports gambling now legalized across much of the USA and NFL owners now actively promoting and profiting from gambling, look for more scandals to erupt in the coming seasons.   For now here is a list of the top 5 gambling scandals in NFL history:

Gambling scandals have marred the reputation of the NFL on several occasions. Here are the top five gambling scandals in NFL history, along with some notable players who have been suspended for gambling:

Top 5 Gambling Scandals in NFL History

1. Paul Hornung and Alex Karras (1963)

   - Scandal: Hall of Famer Paul Hornung of the Green Bay Packers and defensive tackle Alex Karras of the Detroit Lions were suspended for the entire 1963 season for betting on NFL games and associating with known gamblers.

   - Outcome: Both players were reinstated for the 1964 season after showing remorse and cooperating with the league.

2. Art Schlichter (1983)

   - Scandal: Art Schlichter, a quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, was suspended indefinitely for gambling on NFL games during the 1982 season.

   - Outcome:** Schlichter was reinstated in 1984 but struggled with gambling addiction throughout his life, leading to further legal troubles and suspensions.

3. Josh Shaw (2019)

   - Scandal: Arizona Cardinals' cornerback Josh Shaw was suspended indefinitely after it was discovered he had bet on NFL games, including betting against his own team.

   - Outcome: Shaw was suspended through at least the 2020 season, marking the first NFL player suspension for gambling in over 35 years.

4. Calvin Ridley (2022)

   - Scandal: Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for at least the entire 2022 season after an investigation revealed he had placed bets on NFL games during a period when he was away from the team.

   - Outcome: Ridley admitted to the wrongdoing and was eligible for reinstatement after the 2022 season.

5. Isaiah Rodgers, Rashod Berry, and Demetrius Taylor (2023)

   - Scandal: Colts players Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry, along with free agent Demetrius Taylor, were suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games during the 2022 season. 

   - Outcome: They were suspended through at least the end of the 2023 season, continuing the NFL's strict stance on gambling violations.

Browns Raiders Playoff Game 1980 - Parallel Universe

There must be a parallel universe where the below story came true:

On a cold, blustery day in Cleveland, the Browns faced the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Divisional playoff game. The score stood at 14-12 in favor of the Raiders. With the ball on the Oakland 13-yard line and just seconds left on the clock, Browns quarterback Brian Sipe huddled with his team, ready to execute the "Red Right 88" play.

As the huddle broke, Sipe took one last look at the defense. He noticed something unusual: the Raiders seemed to be heavily guarding against the pass. Trusting his instincts, he called an audible at the line of scrimmage.

"Mike, take the handoff," Sipe whispered to running back Mike Pruitt. "We're switching to a run."

The ball was snapped, and Sipe handed it off to Pruitt. With a burst of power and speed, Pruitt shot through a gap in the Raiders' defensive line, evading one tackle and then another. The crowd roared as he crossed the goal line, scoring the winning touchdown. The Browns won 19-14 and advanced to the AFC Championship game.

The following week, the Browns faced the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers' high-powered offense, led by quarterback Dan Fouts, was formidable, but the Browns were ready. Sipe orchestrated a balanced attack, mixing runs and passes to keep the Chargers' defense off-balance. Mike Pruitt continued his stellar play, contributing crucial yards on the ground and catching passes out of the backfield.

In the final minutes, with the game tied at 24-24, Sipe led the Browns down the field. As the clock ticked down, kicker Don Cockroft nailed a 38-yard field goal to secure a 27-24 victory, sending the Browns to their first Super Bowl.

Super Bowl XV in New Orleans saw the Browns face the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles boasted a tough defense, but Brian Sipe was undeterred. From the first snap, he was in the zone, dissecting the Eagles' secondary with pinpoint precision.

Sipe's first touchdown pass came on a deep post route to Reggie Rucker, putting the Browns up early. His second found tight end Ozzie Newsome in the corner of the end zone. As the game progressed, Sipe continued to spread the ball around, finding his receivers in stride and exploiting mismatches.

By halftime, the Browns led 21-10. The Eagles fought back, but Sipe remained unflappable. He threw his third touchdown to Dave Logan on a quick slant, then followed it up with a 25-yard strike to Mike Pruitt, who had snuck out of the backfield. Finally, with the game all but decided, Sipe threw his fifth touchdown pass to Keith Wright, cementing the Browns' victory.

Sipe finished the game with over 400 yards passing and five touchdowns, earning Super Bowl MVP honors. The Browns triumphed 38-24, capturing their first Super Bowl title. The city of Cleveland erupted in celebration, honoring their heroes who had defied the odds and rewritten history. Brian Sipe, with his quick thinking and leadership, had guided the Browns to the pinnacle of football glory.

Getting in Bed with the Devil: The NFL and Gambling

The percentage of NFL revenues derived from gambling is currently estimated to be a relatively small portion of the total income. In 2023, the NFL received around $132 million from gambling-related sponsorships, including partnerships with major sports betting companies like Caesars Entertainment, DraftKings, and FanDuel. This figure is expected to grow significantly, with projections suggesting that legalized sports betting could eventually generate over $2.3 billion annually for the NFL.

Given that the NFL's total annual revenue exceeds $18 billion, gambling revenue currently constitutes less than 1% of its total earnings. However, as the sports betting market continues to expand and more states legalize sports betting, this percentage is likely to increase.

The Brown BLog plan to do a deeper dive on this in the coming months. 

Top 10 Lists: The Greatest Teams in Professional Football History

Here is a list of the 10 greatest teams in the history of professional football, as measured by the number of League Championships 

Here's a list of the top ten American professional football teams with the most league championships, including titles from the NFL, AFL, AAFC, WFL, and USFL:

1. **Green Bay Packers**

   - **Total Championships: 13**

     - NFL Championships: 9 (1929, 1930, 1931, 1936, 1939, 1944, 1961, 1962, 1965)

     - Super Bowl Titles: 4 (Super Bowls I, II, XXXI, XLV)

2. **Chicago Bears**

   - **Total Championships: 9**

     - NFL Championships: 8 (1921, 1932, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1946, 1963)

     - Super Bowl Titles: 1 (Super Bowl XX)

3. **Cleveland Browns**

   - **Total Championships: 8**

     - AAFC Championships: 4 (1946, 1947, 1948, 1949)

     - NFL Championships: 4 (1950, 1954, 1955, 1964)

4. **New York Giants**

   - **Total Championships: 8**

     - NFL Championships: 4 (1927, 1934, 1938, 1956)

     - Super Bowl Titles: 4 (Super Bowls XXI, XXV, XLII, XLVI)

5. **New England Patriots**

   - **Total Championships: 6**

     - Super Bowl Titles: 6 (Super Bowls XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLIX, LI, LIII)

6. **Pittsburgh Steelers**

   - **Total Championships: 6**

     - Super Bowl Titles: 6 (Super Bowls IX, X, XIII, XIV, XL, XLIII)

7. **San Francisco 49ers**

   - **Total Championships: 5**

     - Super Bowl Titles: 5 (Super Bowls XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV, XXIX)

8. **Dallas Cowboys**

   - **Total Championships: 5**

     - Super Bowl Titles: 5 (Super Bowls VI, XII, XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)

9. **Detroit Lions**

   - **Total Championships: 4**

     - NFL Championships: 4 (1935, 1952, 1953, 1957)

10. **Philadelphia Eagles**

    - **Total Championships: 4**

      - NFL Championships: 3 (1948, 1949, 1960)

      - Super Bowl Titles: 1 (Super Bowl LII)

Antitrust and the NFL

Americans love the Free Market system for just about everything except professional sports especially the NFL.   If one dares to even suggest that the NFL adopt free market practices, you'll have a legion of fans immediately flaming you while they justify the socialist practices that run rampant in pro sports.  All in the name of parity. 

The net result of the monopoly NFL is a limitation on the supply of professional football to the American market.

The prime example of socialism in American pro sports is the socialist salary cap.   There are those that argue that the salary cap was collectively bargained by the NFL and it's players union.   One might retort that to get a salary cap, the NFL had the upper hand. Owners used their dominant position to threaten to break the players union should a strike occur.  Once players knew the owners intended to break their union, players agreed to the cap which was a fair deal only if you consider the NFL's monopoly power so NFL owners, who all profess to be believers in free market economies, got a socialist salary cap, because without it, Jerry Jones might win the Super Bowl every single year since he's willing to pay market value for an athlete and has the cash to do so.  

Another prime example of socialism is the NFL draft.  How might a great Software Engineer feel if he were drafted by Microsoft and forced to accept a rookie contract?   In Europe, there is no such thing as a draft.  A young soccer player can sign with any team that might want him.   Do Arsenal or Real Madrid or Juventus tend to dominate their leagues?   Sure, but so does Apple dominate their markets.  This is called the free market.   And one very nice element in European Professional Sports, the teams that finish at the bottom get relegated to the next lowest league.   Accountability!  What a concept.   Imagine where the Cleveland Browns might be today if accountability existed when they went 1-31.

If the NFL did not have an antitrust exemption which allows them to collectively bargain TV rights, at some point networks would have been willing to sponsor new professional leagues, giving those leagues a financial lifeline and the ability to compete.   That would result in the NFL no longer monopolizing pro football.    In a free market, the Dallas Cowboys might be worth $20 billion dollars, but there's no way the Washington Commanders would "command" $6 billion.   The Commanders sold for $6,000,000,000 because they are one of 32 professional teams.   If other leagues were born in a free market, there would be far more options.

Not to mention, if there were new professional football leagues, NFL owners would not be able to extort tax payer money to build stadiums by the threat of relocation.   

You enjoy the quality of the NFL and are against diluting that?   That is also a hard case to make because less than 2% of NCAA Division I football players ever so much as take a snap in the NFL regular season.   If you can enjoy college football it validates that there is plenty of room for more professional teams. 

Browns History: All time leading tacklers

 Here are the top 10 defensive players in the history of the Cleveland Browns by most tackles (combined solo and assists), with statistics accumulated only during their time with the Browns:

### 1. **Clay Matthews Jr. - 1,430 tackles**

- **Summary**: Clay Matthews Jr. is the Browns' all-time leader in tackles, amassing 1,430 over his career with the team from 1978 to 1993. Known for his durability and versatility, Matthews played both inside and outside linebacker positions. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and played in 278 games for the Browns, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise with his consistent performance and leadership.

### 2. **D'Qwell Jackson - 824 tackles**

- **Summary**: D'Qwell Jackson played for the Browns from 2006 to 2013, recording 824 tackles. Jackson led the NFL in tackles in 2008 and was known for his exceptional tackling ability and leadership on the field. He was a cornerstone of the Browns' defense during his tenure, providing stability and production in the middle of the defense.

### 3. **Mike Johnson - 757 tackles**

- **Summary**: Mike Johnson played linebacker for the Browns from 1986 to 1993, accumulating 757 tackles. Johnson was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and a key player in the Browns' defense during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was known for his tackling prowess and leadership, helping the Browns reach the AFC Championship Game in 1986 and 1989.

### 4. **Andra Davis - 751 tackles**

- **Summary**: Andra Davis played for the Browns from 2002 to 2008, totaling 751 tackles. A reliable and consistent presence at linebacker, Davis was often the team's leading tackler. He was known for his work ethic, leadership, and ability to make plays in the middle of the field.

### 5. **Jim Houston - 625 tackles**

- **Summary**: Jim Houston played for the Browns from 1960 to 1972, recording 625 tackles. A versatile linebacker, Houston was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and a key member of the 1964 NFL Championship team. He was known for his tackling ability and defensive skills, contributing significantly to the Browns' success during his career.

### 6. **Chip Banks - 602 tackles**

- **Summary**: Chip Banks played linebacker for the Browns from 1982 to 1986, amassing 602 tackles. Banks was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1982 and earned four Pro Bowl selections. He was known for his athleticism, tackling ability, and playmaking skills, making him one of the standout defensive players of his era.

### 7. **Thom Darden - 589 tackles**

- **Summary**: Thom Darden played safety for the Browns from 1972 to 1981, recording 589 tackles. Known for his tackling and ball-hawking skills, Darden holds the franchise record for interceptions. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1978 and was a consistent force in the Browns' secondary, contributing to both the run and pass defense.

### 8. **Eddie Johnson - 579 tackles**

- **Summary**: Eddie Johnson, a linebacker, played for the Browns from 1981 to 1990, recording 579 tackles. Known for his hard-hitting style and aggressive play, Johnson was a key player in the Browns' defense throughout the 1980s. He was a fan favorite for his intensity and dedication on the field.

### 9. **Joe Haden - 387 tackles**

- **Summary**: Joe Haden, a cornerback, played for the Browns from 2010 to 2016, totaling 387 tackles. Known for his coverage skills and tackling ability, Haden was a two-time Pro Bowl selection with the Browns. He was a cornerstone of the Browns' secondary during his tenure and continued his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, maintaining a high level of play.

### 10. **Bob Golic - 345 tackles**

- **Summary**: Bob Golic played as a defensive tackle and linebacker for the Browns from 1982 to 1988, recording 345 tackles. He was known for his versatility and toughness on the field, earning three Pro Bowl selections. Golic was a key figure in the Browns' defense, contributing both as a run-stopper and pass rusher, and was instrumental in the team's playoff runs during the 1980s.

The Top 5 Free Safeties in Cleveland Browns History

 Ranking the top free safeties in Cleveland Browns history, based on their performance for the team and considering the number of games played and interceptions, here are the top contenders:

1. **Thom Darden**

   - **Games Played**: 128

   - **Interceptions**: 45

   - **Highlights**: Darden holds the Browns' franchise record for interceptions. He played for the Browns from 1972 to 1981 and was known for his ball-hawking abilities and consistent performance in the secondary.

2. **Clarence Scott**

   - **Games Played**: 186

   - **Interceptions**: 39

   - **Highlights**: Although he primarily played as a cornerback, Scott also spent significant time at free safety. His longevity and versatility make him one of the top defensive backs in Browns history.

3. **Eric Turner**

   - **Games Played**: 77

   - **Interceptions**: 17

   - **Highlights**: Turner was a dominant force in the secondary during his time with the Browns from 1991 to 1995. He was known for his hard-hitting style and playmaking ability, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.

4. **Bobby Franklin**

   - **Games Played**: 98

   - **Interceptions**: 16

   - **Highlights**: Franklin played for the Browns from 1960 to 1966. He was a reliable and steady presence in the secondary, contributing to the team's success during that era.

5. **T.J. Ward**

   - **Games Played**: 54

   - **Interceptions**: 5

   - **Highlights**: Although his interception numbers are lower, Ward was a key player for the Browns' defense from 2010 to 2013. He was known for his physical play and strong tackling, earning a Pro Bowl selection during his time with the team.

These players have made significant contributions to the Cleveland Browns' defense and left a lasting impact on the team's history.

What would happen if the NFL loses it's Antitrust Exemption?

The NFL has an antitrust exemption that allows it to collectively negotiate TV rights.  The NFL uses this exemption to effectively create a monopoly for professional football.  

How does the NFL use it's antitrust exemption to create a monopoly?

Simple, viewership of professional football games is extraordinarily popular and lucrative.  Advertisers pay premiums to place commercials during NFL games and all of the networks crave the broadcast rights that the NFL controls.  The NFL has done an extraordinary job of both making broadcasters fight for those broadcast right but also allocating rights to everybody who broadcasts.  The implied threat of denying those rights keeps everyone out there from even considering the option of supporting a competitive league.

If ABC or CBS or Amazon or ESPN were to ever consider supporting another professional football league the NFL's reaction would be swift (and monopolistic).  They would punish that network by restricting access to broadcasting NFL games. 

The NFL does not want it's fan base to understand what the impact on the market for professional football would be if it were to lose it's antitrust exemption. 

The Brown BLog intend to try to explain this in the coming months.    In a nutshell, if the NFL were to lose it's antitrust exemption the long term impact would be that the free market would rule.  That would be great for consumers, but really bad for most NFL teams, except the Dallas Cowboys and a few others.   But even that would be good for consumers.

Stay tuned. 

Top 10 Lists: The Top 10 Linebackers in Cleveland Browns History

 Ranking the top 10 linebackers in Cleveland Browns history can be subjective, but here is a list based on their contributions, impact on the team, and overall performance:

1. **Clay Matthews Jr.** - Arguably the greatest linebacker in Browns history, Matthews played 16 seasons with the Browns, earning four Pro Bowl selections and being a key defensive leader.

2. **Jim Houston** - A four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Houston was a versatile player who excelled at both defensive end and linebacker during his 13 seasons with the Browns.

3. **Dwayne Rudd** - Known for his athleticism and playmaking ability, Rudd had a significant impact during his time with the Browns, including leading the team in tackles multiple times.

4. **Andra Davis** - A consistent and reliable presence in the middle of the defense, Davis was a tackling machine and team leader during his six seasons with the Browns.

5. **Mike Johnson** - A key member of the Browns' defense in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Johnson was known for his toughness and leadership, earning Pro Bowl honors during his tenure.

6. **Chip Banks** - A dynamic playmaker, Banks was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1982 and earned multiple Pro Bowl selections during his time with the Browns.

7. **Dick Ambrose** - Nicknamed "Bam-Bam," Ambrose was a hard-hitting linebacker who played ten seasons with the Browns and was a key part of their defense in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

8. **Walt Michaels** - A standout linebacker in the 1950s, Michaels was known for his toughness and intelligence, helping lead the Browns to multiple championship appearances.

9. **John Thierry** - Though his time with the Browns was brief, Thierry made a significant impact with his pass-rushing ability and versatility as a linebacker and defensive end.

10. **Matt Blair** - Though more known for his time with the Minnesota Vikings, Blair had a productive stint with the Browns, bringing experience and leadership to the linebacker corps.

This list may vary depending on personal preferences and criteria, but these players are widely recognized for their contributions to the Cleveland Browns.

Top 10 Lists: The Top 10 Running Backs in Browns History

Using rushing yardage as a Brown as the critieria, I asked ChatGPT to list the top 10 running backs in Browns history and write a short summary of each.  Here they are:

Here are the top ten running backs in Cleveland Browns history based on rushing yards, listed from highest to lowest:

1. Jim Brown (12,312 yards)

 Jim Brown, considered one of the greatest NFL players of all time, played for the Browns from 1957 to 1965. He led the league in rushing yards eight times and was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection. His powerful running style and remarkable athleticism set numerous records.

2. Leroy Kelly (7,274 yards)

 Kelly played for the Browns from 1964 to 1973, succeeding Jim Brown. He continued the team's dominance in the rushing game, earning six Pro Bowl selections and leading the league in rushing yards twice.

3. Mike Pruitt (6,540 yards)

Mike Pruitt was a standout running back for the Browns from 1976 to 1984. Known for his consistency and durability, Pruitt made two Pro Bowl appearances during his career

4. Nick Chubb (6,511 yards)

Chubb, currently with the team, has been a dominant force since his debut in 2018. Known for his explosive runs and breakaway speed, Chubb has quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the top rushers in franchise history.

5. Greg Pruitt (5,496 yards)

Greg Pruitt, who played from 1973 to 1981, was known for his agility and versatility. He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and contributed significantly to the Browns' offense both as a runner and receiver.

6. Kevin Mack (5,123 yards)

Playing for the Browns from 1985 to 1993, Mack was a key part of the Browns' backfield in the 1980s. He made two Pro Bowl appearances and was known for his tough, bruising running style.

7. Marion Motley (4,712 yards)

Motley, a Hall of Famer, played from 1946 to 1953. He was instrumental in the Browns' early success, including their AAFC and NFL championships. Motley was known for his powerful running and versatility as a linebacker.

8. Earnest Byner (3,364 yards)

Byner played for the Browns from 1984 to 1988 and again from 1994 to 1995. He was a versatile back, known for his running and receiving skills, making significant contributions to the Browns' offense.

9. Ernie Green (3,204 yards)

Green played for the Browns from 1962 to 1968. A reliable and steady performer, he contributed both as a rusher and receiver, complementing Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly in the backfield.

10. Isaiah Crowell (3,118 yards)

 Crowell played for the Browns from 2014 to 2017. He was known for his strong, downhill running style and provided consistency in the Browns' rushing attack during his tenure.

These players have made significant contributions to the Browns' legacy with their impressive rushing performances over the years.

Otto Graham: The True QB GOAT

Nothing against Tom Brady but he played when NFL rules made it much more difficult to defend receivers.   Otto Graham was the best QB in NFL history, just ask ChatGPT which I've decided to try.  If AI is good enough for major news outlets to consider using to replace human journalists, why not the Brown BLog?

We will note when and where we use ChatGPT to write up a piece, here's the first:

My question to ChatGPT  Defend the opinion that Otto graham was the best quarterback in nfl history

ChatGPT's answer:  Defending the opinion that Otto Graham was the best quarterback in NFL history involves highlighting his exceptional achievements, statistical dominance, and significant impact on the game during his era. Here are key points to support this view:

1. **Unparalleled Winning Record**

Otto Graham led the Cleveland Browns to ten consecutive championship games in his ten-year professional career (1946-1955), winning seven of them. This includes four All-America Football Conference (AAFC) titles and three NFL championships. His consistency in leading his team to the finals every year is unmatched in football history.

2. **Impressive Statistics**

Graham's career statistics are remarkable, especially considering the era in which he played:

- He led the NFL in passing yards five times.

- He led the league in touchdown passes three times.

- His career passer rating of 86.6 was the highest at the time of his retirement, a remarkable feat given the less passer-friendly rules of his era.

3. **Dual-Threat Ability**

Graham was a versatile quarterback who could both pass and run effectively. He rushed for 44 touchdowns in his career, showcasing his ability to impact the game on the ground as well as through the air.

4. **Influence on the Game**

Graham's play helped revolutionize the quarterback position and offensive strategies in professional football. His ability to read defenses and make quick, accurate decisions set a new standard for quarterbacks. He was instrumental in the Browns' adoption of the T-formation, which became a staple in the NFL.

5. **Accolades and Recognition**

Graham was a three-time NFL MVP (1951, 1953, and 1955) and was selected to five Pro Bowls. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965, highlighting the lasting impact of his career.

6. **Leadership and Intangibles**

Graham was known for his leadership on and off the field. His poise, intelligence, and competitive spirit were integral to the Browns' sustained success. Teammates and opponents alike respected his ability to perform under pressure.

7. **Contextual Dominance**

When comparing quarterbacks across eras, it’s essential to consider the context in which they played. Graham's dominance during the 1940s and 1950s, a time with fewer protections for quarterbacks and more physical defenses, underscores his exceptional talent and adaptability.

Conclusion

While modern quarterbacks benefit from advancements in training, strategy, and rules favoring the passing game, Otto Graham's accomplishments in his era stand out as extraordinary. His winning record, statistical achievements, dual-threat capability, and influence on the game make a compelling case for considering him the best quarterback in NFL history.

Watch out for the Steelers - Justin Fields returning kicks?

Thus far the Browns have spoke about the new kickoff return as if it's this impossible to predict new rule.  That is confusing to me because the NFL have basically taken the XFL's kickoff rules and tweaked it.  Bubba Ventrone can watch every kickoff in XFL history and I hope he has.

Meanwhile here is a prediction.   The Steelers will win at least one more game this upcoming season by making a few big plays on kickoffs.  Talk of Justin Fields on the kickoff return team is one sure sign that at a bare minimum, the Steelers are thinking outside the box.

It should not be that hard to envision what the Steelers are thinking.   They invested in Cordarrelle Patterson as a kick returner.   If the Steelers are thinking about pairing him with Justin Fields it demonstrates that the Steelers understand the nuances of this new play.

Since kick placement can make it extremely difficult to make a big play on a kickoff return by placing the ball in a corner and affording the kickoff team the opportunity to focus their tacklers in an area, make sure one of your returners can pass the ball accurately.   

Get it?

2024 AFC North Division BROWNS - Draft Observations: Skillsets

 One has to be impressed with the 6 athletes the Cleveland Browns drafted in the 2024 draft.   The only issue I have with the Browns draft is in fact, that total number of 6.   In the AFC North, the Browns have 3 rivals who all draft well.   The Bengals drafted 10 athletes, the Ravens drafted 9, the Steelers drafted 7 and the Browns came in last with 6.  Therein lies the problem.  Unless the Browns hit on all 6 picks, it's highly likely they lost ground in the draft to their rivals because all the Bengals et al have to do is bat around .500 and they will add more talent than the Browns did.

The pain of the massive price of trading for Deshaun Watson to this point has been minimized by excellent drafting.  The Browns scored big with first round talent drafted after the first round.  Martin Emerson is going to be a Pro Bowl player for years to come and Dawand Jones was an absolute steal in the 4th round last season.   Jones has Hall of Fame level potential and he showed it last season against the best possible competition with his amazing shut down of TJ Watt.

So, will the lack of early draft picks and the lack of draft picks in general in 2024 finally sting the Browns?   Only time will tell however one has to be impressed with the Browns strategy.  They scouted and drafted specific skills in the hopes that their draft picks can immediately fill roles productively and I believe they may well have hit the skills jackpot.

A great strategy combined with great scouting, may just yield a perfect score of 6 players who contribute in 2024.  Unfortunately, because the Browns had 6 picks, 4 of which were in rounds 5, 6 and 7, a Lenny Barker like Perfect Draft, is probably what it will take to view the 2024 Browns draft as a success.  Did the Browns have a "perfect draft"?  As difficult as that is, I think there is a chance they may well have hit 1.000 or at least .830 in this draft.

Let's take a look at the new athletes drafted by Cleveland:

- Michael Hall Jr - His skill is explosiveness at the interior line of scrimmage.  It's easy to imagine Jim Schwartz squeezing plenty of pressures out of Hall this season.

- Zak Zinter - A steal whose value slipped because a late season injury prevented Zinter from participating in the combine, Zinter's skill is his size and mobility.  He can get out in space and put a body on speedy linebackers, he will contribute on the kick off return team in 2024 and be an able back up to Bitonio and Teller

- Jamari Thrash - The ability to separate deep.  Douche-on and Jameis Winston will need this guy on the field 10 to 15 times a game. 

- Nathaniel Watson - Experienced big body linebacker whose skill is tackling and he has the potential to be great in the new kick off format immediately. 

- Myles Harden - Hard to draw any conclusions about an athlete from South Dakota, but i do trust the Browns scouting process.   Harden is a depth player whose skill is his tracking ability and his path in 2024 might be the practice squad but I can imagine Harden being a punt team asset in games during the 2024 season. 

- Jowon Briggs - off the charts strength and character.  I listened to an interview with Briggs prior to the draft on the Bengals Booth Pod and was totally impressed.  Given that the Browns had a rare miss in 2023 with Siaki Ika, who had trouble staying on his feet even when nobody blocked him, it is not a stretch to imagine Briggs seeing quality time in 2024 in the interior D line.  Briggs skill is more that of a traditional tackle, he can occupy and control space and unike Ika, he will stay on his feet.