The Cleveland Browns will make history tonight as they select a player with their No. 2 overall pick. This marks the team’s first first-round pick since 2021, when they chose cornerback Greg Newsome II with the 26th overall selection. The Browns had previously traded away three first-round picks to Houston in exchange for quarterback Deshaun Watson.
According to NFL senior researcher Tony Holzman-Escareno, those trades were made due to the cost of acquiring Watson, which included cap space and draft picks. This burden continues to affect the organization. Despite Watson’s injury status, the Browns will still have a first-round rookie on their roster this season, providing a much-needed boost.
Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/browns-havent-had-a-first-round-selection-since-2021