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2021 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns earn rave reviews for Greg Newsome II pick

The Cleveland Browns selected Northwestern cornerback Greg Newsome II with the No. 26 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

CLEVELAND — With the No. 26 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected Northwestern cornerback Greg Newsome II.

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And while the Browns had to wait longer than they've become accustomed to before making their pick, that didn't stop Cleveland's front office from receiving rave reviews for its selection.

Among those praising the Browns' pick are the following:

Pro Football Focus

Grade: Elite

Comments: "The Browns are one of the NFL’s smartest teams, and they attacked one of the most valuable positions in the game here. Newsome is also a very good prospect, representing incredible value here at No. 26. He was battle-tested on a small sample of snaps in 2020, facing 34 targets through his first four games. He held his own, allowing just 93 yards and five first downs while making eight plays on the ball."

Credit: AP
Northwestern defensive back Greg Newsome II (2) in action against Stanford during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

NFL.com's Chad Reuter

Grade: A

Comments: "You can't have enough cornerbacks. Newsome should have been picked much earlier, so the Browns found excellent value picking him at No. 26. He has the size, strength and speed to match up against any NFL receiver. Newsome can also play the ball very well, fighting through the catch or making the interception when the opportunity arises."

Yahoo Sports' Eric Edholm

Grade: A-

Comments: "This is a coup for the Browns, nabbing a player whom many believed would've been gone before now. Newsome is a bulldog-caliber competitor, and a tremendous athlete. That secondary could be really strong now with Denzel Ward, Newsome, Grant Delpit and Greedy Williams all young and highly talented. Wanna stop the Bills and Chiefs? Beef up that secondary."

Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer

Grade: A

Comments: "The Browns not drafting for immediate need is a testament to them having a loaded roster with an upgraded defense coming off their triumphant playoff return. They didn’t need to force linebacker or defensive tackle when Newsome, with his size, smarts, instincts and nose for the ball, was the clear best player available who also fills a need for an extra big cover man to complement Denzel Ward."

CBS Sports' Pete Prisco

Grade: B

Comments: "They've spent a lot of draft capital at corner in recent years. Newsome is a good, solid player but they have bigger needs."

Fox Sports' Rob Rang

Grade: 

Comments: "Newsome is a dynamic athlete with legitimate cover corner skills, just like the star he'll be playing opposite in Denzel Ward. The durability concerns are not just a red flag, they are a banner – as he has missed at least three games each year at Northwestern, though notably he has never undergone surgery. Given the Browns' pass rush potential with Jadaveon Clowney and superstar Myles Garrett, adding a twitchy, playmaking corner like Newsome could be the kind of move that helps Cleveland take the next step."

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