Instant Reaction: Grading Cameron Mitchell to the Browns at pick no. 142
As Day 3 and the 2023 NFL draft winds down to a close, the Cleveland Browns still have two picks to go. However, their latest pick, Northwestern cornerback Cameron Mitchell has yet to be graded. So that is what we will do here before the Browns come back on the clock with pick no. 190 in the sixth round.
The best friend of current Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II, Mitchell will now reunite with this former Wildcats teammate. How does Mitchell fit in with the rest of the team, however? What does his production look like as well?
Here we grade the selection of Mitchell to the Browns.
The production:
Mitchell does not carry a ton of ball production to his name. However, this could be a product of not being targeted often as he gave up a passer rating of just 82.9 in 2022. He has proven to play inside and out and is one of the better-tackling cornerbacks in the draft.
While PFF grades are not the end-all-be-all, Mitchell graded out with a defensive grade of 78.7 in 2020, 75.5 in 2021, and 69.3 in 2022. His tackling grades are in the elite territory, and his coverage grades remain firmly in the green.
The ball production is just okay, but his body of work coming downhill stands out. And that is perhaps why the Browns have brought him in.
The Grade: B+
The fit:
The Browns, especially under general manager Andrew Berry, have taken a defensive back in every single draft. The team understands the importance of having a deep arsenal of defensive backs as the NFL, especially the AFC, is more oriented toward throwing the football all over the field.
They need a nickel cornerback as well. And Mitchell played over 100 snaps inside for the Wildcats in each of the last two seasons. Playing in the slot is a whole other beast in the NFL, however, so do not expect him to be the starting nickel upon arrival.
This seems to be the plan for Mitchell, however, but it may take him some time. He has, however, played a massive 383 snaps on special teams throughout his career at Northwestern. This will get Mitchell on the field and allow him to prove he is willing to do the dirty work. The nickel requires a ton of dirty work.
It is not a day-one fit, but Day 2 and Day 3 players in the NFL draft should not be expected to be significant contributors right away. For now, Mitchell is a depth piece and special teamer who can potentially take over as the starting slot soon.
Grade: B+
The grade
Can you ever be upset about adding depth to the most important position group on the defensive side of the football? However, Mitchell does not have much nickel experience for a team that needs a nickel. Sure, he can contribute on special teams right away and add depth behind the likes of Martin Emerson Jr. and A.J. Green (who only has a year left on his contract) while he learns the nickel position.
However, that is not an easy position to pick up. The good news, however, is that Mitchell is a willing participant in the run game. The Browns need a nickel who can sling into run fits, so that is a plus as he potentially attempts to learn a new position closer to the football.
He has the tools to learn the slot, but it will not be a year-one transition for Mitchell.
Overall Grade: B+
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