Jowon Briggs to Browns in NFL draft: Instant grade, analysis, stats for 243rd pick
The Browns entered the draft with defensive tackle topping their needs, so General Manager Andrew Berry doubled down at the position. The Browns used their sixth and final pick of the 2024 NFL draft on Cincinnati defensive tackle Jowon Briggs in the seventh round (243rd overall) Saturday. On Friday, the Browns picked Ohio State D-tackle Mike Hall Jr. in the second round (54th overall). Below is our instant draft grade on Briggs. It would be absurd to render a rapid judgment on him. One of the greatest football coaches of all time, Bill Belichick, recently said he's always graded a player on what he's projected to become in his second year as a pro. So this grade is an evaluation of Briggs' fit with the Browns and their strategy, not his talent.
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Cincinnati defensive tackle Jowon Briggs to Browns NFL draft grade: Instant reaction
Grade: B-
Why: The Browns obviously wanted to bolster their interior D-line depth in this year's draft, and they are attracted to the movement skills and power the 6-foot-1, 313-pound Briggs possesses. Briggs appeared on The Athletic reporter Bruce Feldman's "Freaks List" because of his strength. He bench pressed 225 pounds 39 times during Cincinnati's pro day. He wasn't invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. Berry has said he seeks "horse traits" in later rounds, meaning he wants players who do something exceptionally well. A horse is "a really great runner," Berry said to complete his analogy.
Briggs, 22, began his college football career at Virginia and spent two seasons there before transferring to Cincinnati, where he grew up. In five seasons, he started 44 of his 59 games and compiled 168 tackles, 21.5 for loss and 12 sacks.
Although Briggs lacks ideal length and explosiveness for a D-tackle, he is known for being stout. He was also a team captain last season.
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This article originally appeared on The Repository: Jowon Briggs NFL draft grade: Instant analysis of Browns' pick
