With the 2011 regular season freshly over it is time to go back and evaluate every team’s draft classes based on performance this year. I will use a formula to grade each pick and calculuate a final grade for each team. The Cleveland Browns start the work week..
ROUND 1 – graded from a 0-5 scale
ROUND 2 – graded from a 0-4 scale
ROUND 3 – graded from a 0-3 scale
ROUND 4 – graded from a 0-2 scale
ROUND 5 – graded from a 0-1 scale
ROUND 6 & 7 – no scale, point awarded if player was productive
*I reserve the right to award a bonus point to any player who outperformed their draft position.*
FINAL GRADING SCALE
90-100 – A
80-89 - B
70-79 - C
60 – 69 - D
0-59 - F
2011 Draft Class
Round 1: Philip Taylor DT, Baylor – 59 Tackles, 4 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble
Analysis: Taylor was a force in the middle for the Browns all season and definitely earned his first round billing.
Grade: 5/5
Round 2: Jabaal Sheard DE, Pitt – 55 Tackles, 8.5 Sacks, 5 Forced Fumbles
Analysis: Sheard was an absolute beast off the edge for the Browns in year one. I’m a little surprised he didn’t get a little more attention from the media for his remarkable season.
Grade: 5/4
Round 2: Greg Little WR, UNC - 61 Receptions, 709 Yds, 2 TDs
Analysis: Little lead all rookies in receptions despite wrestling with the dropsises all season long. Should only be better in year two.
Grade: 4/4
Round 4: Jordan Cameron TE, USC – 6 Receptions, 33 Yds
Analysis: Cameron did not give fair value for this pick after year one.
Grade: 0/2
Round 4: Owen Marecic FB, Stanford – 8 Rush Yds, 5 Receptions, 31 Yds
Analysis: Marecic appeared in 14 games starting 4. He looks to be the Browns fullback of the future.
Grade: 1.25/2
Round 5: Buster Skrine CB, Tennessee Chattanooga - 18 Tackles, 1 INT
Analysis: Skrine appeared in all 16 games and played better than expected. He also returned a few kicks for 72 yards.
Grade: 1/1
Round 5: Jason Pinkston OT, Pitt - 16 Games Started
Analysis: - Pinkston started all 16 games for the Browns at guard. I’m not sure how he graded out, but 16 starts from your fifth round pick is hitting the lottery.
Grade: 2/1
Round 7: Eric Hagg S, Nebraska - 11 Tackles
Analysis: Hagg appeared in 10 games and helped out a little.
Grade: .5/0
TOTAL SCORE: 18.75/19
FINAL GRADE: 99% A +
Analysis: The Browns really had an amazing 2011 draft. They got some key components on defense in Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard. Greg Little will be a long time starter at WR and the same can be said about Jason Pinkston at guard, who was a steal in round 5. They also got a handful of guys with potential like Buster Skrine and Owen Marecic. Jordan Cameron was the only year one miss but even he caught a handfull of balls. This class will go a long way in making the Browns become relevant again in the AFC North.
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