Being successful in the NFL Draft is one part of roster building and it is a crucial one.
Sometimes draft picks don’t work out and sometimes they do. Teams are often left drafting replacements to take over for a draft pick that did not work out prior.
That could be the case for the Cleveland Browns, who have a few players who stand out as past draft picks that may not be on the team for the bigger picture.
LT Jedrick Wills Jr.
Wills is going to be in Cleveland for the 2024 season that much was set when the Browns picked up his fifth-year option. Going further than this season the outlook for Wills being on the team is dim.
Through four seasons, the former first-round draft pick of the 2020 NFL Draft has not shown the Browns that he is their long-term guy to protect the quarterback’s blindside. Ankle and leg injuries have hampered Wills and while this past season was the first time he missed extended time, Wills has had a tough time staying healthy in the NFL.
OT James Hudson
Hudson was always a project for the Browns and they’re probably fine with the return on investment they’ve gotten from the fourth-year wideout. A player who has been able to line up at either tackle spot and played in 35 games over the past three seasons.
As a pro, Hudson has not developed a whole lot and is a poor pass-blocker. In a division like the AFC North, it has been tough at times to see the Browns have to throw Hudson out there to try and block a guy like Pittsburgh Steelers’ T.J. Watt.
While he will be around in 2024, the Browns could be drafting a replacement for him in this draft to restart the clock in that area.
WR Michael Woods II
Browns spent a late pick in 2022 on Woods and he’s shown flashes in training camp and the preseason of being a guy that can win down the field. The only issue with that is you have to be on the field.
Last April, Woods tore his Achilles and missed the entire 2023 season. The NFL suspended him for the final six games for violating the NFL personal conduct policy. His resume to this point is 45 receiving yards in 10 games on a total of five catches.
It is tough to see Woods making the roster in 2024 if and when the Browns draft a wideout. Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, Cedric Tillman, and likely David Bell are already going to make the team. That leaves Woods on the outside looking in.
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