The Cleveland Browns selected cornerback Greg Newsome II out of Northwestern 26th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Browns signed Troy Hill to a big-money contract in free agency but still had concerns at cornerback behind Denzel Ward. Greedy Williams has struggled to stay healthy during his short NFL career, and Cleveland's depth took a hit with the losses of Terrance Mitchell and Tavierre Thomas.
While Hill can play inside and outside, he excels in the slot. Newsome should, therefore, be set up to compete with Williams for the starting job opposite Ward from Day 1.
Newsome was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2020 after a strong season for Northwestern.
Cleveland has heavily targeted its secondary this offseason, signing safety John Johnson to a three-year deal in addition to Hill.
Draft Profile
Key stats: 12 tackles, 1 interception, 7 passes defended
Newsome stepped up his game last season after a solid 2019. One of the premier cornerback prospects in his class, he displays quick feet, good long speed, and the ability to break up passes at the catch point. Northwestern's scheme somewhat bottled his talent up, keeping everything in front of him. Still, Newsome's processing skills are top-notch, and he can seamlessly fit into any system. But with questions surrounding his play strength and aggressiveness, we're not sure he has the upside of a perennial Pro Bowler.
