By Jay Alan
Even though the rookie pay scale that the NFL introduced in 2012 has made draft pick holdouts almost non-existent, not many would be surprised if a franchise known for dysfunction like the Cleveland Browns bucked that trend. The Browns had three first round picks, including number one overall, and also selected a highly touted quarterback in the second round. Even though the last to sign, Jabrill Peppers, cut it awfully close, waiting until just days before camp to sign, all four high profile Browns picks are now under contract.
#1- Myles Garrett
Contract Terms- 4 year deal worth 30.4 million dollars, with a 20.25 million dollar signing bonus.
Competition- Being the number one overall pick, Garrett is not really facing any real competition for a starting role in the Browns defense. Emmanuel Ogbah is expected to start at the other end position, with Danny Shelton and Jamie Meder at tackle. Hopefully a pass-rusher like Garrett can draw enough attention from opposing offenses that Shelton can finally be free to live up to his potential as a high first round pick.
#25- Jabrill Peppers
Contract Terms- Four year deal worth 9.48 million dollars, fully guaranteed.
Competition- With Peppers’ versatility (played 15 different positions for the Wolverines just last season) he does not really face any competition because he can be used somewhere different in almost any scenario. Peppers is expected to be the Browns starting strong safety, while also lining up at linebacker in nickel and dime packages. Peppers is also a threat on special teams as a returner, and Hue Jackson has also said that he intends to line him up on offense on occasion.
Coach Jackson on Peppers:
“Again, when you have guys that have the ability to make plays, you do anything and everything you can to put them in an environment so they can showcase their talent and ability (including offense).”
#29 – David Njoku
Contract Terms- Four year deal worth just over 9.5 million dollars with a club option for a fifth year, and a signing bonus of a little over five million.
Competition- like the other first round picks, David Njoku does not face any real competition on the Browns’ depth chart. Gary Barnidge was released by the Browns the day after the draft signaling that the team intended for the rare physical specimen Njoku (6’4″ 246lbs, 4.64 40 time) to be the 2017 starter. Othe tight ends on the active roster include Seth DeValve, J.P. Holtz, Taylor McNamara, and Randall Telfer.
#52- DeShone Kizer
Contract Terms- Four year deal worth about 4.9 million dollars, with a 1.7 million dollar signing bonus.
Competition- The addition of Brock Osweiler through a trade from Houston in the offseason could potentially make the quarterback spot interesting in 2017. Most projected Browns depth charts have Cody Kessler returning as the starter with Osweiler listed as the back-up. However, Osweiler has thrown a bit of a wrench in things with his better than expected performance through mini camp and off season activities. Kizer is listed as the teams number three quarterback and while some fans and analysts will want to rush him into game action, I’d prefer to see the Browns tale their time with him.
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