It’s not exactly breaking news to say the Browns are bad at drafting, but it’s remarkable to review just how bad.
From 2011, when the NFL adopted a new rookie salary structure that meant every first-round pick got a four-year contract with a fifth-year option, not a single Browns first-round pick has made it to the fifth-year option season.
The Browns’ nine draft picks from 2011 through 2016 lasted an average of 2.3 seasons in Cleveland. Here’s a review of those nine players:
2016: Corey Coleman lasted two years before the Browns traded him.
2015: Danny Shelton lasted three years before the Browns traded him.
2015: Cam Erving lasted two years before the Browns traded him.
2014: Justin Gilbert lasted two years before the Browns traded him.
2014: Johnny Manziel lasted two years before the Browns released him.
2013: Barkevious Mingo lasted three years before the Browns traded him.
2012: Trent Richardson lasted one year before the Browns traded him.
2012: Brandon Weeden lasted two years before the Browns released him.
2011: Phil Taylor lasted four years before the Browns released him.