NFL Draft: Browns draft Northwestern cornerback in first round

According to ESPN’s pre-draft analysis, Newsome is “a scheme versatile corner with the size, instincts and top-end speed to match up in press, compete in off-man coverage and make plays in zone. He’s not a playmaker, but he does an above-average job of breaking up passes. Newsome is a solid tackler in run support and after the catch.”

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Newsome is the first defensive back taken by the Browns in the first round since 2018 when they selected Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward with the No. 4 pick.

Newsome was the fourth cornerback taken in the first round, following South Carolina’s Jaycee Horn (No. 8 to Carolina Panthers), Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II (No. 9 to Denver Broncos) and Virginia Tech’s Caleb Farley (No. 22 to Tennessee Titans).

Northwestern, which hadn’t seen a player drafted in the first round since 2005, had two players drafted in the first round. Offensive tackle Rashawn Slater went to the San Diego Chargers with the No. 13 pick.