The Art of the NFL Draft: A Deep Dive into Andrew Berry’s Tenure with the Browns
Ever since Andrew Berry took the helm as the Browns’ GM in 2020, the team’s draft strategy has been a fascinating study in hits, misses, and everything in between. Personally, I think Berry’s tenure is a masterclass in the complexities of NFL roster building—a reminder that even the most calculated picks can be derailed by injuries, off-field issues, or simply the unpredictability of player development. Let’s dive into the highlights, lowlights, and what it all means for the Browns’ future.
2020: A Solid Start with Lingering What-Ifs
Berry’s inaugural draft was neither spectacular nor disastrous, but it’s the kind of class that leaves you wondering, what if? Take Grant Delpit, for instance. A stellar safety who’s become a reliable starter—but one pick later, the Buccaneers snagged Antoine Winfield Jr., an All-Pro talent. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it underscores the razor-thin margin between a good pick and a great one.
Then there’s Jedrick Wills Jr., a player who flashed potential but was ultimately inconsistent and injury-prone. Meanwhile, Tristan Wirfs, drafted just three spots later, has become one of the league’s premier tackles. If you take a step back and think about it, this draft highlights a recurring theme in Berry’s tenure: the Browns have often been close, but not quite there.
2021: The Injury Bug and the Missed Opportunities
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was a steal in the second round, no doubt. But his severe neck injury in 2024 has cast a shadow over his future. It’s a detail that I find especially interesting—how a single play can alter the trajectory of a draft class. Meanwhile, Anthony Schwartz’s failure to develop into a contributor feels like a missed opportunity, especially when you consider that Amon-Ra St. Brown was drafted just 21 picks later.
What this really suggests is that while Berry has an eye for talent, the Browns’ inability to consistently develop players has been a lingering issue. It’s not just about who you draft, but how you nurture them once they’re in the system.
2022: Finding Starters in the Later Rounds
This draft class is a testament to the challenge of building without a first-round pick. Alex Wright has emerged as a solid starter, and Martin Emerson Jr. showed promise before his injury. But the Perrion Winfrey pick stands out for all the wrong reasons—a player with off-field issues who barely made an impact on the field.
One thing that immediately stands out is how Berry’s later-round picks often carry the weight of the class. It’s a reminder that while early picks grab the headlines, it’s the mid-to-late-round finds that can truly define a GM’s legacy.
2023: The ‘What Could Have Been’ Class
Isaiah McGuire has been a decent rotational player, but this class is marred by injuries and unmet potential. Siaki Ika, drafted in the third round, played just four games and recorded zero stats. What many people don’t realize is that this class could have been so much more if not for health issues plaguing players like Cedric Tillman and Dawand Jones.
This raises a deeper question: How much can a GM control when it comes to player health? It’s a factor that’s often overlooked but can make or break a draft class.
2024: A Class in Need of a Spark
Mike Hall Jr. has shown flashes, but this class feels underwhelming overall. Zak Zinter, drafted with high hopes, has barely seen the field due to injuries and poor performance. In my opinion, this class highlights the risk of not trading down to accumulate more picks—a strategy Berry has often avoided.
If you take a step back and think about it, this draft feels like a missed opportunity to rebuild depth in a roster that desperately needed it.
2025: The Turning Point?
Finally, a draft that feels like a breakthrough. Carson Schwesinger winning Defensive Rookie of the Year is a massive win, and Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin Jr. have been impactful. Even the puzzling Dillon Gabriel pick feels like a minor blemish in an otherwise stellar class.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how it contrasts with Berry’s earlier drafts. It’s as if he’s finally cracked the code—or perhaps just gotten lucky. Either way, this class could be the foundation for the Browns’ future success.
Final Thoughts: A Work in Progress
Andrew Berry’s tenure with the Browns has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Personally, I think his ability to find starters in later rounds is commendable, but the missed opportunities in the early rounds are hard to ignore. What this really suggests is that drafting is as much an art as it is a science—and Berry is still refining his technique.
If the 2025 draft is any indication, the Browns might finally be on the right track. But in the NFL, one great class doesn’t guarantee sustained success. The real test will be whether Berry can build on this momentum and turn the Browns into consistent contenders. Only time will tell.
