The Cleveland Browns selected Northwestern cornerback Greg Newsome with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. According to Newsome, that was 25 spots too late.
In his introductory press meeting via Zoom, Newsome’s confidence was on full display. He does not lack for belief in his own ability.
“The way I feel is if I’m not the first pick in the draft, then everyone made a mistake,” Newsome said. “That’s the type of confidence that I have. I could have been picked second overall, and I still would have had a chip on my shoulder. I’m just ready to work, and I’ll always keep that chip on my shoulder.”
That doesn’t mean Newsome thinks he’s too good. The 20-year-old noted he’s a big fan of new Browns teammate Denzel Ward and can’t wait to learn from him.
“I mirror my game after [Ward] a little bit,” Newsome said. “So that’s a guy that I love watching, and it’ll definitely be great to learn from a guy like him and a guy like Greedy. He was a top pick as well. So he has a lot to prove this season, so I love going into rooms that are just competitive. That’s something that I live for.”
Confidence is a trait all the great cornerbacks share. Newsome will have to properly harness the chip on his shoulder, but he’s got the right mindset to make it work.
