On Tuesday, it was announced that the Browns signed former Texans, Seahawks, and Titans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year contract with a base value of $8 million, and as much as $10 million total with incentives. With that signing, Cleveland now has three first-overall draft picks on its roster: Clowney, who was selected first overall in the 2014 draft by the Texans out of South Carolina, defensive end Myles Garrett, taken first overall by the Browns out of Texas A&M in the 2017 draft, and quarterback Baker Mayfield, selected with the first overall pick one year later out of Oklahoma.
It’s nearly historic to have three first-overall picks on the same roster, but not quite. In 2001, the then-Washington Redskins had four such players — quarterback Jeff George (first overall by the Colts in 1990), defensive lineman Bruce Smith (first overall by the Bills in 1985), running back Ki-Jana Carter (first overall by the Bengals in 1995), and defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson (first overall by the Bengals in 1994). As the Redskins were signing all the big names they possibly could at that time, and most of the guys they signed were still big names in name only, it’s appropriate that none of those players his their peak for Washington in 2001.
Well, perhaps Wilkinson did. He totaled 19 solo tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks, and two interceptions. And Smith, who put his Hall of Fame resume together with the Bills, had 31 solo tackles, seven tackles for loss, five sacks, and three forced fumbles. Not had for a 38-year-old!
George, who was never able to marry his acumen to his laser rocket arm, was Tony Banks’ backup that season, completing 23 of 42 passes for 168 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions. And Carter managed 308 rushing yards on 63 carries, the second-highest yardage total of his career.
The Redskins went 8-8 in 2001, so the additions of first-overall picks do not automatically equate to winning seasons. But the Browns went 11-5 last season, made their first postseason since 2002, won their first playoff game since Bill Belichick was their head coach in 1994, and Mayfield and Garrett are two of the team’s most important players. Perhaps Clowney, coming off a down season with the Titans in which he didn’t register a single sack and put up just 28 pressures, can be a valuable part of an improving defense.
