Jamari Thrash to Browns in NFL draft: Instant grade, analysis, stats for 156th pick

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The Browns had a thirst for wide receiver depth, so they used their third pick of the 2024 NFL draft in an effort to quench it. They selected Louisville receiver Jamari Thrash in the fifth round (156th overall) Saturday. Below is our instant draft grade on Thrash. It would be absurd to render a rapid judgment on him. One of the greatest football coaches of all time, Bill Belichick, recently said he's always graded a player on what he's projected to become in his second year as a pro. So this grade is an evaluation of Thrash's fit with the Browns and their strategy, not his talent.

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Louisville wide receiver Jamari Thrash to Browns NFL draft grade: Instant reaction

Grade: C+

Why: After five-time Pro Bowl selection Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore, there is a considerable drop-off in terms of established roles and expectations in the Browns' receiving corps. The 6-foot, 188-pound Thrash should have an opportunity to vie for playing time as a rookie with 2023 third-round choice Cedric Tillman, David Bell, James Proche II and Michael Woods II.

According to ProFootballFocus.com, Thrash forced 17 missed tackles last season (ranking fourth in the ACC), and his 1,658 yards after the catch since 2022 is first among all receivers. Another positive: He has a history of gutting it out while hurt.

But Thrash also dropped 17 passes in four collegiate seasons and didn't play much on special teams, according to the draft guide of The Athletic's Dane Brugler. If he were a more established option for Browns special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, this grade would be better.

Thrash played three seasons at Georgia State and one at Louisville, posting 167 catches for 2,610 yards and 18 touchdowns in 49 games, 28 of which he started.

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