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The Browns on Thursday selected Northwestern CB Greg Newsome II with the No. 26 pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Newsome, a 6-foot, 192-pound Chicago native, was a first-team Big Ten selection and a third-team All-American after a 2020 season in which he allowed just a 31.6 percent completion rate to throws in his direction, per Pro Football Focus. In a shortened season, Newsome led the Big Ten with 10 passes defensed and did not allow a completion on third down. He recorded his first career interception in Northwestern's 17-7 upset victory over No. 10 Wisconsin.
Newsome, 20, started four games as a true freshman and took on a full-time starting role as a sophomore. Newsome finished second in the Big Ten in 2019 with 11 passes defensed.
The Browns will be back on the clock Friday with three picks: No. 57 in the second round and Nos. 89 and 91 in the third round.