A team’s performance in the NFL Draft is determined largely by what it does – and does not do – in the first round.

 

That’s been the case for the Browns down through the years.

 

In 1957, the Browns drafted running back Jim Brown, the greatest player ever, in the first round.

 

In 1960, it was Jim Houston from Massillon High School and Ohio State, one of the best linebackers of his time.

 

In 1962, it was wide receiver Gary Collins, who has a team-record 70 career touchdown receptions.

 

In 1964, it was another wide receiver, Warren Harding High School and Ohio State product Paul Warfield, a Pro Football Hall of Famer.

 

In 1971, it was Clarence Scott, one of the Browns’ best cornerbacks.

 

In 1972, it was Sandusky High School product Thom Darden, a safety who has the most interceptions in team history.

 

In 1976, it was running back Mike Pruitt, the Browns’ No. 3 career rusher.

 

In 1978, it was Hall of Fame tight end Ozzie Newsome and linebacker Clay Matthews, a borderline HOF candidate.

 

In 1981, it was Hanford Dixon, one of the best cornerbacks in franchise history.

 

In 1984, it was Don Rogers, who, if he had not died after playing just two seasons, would have been the club’s best safety ever.

 

In 1989, it was running back/returner Eric Metcalf, one of the best – and most electrifying – skill-position players the Browns have ever had.

 

In 1991, it was safety Eric Turner, a great player.

 

And in 2007 for the new Browns, it was left tackle Joe Thomas, who is headed to the HOF someday.

 

There were, of course, other players taken in those drafts, but they mostly – not always, but mostly – got lost in the shuffle.  It is the first round – the headliner, as it were – that always gets noticed, and then remembered for the ages.

 

The Browns started the draft last Thursday night with two first-round picks, at Nos. 1 and 12, then traded down from 12 to No. 25, then traded up from No. 33 – the first selection of the second round — to No. 29.

 

With those three first-round picks, they tabbed Texas A&M defensive defensive end Myles Garrett at No. 1, Michigan safety/returner Jabrill Peppers at 25 and Miami (Fla.) tight end David Njoku at 29.

 

All three will start right away, and are expected to be productive this season and for years to come. That’s the plan anyway.

 

Even with a high-profile quarterback in DeShone Kizer, taken two-thirds of the way through the second round, and a probable starter at defensive tackle in Larry Ogunjobi, who was selected with the first pick of the third round, it will be those first-rounders whose performances will have the most to say about the success of this draft.

 

And right now, it looks pretty hopeful.

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