UC Bearcats defensive lineman Jowon Briggs picked in Round 7 of NFL draft by Browns

The University of Cincinnati graduate with a degree in physics and music focus had to wait a few verses to hear his name called in the 2024 NFL draft. Finally, in the seventh and final round, Briggs was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 243rd overall pick.

When selected, the Browns brought up a "thank you" note Briggs wrote as one of their attractions to the massive man. It pays to be polite.

Better late than never

By the time the draft ended, Briggs was putting his kids to bed for the evening. Still, he didn’t mind the wait for a lifelong dream.

”For me it wasn’t tough at all,” Briggs said. “I’ve always had the mindset (to) expect the worst and appreciate the best. The worst would be not hearing your name at all. I was always preparing for not getting picked up at all. To hear that news is nothing but a blessing. I’m floored about where I’m at right now,”

Cleveland may work

Briggs said his father is from Detroit and his mother is from Springfield. Cleveland could be a nice compromise.

“There’s plenty of Bearcats up there!” Briggs said.

Of note, former Bearcat defensive lineman Antwan Peek spent time as a Brown. Peek currently has a son on the UC squad.

From CPS to UVA to UC

After an All-State career at Walnut Hills High School, two seasons at Virginia and three seasons, two coaches and three defenses for the Cincinnati Bearcats, Briggs will now get his NFL shot.

Said UC coach Scott Satterfield, “I’m excited for Jowon and his family to realize his dream of playing in the NFL. I fully expect him to make an impact with the Browns because he already has carried himself like a pro for years. He has an outstanding work ethic and was a great leader for us. He’s also one of the strongest players I’ve ever been around. I look forward to watching him play on Sundays.”

Briggs brings a combination of strength and maturity. He obliterated Big 12 Pro Day marks in the bench press by hoisting 225 pounds 42 times, though he eventually was only credited with 39, still best in the league. At a shade under 6-foot-2 and 310 pounds, he overcame a non-invite to the NFL Combine by succeeding in the Hula Bowl and earning an invite to the East-West Shrine Bowl.

Briggs briefs

Briggs was a UC starter for Luke Fickell on the 2021 team that went unbeaten until the College Football Playoff Semifinal in the Cotton Bowl vs. Alabama. He was First Team American Athletic Conference, Honorable Mention Big 12, and a team captain for Satterfield's Bearcats this past season.

Wise beyond years

Briggs is married with three children and won't turn 23 until September. In addition to his UC degrees, he's an accomplished singer with several notable performances, including a spot on ESPN's College GameDay.

Briggs calmed himself Saturday morning by taking his wife to the Walnut Hills campus to throw a discus. It’s yet another talent in his toolbag.

“I went to State for throwing discus,” he said.

Next up is the throwing of offensive linemen and quarterbacks with the “angry hamds” he showed in his workouts.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati DL Jowon Briggs picked by Browns in NFL draft