Draft Grades - Complete Idiocy

Grading a draft before any of these players have played a down is straight up stupid.  It's like giving away Academy Awards based on previews.  I've already discussed the 2009 draft here, an absolute franchise crushing display of total stupidity by one Eric Mangini.  Here are some of the grades given for that draft by the so called experts aka the media.



Rob Rang - CBS Sports

Cleveland Browns: B
The Browns created plenty of intrigue, as well as a collection of middle-round picks, by trading down three times in the first round before selecting Cal center Alex Mack with the 21st selection. Mack's toughness and versatility will come in handy in the ultra-physical AFC North, and the team was wise to add depth -- and perhaps open the door for the departure of Braylon Edwards -- with the selection of Brian Robiskie and Mohammed Massaquoi in the second round. The Browns could get immediate impact out of underrated linebackers David Veikune and Kaluka Maiava, but watch out for a pair of sixth-rounders -- San Jose State cornerback Coye Francies and Clemson running back James Davis -- to surprise.

Mel Kiper - ESPN

Cleveland Browns: GRADE: B-

Alex Mack was a good pick at No. 21 and Mohamed Massaquoi was a very good pickup in the second round. I think fellow second-rounder David Veikune was a bit of a reach in that round, but not enough of one to seriously dent the Browns' grade. They didn't get a great receiver in Brian Robiskie in the second round, but he's polished enough as a rookie that he could be a solid possession guy for this franchise.

Walter Football - (who was on it)

• “I’m willing to bet that Eric Mangini has weird, worthless crap scattered all over his apartment. I’m also going to guess that he eats Ramen noodles each night, as he watches his black-and-white TV. How did I come up with this? Well, Mangini moved down from No. 5 to 17 in the first round for just a second-rounder, two backups and a developmental quarterback. Well, actually, Cleveland’s roster is so devoid of talent that the two backups will probably be starters. I like Alex Mack and Brian Robiskie. But Mangini has done nothing to improve a horrific defense and a non-existent running game. Drafting your first linebacker at No. 52, who happened to be a mid-round prospect, is not a good move. Neither is failing to address the right tackle or inside linebacker positions.”
• Grade given on 4/27/09: C-

USA Today

• Cleveland Browns: Creative deal-making allowed the Browns to load up on picks and players from the New York Jets that coach Eric Mangini likes. C Alex Mack was the best at his position, solidifies problem area, but may have gone a tad early at 21. Both receivers, Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi, will contribute quickly and Robiskie may start. LB/DE David Veikune may lack a true position, should get first look as rush end in 4-3 sub package.

(They gave them a B)

Again, the 2009 NFL Draft is the reason that the Browns are so devoid of talent, coupled with their opt out in 2008.

Here's some grades from the 2007 Draft





Dr Z from Sports Illustrated - (who was outstanding by the way)

BROWNS -- A

Ah, the never-ending mysteries of draft day. They get both Brady Quinn and the draft's most highly regarded blocker, tackle Joe Thomas. After that it gets a bit murky. Second-round CB Eric Wright ... great talent but here we go again, character issues. Hey, I thought Roger Goodell outlawed that stuff. Only one thing can dull the euphoria that Browns fans are feeling at this moment, and that is if Quinn turns out to be, as some have predicted, not a franchise player but a meticulously schooled system QB with a tendency toward occasional wildness.

Pete Prisco - Football Genius - CBS Sports

Best pick: Going back into the first round to get Brady Quinn was a bold move, but one that will pay off in a big way.

Questionable move: Second-round pick Eric Wright has first-round ability, but there are character concerns. This team can't afford to have this pick blow up on them.

Second-day gem: Fifth-round pick Brandon McDonald is a raw corner who made the move from receiver. With some seasoning, he can be a nice cover player.

Overall grade: A+. They get a franchise left tackle and a franchise quarterback. And if Wright can stay out of trouble they got a franchise corner. That's three key pieces.

Walter Football

 Grade given on 5/1/07: B
Good Moves: I would have chosen Joe Thomas at No. 3 as well. Thomas helps Cleveland win right away. I wasn't expecting the Browns to land both Thomas and Brady Quinn, however. I'm torn. I like the fact that they obtained a franchise quarterback, but I'm not crazy that they surrendered next year's first-rounder to do so. I love the Eric Wright selection. I know he has character issues, but the Browns can't worry about that. They need talent.

Bad Moves: Who is Melila Purcell? Why didn't Cleveland take a receiver until the fifth round?

Instant 2007 Starters: OT Joe Thomas.
Potential 2007 Starters: QB Brady Quinn, CB Eric Wright.
Other Picks: CB Brandon McDonald, DE Melila Purcell, DE/OLB Chase Pittman, KR Syndric Steptoe.

Now here are a few grades from the aforementioned writers this year.



Mel Kiper - ESPN

Cleveland Browns - He gave them a B-

Top needs: QB, RB, WR, RT, CB

Summary: The Browns will get questions on value, but they had a plan and stuck to it. They moved up to get Trent Richardson, ostensibly so Tampa Bay couldn't, and while a running back at No. 3 is always a tough value proposition, Richardson is a rare talent. The Browns clearly felt they couldn't wait to take Brandon Weeden at No. 37, and locked him up at No. 22. Given the talk surrounding Colt McCoy, they clearly expect Weeden to start. Mitchell Schwartz was a slight reach on my board at No. 37, but he's extremely experienced, and you know what you're getting at right tackle. Cleveland finally got a receiver with the No. 100 pick. I saw that as a bigger need than right tackle. There were good wideouts available at No. 37, so that's the pick I question the most.

Pete Prisco - famous fellator of Blaine Gabbert - CBS

Cleveland Browns

Best pick: Second-round pick Mitchell Schwartz is a tough, nasty player who will start at right tackle. Scouts I talked to loved this kid. I agree. Nice pick.

Questionable move: Taking Brandon Weeden in the first round. That was a reach. Is he that much better than Colt McCoy? And he'll be 29 in October.

Third-day gem: Fourth-round receiver Travis Benjamin went to Miami as a huge recruit. He didn't put up big numbers, but he has explosive ability.

Analysis: The Browns had a bad first round in my mind, which knocks their draft down. They had two first-round picks, and traded up to get Trent Richardson. I just don't see how trading up for a back is a good thing -- even a good back like Richardson. Taking Weeden is a real reach. They did bounce back some, but I don't like the way they started.

Grade: C-   

Rob Rang - CBS Sports

Cleveland Browns: C
Needing an infusion of talent on offense and energy in the fan base, the Browns nabbed arguably the best player in the draft in running back Trent Richardson and may have found their starting quarterback at No. 22 overall, Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden. I gave Richardson a higher grade than Adrian Peterson coming out of college and love the fit in Cleveland. Weeden, if protected, has the strong arm and accuracy to be a winning quarterback in the NFL. Frankly, his lack of pocket awareness and mobility are a bigger concern -- especially in this offense and against the pass rushes in the AFC North -- than his age. Though he'll be panned as a reach by some, offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz was one of the draft's safer right tackle prospects and will contribute early. The Browns followed these three solid selections with some questionable mid-round choices before finishing stronger with front seven defenders James-Michael Johnson (fourth), Emmanuel Acho (sixth) and Billy Winn (sixth) late. Frankly, in entering the draft with the most picks of any team (13), the Browns should have come out with more. Should Richardson and Weeden justify their lofty selections, however, Cleveland will ultimately be called a winner for their efforts.

Chris Burke  - Sports Illustrated

Cleveland Browns: I don’t mind Cleveland going all-in to get Trent Richardson at No. 3. Heck, I don’t even really mind reaching for QB Brandon Weeden at 22. I’m not sure what happened after that, though, as the Browns took OT Mitchell Schwartz when they needed a receiver, then tanked picks on DT John Hughes (87) and WR Travis Benjamin (100). Grade: C-plus

Walter Football

2012 NFL Draft Grade: C-

Goals Entering the 2012 NFL Draft: No one wants to play for the Browns, per certain reports. Whether you believe them or not, there's no denying that this Cleveland team doesn't appear as though it's going anywhere. There's no franchise quarterback, while the offense as a whole lacks play-makers. The 2012 NFL Draft will be all about bolstering the scoring unit.

2012 NFL Draft Accomplishments: There's nothing worse than targeting one player in a certain spot and then panicking when that prospect is plucked off the board a selection or two earlier. That's exactly what happened to the Browns at No. 22. They were set to take Kendall Wright, but then had to reach for Brandon Weeden when Tennessee took him at No. 20. Mike Holmgren did not have a Plan B.

If Weeden can be a franchise quarterback, this will be a good draft class. However, that's unlikely. He'll be 29 soon, and by the time he figures things out, he'll be in his 30s. He'll be 33 when his first contract is up. Oh, and then there's the dubious history of Big XII quarterbacks flopping in the NFL. Weeden should not have been a first-round pick, and Cleveland must be heavily downgraded for that.

Some other choices didn't make much sense. Both John Hughes and Travis Benjamin were major reaches; the Hughes pick was particularly confusing because it didn't fill a need and failed to upgrade the offense. On the bright side, Trent Richardson will be a stud, while various late-round selections provided great value.

What does all this mean?  Nothing really.  I just wanted to look back and see how these people currently blasting the Browns felt about previous drafts.  The Browns are getting maligned for various reasons (not taking a WR, Weeden, etc), and I don't get it.  Everyone's got an opinion on how these things should go (myself included) and mine is that they did very well in this draft.  I'm pumped about it really.  And I've been on record (2009, the Dwight Clark era, 2006, Willie Green, etc) as being downright pissed off when I don't think they're doing things the right way.  My point is that finally it appears that we have a GM that gets it and is building this team the right way, and people are angry because he solidified the line that everyone has been bitching about for years and took a QB that he feels is better than the one we had.  I love it, and now more than ever, In Heckert I Trust.

By the way, great work by Steve Doerschuk here on Heckert's drafts

Knee Jerk - Day 3

Overall impression of the Browns draft - I love it.  I don't care what anybody thinks the Browns are hella better than they were on Wednesday and got better at key spots.  The picks from yesterday.






Travis Benjamin - WR, Miami - I'm on record as being in love with Jarius Wright, but Travis Benjamin is in the same mold.  He's small, (5'10 175) and fast (4.35 forty).  Nicknamed the "Belle Glade Blur" and they're fast down there.  He's a different type of player than the Browns currently have, and offers special teams ability to take some of the load off of Cribbs.  He's a dynamic player that can take a short pass the distance, and exactly what I've been clamoring for.  He was a good pick.  I'd have taken Wright but I am not the general manager of a football team.  And it's apparent that at the 87th or 120th pick, they didn't think there was a receiver there that is better than Massaquoi, Cribbs or Norwood.  Or they'd have taken another one.  Last thought on this, Brandon Weeden should make the current receivers better.  That's what QB's do.

James-Michael Johnson - LB, Nevada - He can't be any worst than the last linebacker we took from a state school in Nevada (Beau Bell).  This guy has position versatility, he can play inside or outside, and will play special teams.  We knew the Browns were going to address the linebacker position, they have no depth.  This guy could develop into a starter.  I was going to do a little write up in my linebackers take about him but thought he was a Mike and skipped over him.  Solid pick.











Ryan Miller - OL, Colorado - He was one of the top recruits in the country when he was in high school.  He's a giant (6'7 300) who stated a ton of games at both tackle and guard.  He may be a guard, but again, position versatility is paramount for players like this to stick in the NFL, and he can play tackle as well.  Building young depth up the middle on the offensive and defensive lines was obviously a focus of this draft.  Again I liked the pick.  Cody Risien anyone??











Emmanuel Acho - LB, Texas - Solid if not spectacular weakside linebacker prospect.  Was a tackling machine last year for Texas playing in the wide-open Big 12.  It will be interesting to see if he's a better player when he plays against pro-style offenses.  I liked him better than Keenan Robinson, who was a 4th round pick.  He flies to the ball, and again should provide depth at linebacker and be a key special teams player.  His brother is a good player for Arizona, and was a 4th rounder last season.  I'll get a better  scouting report from my Uncle Chris.








Billy Winn - DT, Boise State - This is an example of the inanity in attempting to analyze the draft.  Everywhere you read this guy was a second-third-fourth round prospect.  The Browns got him at the tail end of the sixth.  So, if they'd have taken him in the third, and John Hughes with this pick, no one would have complained in the least.  Be that as it may, the defensive tackle position should be fortified with the addition of Hughes and Winn.  He's got good size and may be able to play end as well.  He was a powerlifter and wrestler in high school and was a highly productive player in a good program (36.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks in his career).  Good teams are strong up the middle and the Browns got stronger.

Trevin Wade - CB, Arizona - Another guy who was projected to go a lot higher than he did.  I would not have been mad if they took him in the 4th or 5th.  I really like the guy.  He's a good man cover corner who should be able to develop into at least a number 3.  Not a burner but has good functional speed and quickness.  Three year starter.  Really like the value pick here.

Brad Smelley - FB/TE, Alabama - Try hard, hybrid type who lacks the size (6'2 238) to be a tight end but should compete at fullback.  He has good hands (7 catches in the National Championship game) and is a willing blocker.  Everybody complained about Marecic last year (who I think will be much better this year) and they brought in some competition.  Blocked for Trent Richardson in college.








They've also signed some undrafted free-agents at this point, you can view the list here (rumors only until they're announced).  Like Josh Cooper, Andrew Sweat and my guy Tashuan Gipson.  Also looks like we signed Toby Gerharts brother Garth, JB "false start" Shugarts, and another William Green, since the first one worked out so well.


All and all I really like this draft.  I know I'm in the minority but I think in terms of building this team and getting stronger up front they were solid.  They drafted an absolute MONSTER and running back, a quarterback with the physical tools that the position requires and a starting right tackle.  They got two solid linebackers for depth, one of whom should develop into a starter.  They got great value in the 7th on a good corner, and they solidified their defensive line.  I'm not usually a rosy person on the day after the draft but I honestly feel that this team has a direction and a GM that gets it.  Solid work Heckert, PLAYOFFS IN 2013!!!!!!  BOOK IT!

Knee Jerk - Day 2

I really do miss the old format of the draft.  My dad had a draft day tradition of cleaning the garage and listening to the radio when Saturday used to be the first 3 rounds, and then that Sunday he'd go about his life and read up on the picks after they were made while I obsessed over why they didn't take the guy I wanted with the 195th pick.  It was awesome.  This 3 day thing is for the birds but it is what it is.


In the second round, with the 37th pick the Browns went with Mitchell Schwartz, RT from Cal.  I sort of had a feeling he was going to be a Brown, although I had him going in the 3rd round.  I read somebody say that he was going to go before a lot of people thought he would and was a candidate to sneak into the late 1st.  Anyways I like the guy.  People wanted a WR or a different RT but all I heard all year was people complain about how lousy the right side of our line was.  Guess what, it's fixed.  Here's why they went with Schwartz, in my opinion.  He started 51 games at Cal, he's got prototypical size.  The Browns know EXACTLY what they have in him.  They're not banking on potential or player development, they took the guy that they can plug in from day 1.  They obviously don't want to have to address the right tackle spot again for the next 6-8 years.  They took the sure thing.  Maybe Glenn or Martin or Adams have more potential, but they all come with more risk.  Hell I liked Massie coming in and he's still on the board.  Schwartz is a more polished player.  They swung for the gap and not the fences.  I love it.  Also in play here was the fact that this is not a deep draft for tackles and the talent pool has dried up considerably.  WR and CB are deep positions this year and I'd expect them to get addressed in the 4th.

Ah the 3rd round.  I think Shaun Lauvao is the only decent third round pick the Browns have made since they came back.  They traded back from 67 to 87 and picked up Denver's 4th rounder, pick 120.  They moved back after Reuban Randle and Josh Robinson (2 guys I think they liked) were taken in front of them by NY and Minnesota.  For whatever reason they decided not to go after a starter with this pick and instead drafted John Hughes from Cincinnati.  I love Uncle Buck, Home Alone was hilarious, but I'm not sure John Hughes was a great pick.  Hell this John Hughes might have been more highly rated than the one the Browns took.  CBS has him as the 534th overall player.  Do I think he's that lousy?  No.  However even he didn't think he was going to get picked until Saturday, because that's when he was planning on having his draft party.  A backup nose tackle at 87 with the holes on this team is a hard sell for me.  I always tell my dad it's not who they take it's who they don't.  I liked TY Hilton, Brandon Boykin, and Jayron Hosely at that spot, I think all 3 of those guys can play, and I don't know about John Hughes, but I'm skeptical on this one.  Boykin is still on the board, maybe he's the pick at 100.  We'll see.

On the last day of the draft, the Browns should add at least one receiver and linebacker and Heckert's history tells us he should be able to find a contributor or starter late.  Guys I'd be targeting include my 2012 mancrush Jarius Wright, possibly Boykin, Juron Criner or Chris Givens at WR, maybe a small-school corner like Josh Norman or Ryan Steed or Jeremy Lane.  They probably take a DE somewhere (Cam Johnson maybe??)  They also may make a move for a player (Leodis McKelvin perhaps) or move McCoy.  It'll be an interesting day.

And to borrow from a John Hughes classic, here's how I feel about people who don't think the Browns are way better than they were on Thursday (PEEBO) - Warning - Foul Language

GO BROWNS

Knee Jerk - Day 1

I love what the Browns did last night.  It took me until the morning to really say that, but I do.

First of all, I love Trent Richardson and he's immediately the best player on our team.  I don't care about trading a 4th, 5th, and 7th rounder for him, they had extra picks anyway.  Moving up to secure the guy you think is the best player in the draft not named Luck or Griffin is something that good teams do, and it was the right move by Heckert.  He also said they knew another team was going to get Minnesota's pick, so they did what they had to do.  Brilliant.

I was far less happy about Brandon Weeden when the pick was announced.  I loved Kendall Wright and he was gone, but I've made my statements about why I wouldn't have taken a QB.  I also thought he'd be there at 37, but the more I read the more I don't think that is true.  San Fransisco was apparently targeting him (inside info from Walt's workout buddy Reggie Corner, friend of Donte Whitner).  The Browns should sign Reggie Corner by the way.  Solid CB. 

Anyways they took the guy they wanted after Wright was gone.  I have been complaining about Colt McCoy's noodle arm so I shouldn't complain that they took a strong armed passer who can throw the ball further than 5 yards downfield.  They took him to play, not sit.  So we'll roll the dice.  Don't care about his age in the sense that we haven't had a QB that's been here more than 5 years since Bernie anyways. 

With the next couple picks I think they'll target WR, RT, and possibly CB.  If they come out with Stephen Hill or Rueban Randle and Mitchell Schwartz or Cordy Glenn and Juron Criner or Jarius Wright we should all be very very happy.  Or they move around.  Fact is they're blowing up the offense which was obviously needed.  And I'm on board, because we should at least be entertaining this season.  Onward and upward, but more and more, In Heckert I Trust.

Mocking the Browns - All 13 picks

I really wanted to get through all the positions and look at some more Browns draft possibilities but I ran out of time.  Which also means that the draft, the greatest annual sports event in Cleveland, is nearly upon us.  That said, I'm going to put together what I would do with the 13 picks the Browns have.  This is by no means what I think they're going to do.  I'm not sure anyone is crazy enough to think they can predict what the Cleveland Browns are going to do in a draft.  These are the guys I would take if I were the Browns brain trust.



4 - Trent Richardson, RB - Alabama  I've been on this train for a little while and have really fallen in love with the idea that the Browns can get a player of this caliber.  I think he's a stud, he can do it all, and I think he's a player that can make the Browns immediately better than they are today.  He should help McCoy with his ability to catch passes and pass protect, not to mention he'll open up the play action passing attack.  I'd love to see this guy in brown and orange and think it will be a huge mistake to pass on him.




22 - Kendall Wright, WR - Baylor  I've been on this one as well for a while.  Wright is not without risk, he's not huge and didn't run a blazing 40.  He played in a spread attack with a great quarterback.  He's not that strong.  I get all that.  I know what he's not.  I also know what he is.  He's an electric playmaker who plays faster than he timed.  He's outstanding with the ball in his hands.  He has the ability to take a 4 yard pass to the house.  He's a tremendous complement to the bigger Greg Little, can play inside or outside the numbers, and would provide a threat to blow the top off a defense.  Adding T-Rich and Wright on Thursday night would be cause for celebration, for both fans and Colt McCoy.

37 - Janoris Jenkins, CB - North Alabama  From everything you hear, this guy has been dropping down draft boards.  He's another guy who comes with his share of risks.  However he has undeniable talent, could be the 2nd best corner in the draft, and would be a tremendous value at this point in the draft.  He would need to be brought in and surrounded by people who can offer him the proper support.  A positive for the Browns would be that he could learn from former Florida teammate Joe Haden, who has been a consummate professional and fixture in the community.  Boom or bust but at this pick I'd take my chances.  IF he's gone, my backup plan would be Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida.

67 - Mitchell Schwartz, OT - Cal  Could come in and start from day 1 at right tackle.  Started 51 games at Cal and showed well at the Senior Bowl.  Has prototypical size (6'5 318) and long arms.  Think a Ryan Tucker type.  He has a high floor and NFL bloodlines, his brother Geoff plays for the Panthers  The talent drops off considerably at OT after the 3rd round and this position will be addressed on the first two days of the draft in my opinion.  IF he's gone, I'd take Donald Stephenson, OT, Oklahoma.

100 - Nigel Bradham, OLB - Florida State  Another guy who should be able to play early in his career.  Dude is built like the proverbial brick shit house.  Can play either Will or Sam and offers good coverage skills.  Not a tremendous blitzer but a high character, hard working football player who will make it on special teams and should be able to grow into a starting role. 











118 - Trevor Guyton, DT - Cal  I've already gushed over this guy as well, love what he brings to the table in terms of tenacity and versatility.  Another player with a high floor, you know what you'll get out of this guy.  Would provide depth behind Rubin and Taylor and would be an outstanding rotational tackle.









139 - Jarius Wright, WR - Arkansas  I'm obsessed with the idea of adding speed and athleticism to our offense, and I also think that Jarius Wright is going to be a very good professional football player.  If he were bigger (5'9 182) or if this receiver group wasn't so deep, he'd be off the board by this point.  I understand that taking 2 sub six foot wrs is not conventional thinking, but I think the possibility of adding playmakers is of vital importance.  Probably only an inside receiver, he also offers the ability to take a short pass 60 yards and would diversify our offense even more.  Love this guy.

160 - BJ Coleman, QB - Tennessee Chattanooga  I think they'll take a developmental quarterback late and in the 5th they go with Coleman.  Very raw, will require some time but by all accounts is coachable and has some tools to work with.  Started his college career at Tennessee but transferred out.  Could also see them take a Russell Wilson or Darron Thomas, but I'll go with Coleman here.








204 - Lamar Holmes, OT - Southern Miss  Huge man who showed well at the Shrine Game.  The problem may be he's only a RT, but I'd bring him in and give him a shot.  He's got size that can't be taught (6'5 323).

205 - Neiko Thorpe, S - Auburn  Started at free safety and corner in his career, played in a big-time conference but wasn't invited to the combine despite having a fairly impressive college career.  Has good size and speed and could make the Browns with his versatility if he's willing to put in work on special teams.










211 - Tashuan Gipson, CB - Wyoming  Might was well throw darts at a list of names at this point.  Gipson has good size, was honorable mention All-MWC at safety.  He's the pick here because of his versatility.










245 - Scott Solomon, DE - Rice  Hustle, try hard defensive end who was productive at Rice and has the type of intangibles that will make it hard for a coach to cut him.










247 - Adonis Thomas, RB - Toledo  Good running back who doesn't stand out at any one thing but could battle for a roster spot.













That's my shot.  We'll have a good idea less than 24 hours from now on how the front office wants to build this team.  Like I said before, prepare for the worst and hope for the best Browns fans.

Safety - My Take

Safety is another position of relative strength for the Browns, although I think letting Mike Adams walk was a mistake.  Adams started all 16 games last year and was always where he was supposed to be.  A great guy off the field and a leader in the locker room, I was upset when the Browns let him go.  However there are some players here, and if the Browns draft a corner early there's a possibility that Sheldon Brown moves from corner to free safety, further solidifying the position.  Currently the Browns have:

FS - Usama Young - played in all 16 games last year, starting 8.  Was injured in training camp and that slowed him a little.  Showed the ability to be a starter but was not a playmaker.

SS - TJ Ward - Injuries limited Ward to 8 games last season.  He has been a solid player in his first 2 seasons and should continue to improve.  Wish he had better hands but looks like he could be the real deal if he can stay healthy.

Backups

Eric Hagg - 7th rounder last year, will always be the guy that Heckert took instead of Sanzenbacher to me.  Played in the second half of the season and looked serviceable, whether he can be more than that remains to be seen.

Ray Ventrone - Special teams ace, marginal safety.


So safety may not be a high priority for the Browns in the draft, but both Ward and Young battled injuries last season and depth can be improved.  I don't think they'll take one before the mid to late rounds so let's take a look at some options that may be available.  It's also not a great safety class this season.


Some guys who may fit what the Browns want to do:

FS:

Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State - 3rd round - good size and functional speed (6'1 207, 4.6), inconsistent tackler who never flashed when I watched Ok State.  May always leave you wanting more.














Phillip Thomas, Syracuse - 3rd-4th round - Looks the part but could get stronger, does have character concerns.  Needs to prove he can be trusted but was a very productive player in the Big East and could develop into a solid center fielder.










Trenton Robinson, Michigan State - 4th rounder - I like the guy, doesn't have great size (5'10 195), but is a bit like Mike Adams in that he can play safety or corner.  Productive, 9 ints in 32 career starts.  Good character guy.






Christian Thompson, South Carolina State - 4th-5th rounder - Transferred from Auburn, is big and fast (6'1 211, 4.49).  Didn't have great production at a small school.  May need time to develop at the NFL level but with the right coaching could be a steal in the 5th.


Janzen Jackson, McNeese State - 5th rounder - another SEC transfer, from Tennessee where he made some really stupid decisions.  He's a high cut guy and could possibly play corner as well.  Offers versatility and is a good athlete but again teams will need to be sure they can trust him.  I think he can play in the league though.


Kelcie McCray, Arkansas State - 6th rounder - he looks the part and flashed in their bowl game, but will need to get stronger.  May need to be a special teams beast to make an impact.  Can play either safety spot.

SS:

Charles Mitchell, Miss St - 4th-5th rounder - 3 year starter in the SEC, production is impossible to ignore.  Not a playmaker but does flash in games.  Should be a contributor early.  Solid player.








DeQuan Menzie, Alabama - 4th-5th rounder - Versatile defender who played corner but may project better to safety.  Produced and was a leader on a tremendously talented team.  Teams will be comfortable taking him because they know what they'll get.  Worked his way back from a torn achilles in 09.

Duke Ihenacho, San Jose St - 5th rounder - Big physical player who should be a special teams demon.  Needs to learn how to cover but could be a solid in the box defender.  A bit like TJ Ward, though much more limited in coverage.













Cyhl Quarles, Wake Forest - 5th-6th rounder - Not a tremendous playmaker but a solid safety who can play both free or in the box.  Good size (6'1 213)  Should make a team and contribute as a backup early and special teams player and could develop into more with proper coaching.








Depending on what becomes of Sheldon Brown, safety may or may not be an area of need for the Browns.  It will be hard to replace Mike Adams in the locker room but they may look to replace him on the field, and there are some versatile safeties that may be targeted late that fit the bill.

Defensive Tackle - My Take

After the big trade down last year, and subsequent trade back up, the Browns took big Phil Taylor, defensive tackle and awesome traveler. However even with he and big Ahtyba Rubin, the Browns run defense was horrible.  That should improve with the addition of Frostee Rucker and growth of Taylor and Jabaal Sheard, but it wouldn't surprise me if the Browns picked a defensive tackle in the mid-late rounds of the draft.  Let's look at what the Browns have now

Starters:

Ahtyba Rubin - should have received Pro-Bowl consideration last season but the Browns were so awful he didn't.  An absolute stud.

Phil Taylor - Struggled at times during his rookie season, but flashed enough potential to give fans hope for the future.  Should continue to develop and will hopefully team with Rubin as dominant inside forces for the foreseeable future.

Backups:

Brian Schaefering - serviceable backup and one of the nicest guys on the team.  My dude.
Scott Paxson - tried to be my hero and wreck Roethlisberger's leg but it just wasn't meant to be.
Brian Sanford - ??


I don't see the Browns taking a defensive tackle before the 4th round, but here are a few guys who may fit what they're looking for late.




Loni Fangupo, BYU - 4th rounder - USC transfer, big guy (6'1 320) who can play over the center in the 4-3.  He's an older prospect (27) who is basically a 2 down player as he doesn't offer much as a pass rusher.  May be overdrafted because he can play in a 3-4 or 4-3 and is the space eater many teams covet nowadays.







Mike Daniels, Iowa - 4th rounder - Not huge, (6'0 290) penetrating d-tackle who is better at getting after the passer than playing the run.  Not built to be a starter but could provide excellent value as a rotational guy.  No one will out work him and teams will know what they're going to get.

Trevor Guyton, Cal - 4th rounder - good sized (6'2 285) high motor guy who will give his all.  Like Daniels probably not meant to be a starter but can contribute in a rotation and teams will be comfortable that they're getting a lunch pail type guy, aggressive and competitive player.

Jaye Howard, Florida - 4th-5th rounder - big (6'3 300) and fast (4.78 forty at the combine) but doesn't always play to that ability.  Extremely inconsistent effort and can be invisible for stretches.  More of a boom or bust type but could provide great value if he slips into the 5th round.

Marcus Forston, Miami - 5th-6th rounder - once one of the top recruits in the country.  Strong upper body but seems like he'll always tease with his talent.  Suspended for beginning of his junior year, hurt his knee in practice and only played 3 games before declaring.  Should have gone back to school, but could make a team and contribute.

Christian Tupou, USC - 6th-7th rounder - played nose at USC.  High character guy who worked back from a torn ACL in 2010.  Not a great athlete and will always be limited in that regard.  Could make a roster and stick.













Tydreke Powell, North Carolina - 6th-7th rounder - another athletically limited big man who will likely only be a rotational guy, but has size (6'2 311) and gives effort, and that's what you want as a backup d-tackle.









Wild-Card:


Armond Armstead, USC - (6'4 295) - Experienced chest pains while at USC and spent 5 days in the hospital.  Was cleared medically but USC would not allow him to return to football, so he declared for the draft.  Has visited with the Browns and could be in their sights.  Has experience playing end and tackle.  Interesting prospect, was a big-time recruit out of high-school.





Depending on what the Browns do with their picks, we could see a defensive tackle in this draft class.  They have 2 surefire starters in Rubin and Taylor but could use depth.  It wouldn't surprise me to see one of the guys listed above in brown and orange as the brass tries to shore up the run defense.

Linebacker - My Take

It's 4 days away from the draft and I'm pumped.  I wanted to take a look at some positions the Browns will probably address, maybe not high but in the middle rounds of the draft.  We'll start with linebacker.

The Browns starters look like this:

WLB - Chris Gocong - serviceable player, signed a 3 year extension last year so he'll be here.  Had an awesome goal line stand against Pittsburgh.  Can play weak or strong side.

MLB - D'Qwell Jackson - very good season last year, needs to stay healthy or the Browns are in real trouble

SLB - Scott Fujita - he's 32 and has finished the season on the IR the past 2 seasons.  He also faces a possible suspension in the wake of the bounty scandal.  Position should be upgraded.

Reserves -

Kaluka Maiava, serviceable backup
Ben Jacobs - ??
Quinton Spears - ??
Brian Smith - ??
Craig Robertson - ??

May be time to improve the depth of the linebacking core.  It may be catastrophic if Jackson gets hurt again. 





So let's take a look at some possibilities in the draft.  I think there is a chance they take Lavonte David in the 2nd round.  They had him in for a visit and by all accounts a lot of teams like what he brings to the table.  He'd play the Will and move Gocong to the strong side, and should be able to come in and start.  He's not that big, 6' 233 lbs, but can tackle, blitz, and cover.  Just a solid football player.










Other Weakside backers they may look at:

Zach Brown, North Carolina - 2nd Rounder, not quite as good as David.  Will inject athleticism into whatever defense he goes to, I like the guy.











Travis Lewis, Oklahoma - 2-3 Rounder, four year starter at Oklahoma, looked like a first rounder after his sophomore season.  Should be able to come in and contribute immediately.

Terrell Manning, NC State - 3-4 Rounder, good football player, good sized (6'2 240).  Pure Will, should be a good special teams player.







Keenan Robinson, Texas - 3-4 Rounder, good size, high production at Texas.  More finesse than physical.

Sean Spence, Miami - 4-5 Rounder, small, run and chase guy, should be a special teams demon

Tahir Whitehead, Temple - 5-6 Rounder, backup and special teams guy

Danny Trevathan, Kentucky - 6-7 Rounder, undersized, should destroy people on special teams.


Strongside Backers:

Nigel Bradham, Florida State - 2-3 rounder, (6'2 240), rocked up, solid football player, should start somewhere early.





Kyle Wilber, Wake Forest - 2-3 rounder, played outside in a 3-4 at Wake and may project better there but should be able to play Sam in a 4-3, can blitz and drop, needs to get stronger









Josh Kaddu, Oregon - 3-4 rounder, athletic, solid football player, has gotten better every year.

Audie Cole, NC State - 4-5 Rounder, big guy, played Mike his senior year.  I'm a fan I think he can be a starter, started 38 games in college, 6'4 250.









Miles Burris, San Diego St - 5-6 Rounder, athletically limited but a tackling machine, will need to learn how to cover.


Jerrell Harris, Alabama - 6-7 Rounder, better suited for a 4-3 than the 3-4 he played in at 'Bama, has the tools to stick.  Could be a solid late-round find.




Middle backers: - not going to be a priority for the Browns IMO so I'm only going to mention one guy

Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State - 5-6 Rounder.  Once pegged as a sure-fire 1st rounder, has seen his stock plummet after terrible workouts and interviews.  He takes way to many personal fouls, lacks discipline, and doesn't have great instincts.  But he hits a ton and if the right coach can tap into his potential he could be a productive player.  I'd take him in the 5th and let him kill people on special teams as a rookie.  Very polarizing player though.




Obviously there are other guys but these are guys I see as good fits where the Browns will be drafting.

The Browns should look to add some depth and possibly look for a starter at LB in this draft.  They should be able to add some athleticism even in the middle rounds as they continue the transition to a 4-3.

The Case Against a QB

It would be pretty easy to make a case for the Browns to take a QB in the first 2 rounds of the draft.  Colt McCoy by all accounts did not look like a "franchise qb" last season.  The argument is that he didn't have anything (weapons) around him, which I don't buy.  Quarterbacks make other players better, not the other way around.  (That's not to say he was running with the '99 Rams, and the RB and WR spots should be upgraded)  His accuracy is over-rated, especially intermediate to deep, and he won't hang in the pocket and make the tough throws that NFL qb's have to make.  It appears that he's too quick to check down, unless Pat Shurmur's offense is predicated on 3-5 yard passes, which it may be (see 2010 Rams).

However he didn't go through a full off-season in the new offense, and should improve if the Browns draft some talent at running back and wide-receiver.  And as hard as this is for me to say, the Browns should give him another shot in 2012.

Let's be realistic, as the schedule was just released yesterday.  This team is not going to the playoffs.  There are gaping holes right now at RB, WR, RT, CB, S, and possibly LB.  To me the best strategy would be to draft a running back, (Richardson), a wideout with some speed and YAC ability, (Wright), and a right tackle, (Massie).  To add three starters with the first three picks is almost imperative for the Browns.  If you put those pieces around McCoy, and give him the chance to run through a full off-season in the west-coast offense, you'll know exactly what he is.  Plus if Mike Holmgren is this QB guru that people peg him to be, couldn't he work with McCoy and make him a better player?  You would think, but it's hard for him to get much done in between cashing huge checks for doing next to nothing and appearing on Seattle radio stations.

However many (most?) mock drafts have the Browns taking either Ryan Tannehill at 4, or Brandon Weeden at either 22 or 37.  I wouldn't touch Tannehill at 4, and I don't think the Browns would either.  I might give him consideration with the 22nd pick.  Weeden is intriguing, but his age has to be of some concern.  To me it's not that you'll get only 6-8 years out of him, but more was he a great QB because he's a man playing against college kids?  A 28 year old quarterback should be dominant against 18-22 year olds.  I like that he shows a strong arm, but he's coming from a spread offense and was throwing to receivers that were pretty much running open, and he'll have much tighter windows in the pros.  Is he ready to step right in and play?  He'd better be, because the first interception McCoy throws Browns fans will be calling for him.  And the most important question to me, is he good enough that if the Browns go 3-13 or 4-12, that they'll pass on a Matt Barkley or Tyler Wilson (or Logan Thomas or Tyler Bray if they come out) because they have Brandon Weeden?

If the answer to that question is no, then there's no need to take Weeden in the first 2 rounds.  For a team with as many holes as the Browns, filling them with top shelf talent should be the primary objective of this draft.  It's sad to think that we have to look ahead to the 2013 draft already, but it should be in the back of Heckerts mind.  They whiffed big time on RG3, are they going to do it again by taking a second tier QB this year and then pass on an elite one next year?

If Weeden drops to the late 2nd (trade up) or 3rd, maybe he's worth a look, because at that point you're only investing a 3rd (and possibly an additional 4th) to get him.  Who else is going to take the guy?  There aren't a lot of QB needy teams in this draft and one of them is going to take Tannehill.  Then the question becomes, do they take a Kirk Cousins in the third and hope to develop him?  I like Cousins but I don't think I'd take him until the 4th at the earliest.  If it were me I'd take a guy like BJ Coleman or Darron Thomas in the 5th or 6th and try and develop him.  I like Russell Wilson but damn he's short.  But he may be worth a look late.

This draft should be about building the team for the future.  The general consensus is that you build around a quarterback, but there are many ways to skin a cat.  The Browns missed on the chance to get RG3, and now they need to roll with McCoy.  If he fails and stinks again next year (with an upgraded cast), then you go get your guy.  Because if they fill out their team the right way, there's a chance that the Browns could only be a Barkley away from respectability.