Ok Pop,
Everyone has been really keen on mocking the first round of the upcoming NFL draft. This will always be the cream in the coffee when it comes to break room discussions. There has been a bevy of top 1st rounders in recent years making immediate impacts, and I don’t think any Browns fan would argue against CB Joe Haden as a consideration for Defensive AFC Rookie of the Year. Yet, one should not overlook the valued production acquired in free agency and middle round draft selections. Afterall, that 1st rounder is only one player, and the Browns know they have to consider the overall needs of the team considering they are still plugging multiple holes on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Since we’re not looking at free agency at this time, let’s consider the Browns’ draft options to fill what I believe are needs on both sides of the ball.
Fortunately for the Browns, arguably their greatest need this upcoming season is on the defensive front, particularly the ends, and that fruit is very plentiful in this year’s draft. I don’t think Cleveland would go wrong with drafting a DE/DT or WR in the first round. But with the number of excellent veteran WRs heading to free agency this offseason and the current state of the Browns defensive seven, picking a DL has to be priority. Unless there is some medical reason not to take any one of the top defensive linemen remaining when pick #6 comes up, I honestly believe we’ll see Quinn (UNC), Bowers (Clemson), or Dareus (Alabama) coming to Cleveland. Even if their top choice is gone by the 6th pick, Cleveland could realistically trade down to pick up a solid DE in Wisconsin’s J.J. Watt, Iowa’s Adrian Claybourne, or Ohio State’s Cameron Heyward. A DE with great upside historically has less “bust” potential than a high profile receiver in the first round. Plus, DE Robaire Smith is 32 years old, coming off an injury plagued season, and is a free agent. I don’t see him coming back, but if so it will be for one season with an incentives based contract that offers little upfront. Still, the defense did hang with most opposing offenses for a good portion of their games last season. Only because of the offensive woes did the defense play more minutes and ultimately wore down in the second half of their contests. So there is compelling reason to draft a WR in the 1st as well. But Cleveland has already set in motion their transition to a 4-3 defense by releasing numerous front seven types and that must be addressed first and foremost. The extra salary cap space opened up in releasing these players also helps in landing an excellent veteran free agent receiver. Of course, getting a veteran FA receiver to come to Cleveland is another bag of tricks, but that’s for a later discussion.
So what does that do for the remaining draft picks that so few are talking about? Let’s scour the numerous report cards and take a look at who I’d like… not necessarily who will be picked, but who I like.
2nd Round, #37 – LB, Martez Wilson (Illinois), 6’4” 250lbs 4.4-4.5 40yd
Releasing the aging Bowens and Barton was overdue. Their skill sets had already begun deteriorating when Cleveland picked them up. They should have been a stop gap, but the LBs drafted in the past couple years have not been exceptional on the field. Cleveland needs to address holes at LB (both MLB and OLB). Personally, I would love to see Cleveland select Wilson with the 37th pick (and I’m crossing fingers he’s still there, but I’m not certain that will be the case). He’s an early second round prospect, but has size and qualities similar to Ray Lewis. At Illinois he was an ILB, but also had the speed to mirror receivers deep down field. He could transition to OLB in a 4-3 defense while also backing up the MLB position. With 12 LBs currently on the roster, this may seem like overkill, but I fully expect to see four more LBs released during camps or preseason (if there is a preseason).
Alternate: CB, Davon House (New Mexico St.), 6’0” 200lbs 4.35-4.0 40yd
In the first round I understand the philosophy, pick best available. In the 2nd round, that’s not the case. I’m not high on other 2nd round position players when looking at Cleveland’s overall needs. House is fast with excellent coverage skills and can jump right in and push starters for playing time. Certainly a 3rd CB in nickel coverages. Call me crazy, but Cleveland could use another good CB to pair with Haden. Haden finally broke into the starting line-up, but the DBs on the opposite side were still easy pickin’s for opposing quarterbacks. Not a priority need per say for Cleveland, but definitely something to consider. Some project House as high as 2nd and as low as 4th round.
People talk, but not likely to happen:
* WR, Torrey Smith (Maryland), 6’1” 205lbs 4.41 40yd. Smith is reportedly high on a lot of teams radars. Figures to be a late 1st or early 2nd round selection. His combine effort was above average but has “game speed”. I wouldn’t boo this selection, but Cleveland already has young receivers on staff who stalled or regressed in 2010. Unlike many who are following the draft, I think there’s a significant drop-off between Green/Jones and the remaining WRs. Calling all free agents, where are you?
* OLB, Brooks Reed (Arizona), 6’3” 260lbs 4.65 40yd. Reed is a worker with an engine that doesn’t know how to quit. Would need time to hone his LB skills or put on weight for a 4-3 DE, which this offseason likely won’t provide much of if an agreement isn’t reached soon. A project in the Brown’s organization, and #37 is too high to select a project.
3rd Round, #70 – OG, Clint Boling (Georgia), 6-5 310lbs 5.25 40yd
Boling, a 4-yr starter against top-flight opponents in the SEC, is an impressive drive blocker with great technique and incredibly light feet for his size. More of a bruiser than tactician, he pulls exceptionally well and delivers crushing blocks at the second level. I’m sorry, but I just don’t see what others see in Floyd Womack (OG). He’s not underrated even though that seems to be the popular opinion of him. Thomas (OT) and Mack (C) are firmly entrenched for the future, and I like Steinbach (OG) and Pashos (OT), but both are 8 year veterans and Pashos is coming off a season ending injury. Cleveland needs to address the future offensive line, and they should start at OG with Boling.
Alternate: OG, Will Rackley (Lehigh), 6’3” 310lbs 5.4 40yd
Played tackle at Lehigh but capable at all positions on the line. Incredibly strong and does well in both pass and run block. Lack of experience in pulling from the tackle position at Lehigh may make him a little slow to effectively beat defenders to the hole, so it would be best to work on his quickness.
People talk, but not likely to happen:
* OT, Will Franklin (Miami, Fla.), 6’6” 315lbs 5.15 40yd
Is there anything worse than listening to a fellow Ohioan tell you that the Miami Hurricanes are the best college football program ever, and that every former ‘Cane is the best draft selection? Well, I’m sick of hearing it from my neighbor. A promising career at Miami, but offseason knee surgery makes him a risk.
4th #102 – WR, Terrence Tolliver (LSU), 6’4” 215lbs 4.52 40yd
Tolliver had a great combine in the skill areas, but pulled a hamstring during the run. Much faster than advertised, and showed great leaping ability to go with his tall frame. A lot of interest in him with great upside even though he didn’t have a prolific career in the stats department, and his stock may increase before the draft. If available in the 4th, he’s a steal. I don’t see Cleveland taking a WR in the 1st, which means if they do get a #1 WR in free agency, as I would look to do as GM, then they still need a #1 for the future. Tolliver has the skills to fill that hole, he just needs to develop a better head for the game. The Browns should purge three more WRs on roster in the offseason or camps, either through an outright release or assignment to the practice squad.
Alternate: TE, D.J. Williams, 6’2” 245lbs 4.5-4.6 40yd
Perhaps a surprise alternate considering Cleveland’s switch to a west coast offense, but Williams is a fighter who will fit in on medium distance third down plays. Has the speed to create distance between himself and LBs, is a great route runner, possesses exceptional hands, and reportedly is a real nuisance when blocking defenders trying to get the ball carrier. Lacks size and strength at the moment to be an every-down TE, but he will create a mismatch on pass plays or force defenders to truly beat him on running plays, especially if he lines up a couple steps off tackle or goes in motion to crack the hole. Has all the intangibles Vickers doesn’t as a HB and is a more refined receiver than TEs on roster, but he will need to improve his strength to get off the line of scrimmage.
People talk, but not likely to happen:
* DT, Lawrence Guy (ASU), 6’4” 305lbs 4.95-5.0 40yd
Has that combo looked for in NFL DTs… big, quick, and strong. Reportedly he has excellent feet to slip into gaps and push the line back. Unfortunately, he also has poor upper body technique and can be manipulated by weaker offensive lineman. But he can be coached. More importantly, he has a serious learning disorder (dyslexia) that may affect how quickly he picks up the playbook and NFL coaching. Many teams may pass on him even though he could/should be a Top 100 pick. His physical abilities make the extra attention worth it.
5th #137 – DT Jarvis Jenkins (Clemson), 6’4” 310lbs 5.0-5.1 40yd
Jenkins is projected to go in 3rd or 4th round, but due to the number of DTs available this year I think (think) he will be available at #137. Unless more teams switch to a 4-3 defense, the DT position is saturated in the NFL right now and his stock will drop. Though not as highly touted as other defenders coming out this year, Jenkins was a durable three year starter who anchored the Tygers defense even with Bowers on his outside. He pushed the interior lineman into the backfield and forced quarterbacks to bounce outside and into the hands of the DEs. Pressured the QB 16 times in 2010, but more importantly had 10 tackles for loss, which means he not only has the skill to fight off the block but the vision to get to the ball carrier. A good compliment to Rubin.
Alternate: OLB, Ross Homan (Ohio State), 6’1” 240lbs 4.65-4.7 40yd
Homan, despite missing some games due to an injury, was still an All Big Ten selection. Lacks size and straighline speed, but has good mobility and can snuff out the run. His strength, drive and focus reminds me of Chris Speilman in his early days. May be a fit for Cleveland’s 4-3, and his strength should counter his diminutive size. I don’t get this fascination with putting Buckeyes into Browns uniforms. Ok, I do get it.
People talk, but not likely to happen:
* OG, Benjamin Ijalana (Villanova), 6’4” 317lbs 5.34lbs
Ijalana has a strong upper body and can manipulate defenders at the point of contact, but needs to improve his mobility and awareness/knowledge of defensive stunts. He’s listed as a second round prospect, but I think 3rd-4th round is right for him. May be a good future project.
6th #168 – SS, Da’Norris Searcy (UNC), 5’11” 223lbs 4.5 40yd
Despite missing several games due to the NCAA investigation of Chapel Hill football team, he led their defense this past season in interceptions (4) and passes broken up (9), which means he knows how to get to the ball. Cleveland’s pass defense was again atrocious in 2010, and getting a SS who knows where the ball is in relation to the receiver will go a long way. T.J. Ward and Haden were excellent 2010 draft picks. Time to fill out the defensive backfield.
Alternate: CB, Ryan Jones (NW Missouri State), 5’11” 195lbs 4.4-4.5 40yd
Call me the lover of small school workhorses. There’s just something about small school players that make them hungrier than BCS athletes (maybe it’s a chip on the shoulder). But Jones is more than just a worker. He had 6 INTs (2 for TDs) and 13 passes broken up this past season. He has decent size and speed to hold his own on the sidelines, but will need to refine his technique. Excellent choice to cover the 3rd receiver as a rookie, and provides ideal run support.
People talk, but not likely to happen:
* CB, Chris Rucker, (Michigan State), 6’1” 195lbs 4.5-4.6 40yd
Excellent run support but gets lost at times in the passing game, which he can’t afford given his slow 40yd times. How do you boo a 6th round pick, but Cleveland had a DB roster full of Ruckers in 2010.
6th #170 – RB, Da’Rel Scott (Maryland), 5’11” 210lbs 4.40yd
The Browns need a back with vision and speed to counter Hillis’ style of smash mouth football. Call me stupid (it wouldn’t be the worst I’ve been called), but since Cleveland foolishly traded Jerome Harrison to Philadelphia, Hillis didn’t have a “counter back” (different style/skill) and defenses were able to ping on his straight-line, steamroller style and stuff the line with run blitz packages. RBs Hardesty offers promise and Bell experience, but they also have a long, long, LONG history of injuries. During his senior season, Scott was a platoon back, which means a healthy body and eagerness to prove himself. Lean frame prevents him from ever being a feature back, but he does have size/strength to break arm tackles. Besides, every good running team has two good backs to share the load and beatings (unless it’s Pittsburgh, who always finds a decent feature back and then rides him into premature, injury-riddled obscurity). More importantly, Scott has good vision to hit holes quickly, and the speed and ability to cut outside and escape the containment. Check out his performance in the Military Bowl. Probably not a 6th round prospect for many teams, but this is essentially their 7th round pick and it is a need that should be addressed.
Alternate: OT, Jah Reid (UCF), 6’7” 327lbs 5.3 40yd
Reid is a large, strong, very athletic and quick tackle who started three years with no injuries and the willingness to play through aches and pains. One of the hardest workers in the draft. Has all the personal and physical qualities desired in the NFL. Only downside… he lacks a mean-streak and toughness, but due only to his poor technique and lack of awareness. But his positives makes him a prospect worth coaching. I can see him invited to a camp as an undrafted free agent and signed to a practice squad, but I would take him simply based on his physical acumen and desire to succeed and please coaches. Most linemen who fail in the NFL do so due to a lack in physical capabilities. His issue is technique only. Draft him, sign him, and coach him. Put him on the practice squad for a year if necessary. UCF should be ashamed of letting this physical specimen linger for 4 years without molding him. A project worthy of 6th/7th round consideration.
People talk, but not likely to happen:
* ILB, Casey Matthews (Oregon), 6’1” 235lbs 4.7 40yd
There’s a lot of talk among Browns Backers to get another Matthew’s in a Browns uniform, and Casey is a fair ILB for a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. He’s not exceptional at any one skill, and his size makes it hard for him to shed blockers. Was the recipient of excellent defensive stunts to get him an open lane to the QB. Stats were reportedly “bloated” as he blitzed more often than not, so his coverage skills and a lingering injury will make him too much of a risk for Cleveland. But still, he’s NFL royalty… you gotta root for him.
Comp #247 – DE, Brandon Bair (Oregon), 6’6” 270lbs 4.9 40yd
Cleveland’s DEs were horrible last year. Bair is a good athlete, just not a great one. Still, having played mainly DT in college he has the strength and toughness desired in NFL linemen. I think he can transition to DE in a 3-4, but will need to improve his quickness and lateral agility for the 4-3. He may be the sacrificial goat in the draft. If picked, it will be to announce to those linemen already on staff that their jobs are in question, if not jeopardy. Most veterans won’t fear a compensatory draft selection, but it should make them think twice about overall job security.
Alternate: QB, Tyrod Taylor (VT), 6’1” 220lbs 4.4-4.5 40yd
One of the knocks on this prospect is an awkward throwing motion. Conversely, the same critics say he’s an extremely accurate passer when he uses proper footwork, regardless of the hitch in his throw. Leaves VT as the best passer in school history. Cleveland already has a Cribbs-type player in… well, Cribbs. But Taylor is a younger multi-threat version with better accuracy, quicker cuts, and a bigger frame. Would be an excellent project WR or RB with additional strength training, and deepens the QB pool at the same time.
People talk, but not likely to happen:
* RB, Mario Fannin (Auburn), 5’10” 230lbs 4.37 40yd
Some much potential, but so little production. Extremely disappointing senior season (career, actually) during Auburn’s National Championship run. Has good size and speed, but lingering injuries and poor ball security will likely have Fannin being invited as an undrafted free agent to someone’s camp, and ultimately released and later joins the CFL or UFL.
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