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2009
NFL Draft Needs - Cleveland Browns
by Gregory Cox
Senior Writer
4/22/09
Picks (5): 5, 36, 50, 104, 177
Linebacker – Willie McGinest is a pen stroke away from
retirement. Andra Davis has left for Denver. Others have also departed
including Antwan Peek (released) and the “big” addition is Eric Barton.
He is a solid veteran, but turns 32 early this season and is more of a
supporting character in this movie. Kamerion Wimbley was supposed to be
a star when they drafted him #13 overall in 2006. He responded with 11
sacks as a rookie, but that production has dropped to 9 in two seasons
since. The other linebacker taken in that draft, D’Qwell Jackson, is
coming off a rather tiring 154 tackle performance so at least the team
can count on him. Beau Bell and Titus Brown have spots on the depth
chart after their rookie seasons, while new coach Eric Mangini has
spoken well of another rookie Alex Hall . Summing this up, the pass
rush is just a shade up from calling out “one alligator, two alligator”
in a game of street ball. Someone to really get after the passer on the
outside is going to be sought early in the draft. Inside they can
probably get by hoping Barton still has some tackles left and Bell can
get healthy. There is definitely youth, but while fans tend to talk
about “potential” when clamoring for another position to be addressed
the teams must improve the roster constantly.
Running Back – Scout’s honor this is a true story. Early in
last year’s mock draft season I had projected Steve Slaton to the
Browns in the third round prior to the team trading away the pick. I
received an angry email from a fan clamoring about Jamal Lewis coming
off a big season and already having a Slaton type in the form of Jerome
Harrison. Sometimes it takes a year of reflection for people to realize
I am right. Think ahead people. Lewis has returned to his dismal 3.6
yards and a cloud of his breath panting for a break. He will turn 30
just prior to the opener, which is historically the beginning of the
end. Harrison managed two big runs last year (72, 33) and on his other
32 carries totaled 141 yards. You can do the math on that average. This
is another great draft at the running back position and because so many
teams landed a quality player last year (like, uh, Slaton) there should
be an opportunity for the Browns to be a bit patient while filling
their need.
Cornerback/Safety – The team parted ways with aging Terry
Cousin and ineffective Travis Daniels. In free agency Corey Ivy
(Ravens) and Hank Poteat (Jets) were signed to one year deals. Both
will be 32 when the season kicks off and obviously do not represent
long term options on the depth chart. Teams more or less ran over this
defense in 2008 which masked their lack of talent in the secondary.
There are also problems at free safety where Mike Adams starting is not
the most appealing option. At strong safety Sean Jones (Eagles) exited
after starting in 2008. One strategy could be drafting an impact
cornerback and sliding Brandon McDonald over to safety. Then there is
the issue of talent at strong safety. This team mortgaged too much of
their future by trading away 2008 draft picks and now needs to
stockpile more selections. If they do, some of these issues can be
addressed. If not, they will be going bargain hunting after the draft
(priority free agents) and when the June cuts are
made.
Wide Receiver – It is worth noting that I have not forgotten
the team traded away receiving tight end Kellen Winslow. Adding Robert
Royal (Bills) and counting on last year’s second round pick Martin
Rucker seems to be the game plan there. The bigger issue is outside at
wide receiver. Braylon Edwards is the subject of trade rumors and at
odds with the team and fans. It appears he is going to be dealt to the
Giants on draft day for a couple of picks and a player to fill up the
depth chart. Disappointing free agent Donte’ Stallworth caught only 10
passes in 2008 and now has a legal matter hanging over his head. Adding
David Patten screams desperation considering he turns 35 in August.
Paul Hubbard at least has potential if healthy. It might be time to get
return specialist Joshua Cribbs more into the mix although he has
caught just 16 passes in four seasons. Currently he is utilized mostly
as a rusher for the quarterback spot in the “Wildcat” formation. There
is also buzz about him moving to defense (safety) which shows how
starved this team is for talent. Back to our story, the situation at
wide receiver is pretty dire at the moment, especially considering the
team is unsettled at quarterback.
Quarterback – By the time this is read it is possible the depth
chart for the Browns will be changed at the quarterback position
because the new regime is allegedly not sold on the current duo. In
2007 Derek Anderson exploded onto the scene in week 2 with five
touchdown passes during a memorable 51-45 win over rival Cincinnati. He
kept it up all season with 3,787 passing yards and 29 scoring strikes.
His success kept then rookie Brady Quinn, a first round pick, on the
sidelines. As 2008 began with high expectations Anderson had nine
starts throwing 24+ pass attempts and just six of those produced more
than 166 yards passing. An injury mercifully ended his season. Quinn
had a short stint spanning 2 ½ games before also landing on
injured reserve. Rumors swirled about him before Jay Cutler was traded
from Denver to Chicago. In fact, some believe Quinn (or Anderson) might
still be shipped. The fact is their passing game was #31 out of 32
teams and when a new coach comes in a new quarterback typically
follows.
Offensive Line – Even while the passing offense crashed and
burned this line gave up just 24 sacks. John St. Clair (Bears) being
signed to play right tackle addresses the main weakness. Other than the
left side, anchored by Joe Thomas, age is a concern. Young, Shaffer and
McKinney all exited and their other addition was another veteran Floyd
Womack. It is always wise to add youth for an aging offensive line.
Best case scenario the team finds a future starting right tackle. At
the very least a versatile type capable of backing up at guard and
tackle would be good.
Defensive Line – I know this appears like lazy analysis citing
both lines late, but stay with me. The centerpiece to their 3-4, nose
tackle Shaun Rogers, is complaining about wanting out. At this time
last year Ahytba Rubin (Iowa State) was considered a good fit for the
spot while and the Browns grabbed him in the sixth round. Obviously he
is not going to step into the shoes of Rogers if he is traded, but a
player to compete with him in that role surely will be sought in the
event a trade materializes. At end pick either Smith, Robaire or Shaun,
could be dumped off the depth chart. A 3-4 can be tough to find talent
for in the draft, but the Browns might be looking for three additions
(including rush linebacker) when all is said and done.
Michael
Abromowitz's 2009 NFL Mock
Draft - 7 rounds
Gregory Cox's 2009 NFL Mock
Draft - 6 rounds
Jared Donnelly's 2009 NFL Mock Draft
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