4 things about draft Grossi and Cabot - 04/22/10 01:08 PM
Kind of interesting how differently the 2 top PD Browns Beat writers see this draft ....
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2010/04/four_things_i_think_about_the.html
Four things I think about the Cleveland Browns' 2010 NFL Draft: Tony Grossi
By Tony Grossi, The Plain Dealer
April 22, 2010, 4:40AM
1. Sack the quarterback talk: Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace haven't even thrown a pass (or interception) yet and people want to replace them with the next Browns quarterback developmental project. Mike Holmgren knows that neither Delhomme nor Wallace will be the QB to take the Browns to the Super Bowl. But he should also know that the team doesn't have the offensive cast to support a rookie quarterback yet. I understand it's important to identify the next great hope. But choosing one with the first pick in this draft will only add to the quarterback drama.
2. Patience is a draft virtue: It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if the Browns made no moves and exercised all five of their picks in the first three rounds. If GM Tom Heckert hits bulls-eyes with four of those five picks, it should be a significant upgrade to the roster at several positions of need.
3. You can dream: If the Browns could write the script of the next two days, I guess that would go something like this: Some team in the teens (San Francisco at No. 13?) agrees to move up to No. 7 in exchange for a third-round pick, giving the Browns four in that round. They use the first pick to fill an obvious need with the top-rated player left on their board. Then they use one of the threes to move from No. 38 in the second round to the bottom third of the first round and fill another need. Then they use another three to move from No. 71 in the third round into the second round to fill another need. That would be ideal, coming away with two lower first-round talents and one in the second round. Probably unrealistic, though.
4. The offensive line dilemma: Choosing offensive linemen in the first round is the new fad in Cleveland. The pick of Joe Thomas at No. 3 overall in 2007 still is being applauded. The pick of Alex Mack last year -- after three trade-downs -- has been received more favorably over time than when it happened. Now I get the overwhelming reaction from fans that settling on a right tackle at No. 7 is the best thing the Browns can do. I'm not so sure. I agree a young tackle and a young guard are needed, but not with the first pick.
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2010/04/four_things_i_think_about_the_1.html
Four things I think about the Cleveland Browns' 2010 NFL Draft: Mary Kay Cabot
By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer
April 22, 2010, 4:35AM
1. Aim high: The Browns should put together an attractive package to trade up to No. 1 with the Rams and take Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford. Even if it means next year's No. 1 too. Why? Because the Browns are in dire need of their quarterback of the future and might not be picking as high as No. 7 in the future (some year that will be true!). They probably also won't have many drafts with this much ammo -- five picks in the first three rounds. I doubt they traded away one of their best defensive players in Kamerion Wimbley just to take some iffy third-round pick. They have the picks and shouldn't be afraid to use them. It's a chance worth taking.
2. Look away if you're squeamish: If the Browns don't pull off a trade for Bradford, they should take Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen with the No. 7 pick. Don't have the stomach for another first-round Notre Dame quarterback? Most experts agree that Clausen is a much better thrower than Brady Quinn. Again, the Browns need a franchise quarterback and Clausen is widely regarded as one of two in this draft, along with Bradford. How often is a team on the clock with a potential franchise quarterback staring at them? The Browns passed on Mark Sanchez last year and might have to live that one down. Browns President Mike Holmgren is all about the quarterback -- and I believe he'll make every effort to land one of the big-namers in this draft. If not Bradford or Clausen, then Colt McCoy or Tim Tebow.
3. Just say no: Some experts, such as ESPN's Mel Kiper and NFL Network's Mike Mayock, think top-rated receiver Dez Bryant of Oklahoma would be a great pick for the Browns at No. 7. But I disagree. Yes, I do believe teams should take chances on players with issues and help them. I applaud Cincinnati's Mike Brown for consistently doing so. But the Browns are just getting over Braylon Edwards and the distractions he presented. Bryant was reportedly late for team meetings and games, and was suspended most of last season for lying to the NCAA about his involvement with Deion Sanders. Holmgren has said he won't give Eric Mangini a player he doesn't want, and Bryant doesn't fit the profile. Maybe the Browns can try this someday, but not yet.
4. The Texas two-step: I can see the Browns trading down in the first round if Berry's gone and landing Texas safety Earl Thomas -- considered the top safety in the draft by Mayock. In this scenario, they could come back at No. 38 overall and grab his teammate, Colt McCoy, whose first choice is the Browns. They might even need to jump back up into the late first round to get McCoy. McCoy is said to be a great fit for the West Coast offense, which the Browns will employ more this season. McCoy told The Plain Dealer he's the best player in this draft, and he might get a chance to prove it for the Browns.
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2010/04/four_things_i_think_about_the.html
Four things I think about the Cleveland Browns' 2010 NFL Draft: Tony Grossi
By Tony Grossi, The Plain Dealer
April 22, 2010, 4:40AM
1. Sack the quarterback talk: Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace haven't even thrown a pass (or interception) yet and people want to replace them with the next Browns quarterback developmental project. Mike Holmgren knows that neither Delhomme nor Wallace will be the QB to take the Browns to the Super Bowl. But he should also know that the team doesn't have the offensive cast to support a rookie quarterback yet. I understand it's important to identify the next great hope. But choosing one with the first pick in this draft will only add to the quarterback drama.
2. Patience is a draft virtue: It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if the Browns made no moves and exercised all five of their picks in the first three rounds. If GM Tom Heckert hits bulls-eyes with four of those five picks, it should be a significant upgrade to the roster at several positions of need.
3. You can dream: If the Browns could write the script of the next two days, I guess that would go something like this: Some team in the teens (San Francisco at No. 13?) agrees to move up to No. 7 in exchange for a third-round pick, giving the Browns four in that round. They use the first pick to fill an obvious need with the top-rated player left on their board. Then they use one of the threes to move from No. 38 in the second round to the bottom third of the first round and fill another need. Then they use another three to move from No. 71 in the third round into the second round to fill another need. That would be ideal, coming away with two lower first-round talents and one in the second round. Probably unrealistic, though.
4. The offensive line dilemma: Choosing offensive linemen in the first round is the new fad in Cleveland. The pick of Joe Thomas at No. 3 overall in 2007 still is being applauded. The pick of Alex Mack last year -- after three trade-downs -- has been received more favorably over time than when it happened. Now I get the overwhelming reaction from fans that settling on a right tackle at No. 7 is the best thing the Browns can do. I'm not so sure. I agree a young tackle and a young guard are needed, but not with the first pick.
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2010/04/four_things_i_think_about_the_1.html
Four things I think about the Cleveland Browns' 2010 NFL Draft: Mary Kay Cabot
By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer
April 22, 2010, 4:35AM
1. Aim high: The Browns should put together an attractive package to trade up to No. 1 with the Rams and take Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford. Even if it means next year's No. 1 too. Why? Because the Browns are in dire need of their quarterback of the future and might not be picking as high as No. 7 in the future (some year that will be true!). They probably also won't have many drafts with this much ammo -- five picks in the first three rounds. I doubt they traded away one of their best defensive players in Kamerion Wimbley just to take some iffy third-round pick. They have the picks and shouldn't be afraid to use them. It's a chance worth taking.
2. Look away if you're squeamish: If the Browns don't pull off a trade for Bradford, they should take Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen with the No. 7 pick. Don't have the stomach for another first-round Notre Dame quarterback? Most experts agree that Clausen is a much better thrower than Brady Quinn. Again, the Browns need a franchise quarterback and Clausen is widely regarded as one of two in this draft, along with Bradford. How often is a team on the clock with a potential franchise quarterback staring at them? The Browns passed on Mark Sanchez last year and might have to live that one down. Browns President Mike Holmgren is all about the quarterback -- and I believe he'll make every effort to land one of the big-namers in this draft. If not Bradford or Clausen, then Colt McCoy or Tim Tebow.
3. Just say no: Some experts, such as ESPN's Mel Kiper and NFL Network's Mike Mayock, think top-rated receiver Dez Bryant of Oklahoma would be a great pick for the Browns at No. 7. But I disagree. Yes, I do believe teams should take chances on players with issues and help them. I applaud Cincinnati's Mike Brown for consistently doing so. But the Browns are just getting over Braylon Edwards and the distractions he presented. Bryant was reportedly late for team meetings and games, and was suspended most of last season for lying to the NCAA about his involvement with Deion Sanders. Holmgren has said he won't give Eric Mangini a player he doesn't want, and Bryant doesn't fit the profile. Maybe the Browns can try this someday, but not yet.
4. The Texas two-step: I can see the Browns trading down in the first round if Berry's gone and landing Texas safety Earl Thomas -- considered the top safety in the draft by Mayock. In this scenario, they could come back at No. 38 overall and grab his teammate, Colt McCoy, whose first choice is the Browns. They might even need to jump back up into the late first round to get McCoy. McCoy is said to be a great fit for the West Coast offense, which the Browns will employ more this season. McCoy told The Plain Dealer he's the best player in this draft, and he might get a chance to prove it for the Browns.