BROWNS INSIDER
Few bright spots left in Browns' draft class
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Tony Grossi
Plain Dealer Reporter
Expectations for the Browns' 2008 draft class were lowered when trades cost them their top three picks. Now their next-highest selections - linebacker Beau Bell and tight end Martin Rucker, both from the fourth round - have been lost for up to six weeks with knee surgeries.
Here's a look at what's left:
Nose tackle Ahtyba Rubin, sixth round.
The 6-2, 330-pounder from Iowa State is competing with Louis Leonard, Chase Pittman and Melila Purcell for perhaps two backup spots on the defensive line.
The others are second-year players who each can play two positions. Rubin is locked in as a pure nose tackle who didn't sparkle early, but coach Romeo Crennel endorsed him Wednesday.
"He flashes for you," Crennel said. "A big, strong physical guy on the inside, excellent strength. He has been surprising.
"He's a little bit better than some people thought he'd be. He looks like he's picking up the system pretty good. It looks like he'll be able to hold his own in there and might be good enough to be a consideration as we go down the line."
Receiver Paul Hubbard, sixth round.
Yes, he made a nice, acrobatic catch in the Jets preseason game. Yes, he has desirable size (6-2 and 225 pounds). But other young players appear ahead of him, such as Travis Wilson, Syndric Steptoe and Steve Sanders. And how many NFL rookie receivers are productive in their first year?
If you include Josh Cribbs into the mix at receiver, there probably would be two more spots to fill.
Linebacker Alex Hall, seventh round.
He might have the best chance of making the most impact of all the rookies. Coaches are intrigued by his raw physical skills and envision a situational pass rush role for him.
This week, Hall was moved from the right side to the left, where there is a vacancy created by Antwan Peek's rehab from knee surgery until the opener.
The scouts love Hall and will push for him to make the final roster, no matter the pace of his initial development.
Braylon update:
Crennel said Braylon Edwards had the dressing on his cut heel changed Tuesday and was sent home to stay off his feet. Crennel offered no timetable on Edwards' return. A source said the injury would keep Edwards out for two weeks.
Musical linemen:
A new twist on the defensive line had Shaun Smith moving to right end, comprising a three-man front of Corey Williams, Shaun Rogers and Smith. Previously, Smith lined up at nose and Rogers at right end.
"Position versatility," Crennel said. "There are only three [starting] spots, and they can count, so they're trying to find ways to get on the field. The more you can do, that's a way of getting on the field."
So far, Williams has lined up predominantly at left end and Robaire Smith at right end. The only versatility has been Shaun Smith and Rogers trading spots.
Cornerback chatter:
Of the three undrafted cornerbacks on hand, it appears that one has separated from the others. It's Gerard Lawson.
"Surprise, surprise," said safety Mike Adams.
Lawson, a special-teams enthusiast at Oregon State, had kickoff returns of 40 and 32 yards in the preseason opener against the Jets.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
tgrossi@plaind.com, 216-999-4670
