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Home > Blogs > Dawging the Browns > Archives > 2010 > January > 27 > Entry
A quarterback in the first round?
ESPN’s original draft guru Mel Kiper has come out with his analysis of Browns’ draft needs. He ranks them this way: quarterback, big running back, cornerback, safety, outside linebacker, wide receiver, tight end.
Makes sense, but would Mike Holmgren and Co. sink the No. 7 overall pick into a QB? I’m thinking not, and so is Kiper, who suggests Colt McCoy of Texas in the second round as a more realistic grab.
Then again, I saw one mock draft that had Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford falling into the 6-10 range. In that case, maybe a quarterback in that spot is the way to go.
Kiper’s recent mock draft — and I’ve seen this other places as well — has the Browns taking Florida cornerback Joe Haden. Says the guru, “I’m not convinced the Browns will be willing to draft a quarterback simply because the position is unsettled. In Haden, they can’t go wrong with by far the top CB on the board, a player they can plug in from day one. A deft cover corner and great tackler, Haden is the total package.”
With 11 draft picks and almost as many needs, the Browns will have a chance to infuse the roster with youth. Of course, now they must make those picks count, which they haven’t always done. No need here to recall the string of busts from years gone by. Plenty of time for that later.
In the second round, Kiper suggests these options for the Browns: Fresno State running back Ryan Matthews, Georgia Tech running back Jonathan Dwyer, McCoy and South Carolina outside linebacker Eric Norwood.
Kiper also mentions Stanford RB Toby Gerhart as a possibility. If nothing else, it would conjure images of “Touchdown Tommy” Vardell, a Stanford RB who turned out to be a colossal bust when Bill Belichick drafted him.
Also from Kiper: “I think there’s a good chance Cleveland will wait a while to make a decision on a QB, so while the ‘need’ is at that position, it’s also one of direction. Do the Browns stick with one of their guys or make a deal? I’d like to see them add a big back. They could also add a rushing linebacker or a tight end and fulfill needs there.”
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Comments
By Jimbo
January 28, 2010 7:10 AM | Link to this
These so called draft experts are so full of bullsh$t. If they knew so much they would be employed by NFL teams.
By shaun
January 28, 2010 8:48 AM | Link to this
These guys make more money working for ESPN than they would with an NFL team without the added headache of a GM breathing down your neck when your lastest “superstar” turns out to be a bust. When was the last time you heard of a draft guru getting fired because his mock draft picks didn’t pan out?
By Guess What
January 28, 2010 10:42 AM | Link to this
Guess what? The Browms won’t be taking a QB in the first round - plain and simple. They have needs elsewhere. If McCoy is available in the third round, then maybe. No QB in the first round, though.
By spoon
January 28, 2010 11:08 AM | Link to this
If safety Eric Berry isn’t available then don’t be suprised if an offensive tackle like Anthony Davis from Rutgers or Okung from Oklahoma State wil be drafted as Mangini drafted half of that great offensive line that starts for the Jets.My suggestion ,trade down and pick up extra picks to take a very good guard from Idaho-Mike Iupati around pick #20-25 then later selecting the defensive end from Northwestern Corey Wootton,Matthews rb Fresno and corner Mccourty from Rutgers. Quarterback? a sleeper - Jarrett Brown from West Virginia in round four
By hank
January 28, 2010 11:39 AM | Link to this
mangini did not draft the Jets offensive line. He had some input my Mike Tannenbaum makes the final decisions on whom to draft. Also, Mel Kiper is a very reputable draft guru. Plus why would he want to go to an NFL team. Drafting is a crap shoot even for the best so why get fired in a few years. He makes great money and when he is wrong it doesn’t cost him his job.
By Ryan
January 28, 2010 12:52 PM | Link to this
Honestly the Browns should look for a QB in the 3rd round. Dan Lefevour out of Central Michigan has all of the tools to be a great QB at the pro level. Not to mention, the MAC has been known to produce some top notch players. (Gates, Cribbs, Roethlisberger, etc)
By BIll
January 28, 2010 1:23 PM | Link to this
When I hear “3rd round QB from the MAC” I think Charlie Frye. Lefevour might be different
By joe
January 28, 2010 7:34 PM | Link to this
unbelievable,the browns are not going to waste their first pick on a quarterback,once again ,mel kiper shows what an idiot he is and how little he knows about football.don,t know what the hell you,re talking about hank!.
By clevelandtrash
January 28, 2010 10:32 PM | Link to this
Maybe they should try moving to another city…..That always seems to work out, Paul Brown went to 2 Super Bowls, Balti won 1. Keep trying expansion Browns.
By professor
February 1, 2010 1:52 PM | Link to this
Is youth really that important given this past season’s success with older players?
By CWalker
February 3, 2010 4:41 PM | Link to this
Gerhart is a good player but you need to give him the rock 25-30 times. Vardell never got the ball more than 4-5 times in belichick offense. he also blew out his knee which is an RB risk too bad for him.